Famed architect finds inspiration from the culinary and cultural traditions of this Vietnamese tropical beachside destination.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam – Few names carry more cachet than Bill Bensley‘s when it comes to resort design in Asia. Dubbed as the “king of exotic luxury resorts” by TIME Magazine, Bensley has an impressive portfolio of hotel properties that are unconventional and theatrical with an impeccable attention to detail. Bensley’s latest project, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, continues to build on his already impressive legacy with a property that delivers enriching experiences and intuitive service that every JW Marriott guest comes to expect.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay’s design narrative was developed around the concept of a mythical academy of learning, honoring French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck who laid the groundwork for Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Overseeing the master planning and design of the entire property, Bensley separated the enormous site into different zones, all of them connected via the Rue de Lamarck, the main street that extends through the whole resort. The JW Marriott Phu Quoc buildings reflect early 20th Century style and embrace the traditions of French colonial architecture. Every detail, down to the decorative elements and associates’ uniforms, have been carefully crafted and considered by Bensley to reinforce the resort’s overarching theme. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback, a native dog breed, is the mascot of the hotel and design details reflecting the mascot can be seen in various areas of the property.
The 244 guestrooms, suites and villas are spread throughout different wings, giving guests the experience of being in their own dedicated section of the resort. Playing on the concept of academia, the accommodation wings are named after different academic departments. Taking full advantage of the idyllic views, all rooms and suites are ocean-facing and include a spacious balcony with sofa seating. Guests staying on the ground level will also have their own private garden and direct access to the three swimming pools of the resort. Complementing the emerald-colored sea and the lush surrounding landscape, Bensley has picked a palate of warming reds, turquoise, blues and greens for the interiors. Custom-designed furnishings in dark timber and patterned flooring further elevate the sense of comfort and luxury in the rooms, and throughout the resort’s walkway.
Along Rue de Lamarck, traditional shophouses built to resemble the ancient streets of Hoi An highlight a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese and Western architectural influences offering visitors an authentic sense of place. Visitors can stroll the street to find the most exquisite artisanal boutiques, the resort’s varied dining outlets and one of the best spas on Phu Quoc island.
The French have long believed the therapeutic qualities of mushrooms. Playing on this idea, the designer has created an unusual guest experience in Chanterelle – Spa by JW by incorporating references from Alice in Wonderland where mushrooms played a key role. Mushroom-shaped furnishings and hand-painted walls of flora and fauna can be spotted throughout, while framed biological illustrations of mushrooms adorn the interior ceilings, adding to the fantastical and surreal quality of the space. Bensley also took inspiration from the childhood fable for a hidden corridor, where asymmetric arches curve at mirroring angles to create a layering effect, echoing Alice falling down the rabbit hole.
Bensley’s imaginative touch extends beyond the restaurant outlets into the meeting rooms and banqueting facilities. The property’s grand ballroom, named the Lamarck Auditorium, showcases a series of vintage atlases. Meanwhile, the separate meeting spaces each tell a unique, whimsical story such as The Artist, a meeting room inspired by Jackson Pollock’s drip paintings which incorporates a bold lighting fixture constructed from large paint brushes, showcases JW Marriott’s commitment to culture.
To add to the authenticity of the whimsical design, Bensley’s team traveled across Europe multiple times to source over 5,000 original antiques and furniture items for the resort. Guests can expect to discover vintage furniture, teaching paraphernalia, carpentry tools, prints and sketches showcasing the evolution of mankind and nature, as well as other hidden gems throughout the well-crafted and intuitively designed resort.
Shaped by natural beauty, pristine white sand beach and favorable weather year round; Phu Quoc island is a hidden pearl off the beaten tourist track. The resort is a 15-minute drive from Phu Quoc International Airport.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
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