Review of JW Marriott in Phu Quoc: Enroll at the Uniquely Themed Fantastical University

We review our stay at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa

Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here.

Advertisement disclaimer: During our time at the paradisal Vietnamese island Phu Quoc, we got a complimentary stay at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa. As always, we share our honest opinion and everything is written by us.

Freshmen at Lamarck University

Entering the grounds at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa through the two huge golden ridgeback dogs, it’s obvious that you’re entering another world.

The resort is built upon a university theme, with inspiration drawn from both England, France and Vietnam.

It’s impossible not to be stunned by the grandeur of it all.

The library is seemingly roofless; with books and trophies covering the walls, all possible to admire from the fine seating areas.

Everything seamlessly weaves together and forms a cohesive story wherever you look.

With such attention to detail, it’s a lovely experience to simply wander around campus and soak it all in.

JW Marriott in Phu Quoc is designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley whose design philosophy is “the more odd, the better.”

For sure, the mythical Lamarck University is unlike any other resort we have ever seen.

Check prices and availability at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa (adlink).

Video: Living a Luxurious Fantasy at JW Marriott A travel video from Phu Quoc, Vietnam Read more

JW Marriott entrance — Ridgeback dogs welcome you at JW Marriott Phu Quoc.

Library hall at the resort — And what a welcome!

Check in area — Even the staff’s clothes were designed to a tee.

Pink way through the resort — The monochrome features blend seamlessly with more colourful inputs around the resort.

The location

JW Marriott is located on the southeastern part of Phu Quoc at Emerald Bay, a beautiful coastline where the resort’s private beach takes up a significant chunk.

Walking around the resort, you’re met by friendly greetings from all of the staff as well as from fellow guests.

The atmosphere is light; lively and bright.

If you want to venture outside the fairy tale of JW Marriott, you’ll have great access to the southern part of the island with its many islands and famous cable car ride.

The main town of the island, Duong Dong, is 30-40 minutes away.

Victoria and Alex in hammock — We wouldn’t mind staying here all day long.

JW Marriott from above — The property is huge!

A Complete Travel Guide to Phu Quoc: 15 Best Beaches & Things To Do Everything you need to know including where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Phu Quoc

The room

The great attention to detail is apparent all over the resort, including inside the rooms.

We stayed at the Emerald Bay Front room, 53m² of ocean front goodness.

There’s no way we would blind that floor to roof window looking out over the water.

We love waking up with the sun and this was the perfect place from which to do so.

Enjoying those first sips of coffee from our private terrace was a really nice way to start the day while listening to the gentle waves.

In the room, there’s a 49-inch TV, a nice desk, a coffee machine, a sofa and, of course, the comfortable king-sized bed.

And did we mention the bathroom?

Shower, bathtub and two sinks – all designed exquisitely… Now that’s just showing off!

Learn more about what you can expect if you’re staying in one of the rooms at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa (adlink).

Emerald Bay Front room at JW Marriott — We stayed in the beautiful Emerald Bay Front room.

Hallway at JW Marriott — The hallway into our room was stunning.

Bed with a view — From our bed we could look over the sea.

Breakfast in matching robes — The best way to start the day.

Terrace — The terrace in front of our room.

Welcome fruits and drinks — We were welcomed with fresh fruits, coconut water and baked goodies.

Bathroom at JW Marriott — The bathroom was gorgeous.

Facilities

Swimming

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to taking a dip.

The ocean is the star of the show. Kem Beach is absolutely wonderful and the water is as clear as crystal.

We really couldn’t take our eyes from it.

Check prices and book your stay at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa here (adlink).

There are lots of beach chairs to lounge in as well as a few dreamy hammocks.

In addition, the resort has three swimming pools and a kids pool.

The Shell Pool is unmistakable from above. And it’s 18+ only.

The Sand Pool offers more activities and lies adjacent to the kids’ pool.

The Sun Pool is the most private one with gorgeous palm views.

Alex and Victoria on beach — The private beach was amazing.

Shell pool at JW Marriott — The iconic Shell Pool was one of the reasons we dreamt of staying at the JW Marriott.

Alex and Victoria in Shell Pool — The sunrises are incredible at the resort. We enjoyed this one from the Shell Pool.

Sun pool at JW Marriott — Guess the name of this pool?

Activities

You won’t be bored at JW Marriott.

It’s possible to loan a stand up paddle board or kayak to explore the waters.

In the gym – open 24/7 – you’ll find state of the art machines and workout equipment.

If you would rather forego the treadmill for static ground on your run or walk, there’s a charming track with a soccer field in the middle of it.

The resort grounds are also big enough to break a sweat and get a few kilometres in.

There’s a whole host of activities offered by the resort. Some have a price attached while most are free to attend.

Here’s a list of some of them: Lantern making, kayaking to nearby corals to explore marine life, beer yoga, surf yoga, flow yoga, mixology, Zumba, aqua fitness, bake your own pizza, towel sculpture, floral workshop, Japanese gastronomy class, Vietnamese basic language learning, wine tasting, bike and hiking tours…

In other words: there’s pretty much something fun going on all the time.

Gym at JW Marriott — Even the gym was well-designed and had great modern equipment.

The resort is so big – there’s even a track with a soccer field in the middle of it.

Mixology — Take a mixology class in the Department of Chemistry Bar.

Surf yoga class in the pool — We had our balance tested at the surf yoga class where we practised our poses on paddle boards in the pool.

Victoria cuddling cat — Cuddling cats counts as an activity too, right?

Rue de Lamarck

You don’t have to travel all the way to Hoi An to experience those colourful lanterns in the streets; at Rue de Lamarck (leading from the reception area to the beach) you can have the same experience. Without as many tourists!

The street is a great place for shopping local crafts in the artisanal boutiques.

Be sure to visit the French & Co. Deli, serving afternoon tea, coffee, French bakery and light meals.

This is also where both the Chanterelle Spa by JW and the Department of Physical Education (also known as the Gym & Fitness Center) are located.

Every Sunday there’s a night market with food stalls, shopping, cultural performances and street shows.

Check prices and availability at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa (adlink).

Rue de Lamarck is like a little town inside the resort.

French & Co. Deli is an elegant french bakery at Rue de Lamarck.

Colourful lanterns — At night the colourful lanterns light up Rue de Lamarck.

Spa

If you’re in the mood for some pampering, the on-site spa offers detox and wellness packages as well as individual skincare, hair and nail treatments.

It’s also possible to get a relaxing massage or aromatherapy.

The Chanterelle Spa by JW — Wind down at the Chanterelle Spa by JW.

Meeting facilities

There’s more than 1,100m² of meeting space, ready for summits and conferences.

With room names like Artistry, Sculptor and the Room of Bad Ideas – plus designs to match – new creative ideas will surely come naturally to attendees.

JW Marriott also facilities weddings on the stunning property.

We’re sure that the lovely hospitality team will ensure that all needs are carefully met.

Restaurant and bar

It’s clear that JW Marriott knows just how much the gastronomic part of a stay can impact the total experience.

Organic farmers and sustainable fisheries deliver fresh ingredients to the resort that celebrates local flavours and overall wellness.

We had a marvellous dinner at the Red Rum Beach Grill with a specially curated vegan menu including a delicious avocado salad, savoury vegetable skewers, Indian-style cauliflower curry with naan and refreshing sorbets to finish it off.

Tempus Fugit Restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese, Japanese and Western fare. This is also where the huge breakfast buffet is served.

The Pink Pearl Restaurant takes the exclusivity up a notch with its impressive design and private rooms.

At the Department of Chemistry Bar is where you can try the bartender’s potent elixirs and enjoy live music in the evenings.

Salad — A delicious salad with walnuts and avocado.

Indian curry — The Indian-style cauliflower curry with naan was so delicious.

At the Tempus Fugit Restaurant you can get Vietnamese, Japanese and Western meals.

The Department of Chemistry Bar — Have a glass of wine or a cocktail at the Department of Chemistry Bar.

Breakfast buffet

Leaving the breakfast buffet hungry would be a shame.

There are so many delicacies to sample!

The French-inspired bread traditions are beautifully executed with perfect baguettes and croissants.

Fruit is fresh and abundant with classics like pineapple, papaya and banana and rarer Asian fruits like rambutan, rose apple, sweetsop and dragon fruit.

There are a lot of choices for a warm breakfast with western options (the hash browns were incredibly crispy and the baked beans probably the best ever), sushi, miso soup, DIY Korean bibimbap and rice dishes, Vietnamese noodles, fried rice, bánh mì and so much more.

Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t possibly taste of everything.

There are also great salads, juices and stations for pancakes, eggs and more.

Book your stay at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa to enjoy this luxurious breakfast every morning (adlink).

Fruit at breakfast buffet — We loved all the fresh fruits at the breakfast buffet.

Who should stay at JW Marriott?

JW Marriott in Phu Quoc is unique in more ways than one.

The theme is both sophisticated and quirky at once. A luxurious fantasy. And it’s so well put together and cohesive wherever you look.

Of course, this is just the cherry on top of the amazing facilities and natural splendour of the resort’s location.

Children will love the playfulness of the whole experience and feel like they’re in a theme park – and parents will love the fact that they can enjoy it all in tranquillity.

Couples can find plenty of romantic private spots, friends can celebrate their individuality or join the plethora of activities together – and everyone can appreciate the service of the loveable staff, truly worthy of even more than the resort’s already impressive 5-stars.

Search for prices and availability here (adlink).