Foodies are guaranteed to be in heaven here. With three restaurants offering unique dishes, there’s a serious chance overindulging. Tempus Fugit – translating as time flies (so apt here!), was literally preparing food from dawn to dusk.
Their breakfast offerings of sushi, dumplings, roast beef, pork belly, croissants, waffles and crepes was a minefield. But for me it was the super tasty salads and local seafood from Red Rum overlooking the beach, that got my taste buds going. Got a sweet tooth? French & Co’s French-style pastries will lure you to this haven of sweet temptations. This sanctuary pays homage to the days of French colonialism in Vietnam.
I didn’t care much for chemistry at school or university but here at the ‘Department of Chemistry’ bar, I was all ears. Mixing of delicious elixirs with props like test tubes and various shapes jars was far more interesting than any chemistry lesson I have ever participated in. And sipping them from swinging daybeds was like the icing on the cake.
As a health enthusiast, balance is key for me. The Department of Sport here offers both a well-equipped, air-conditioned gym and outdoor activities such as kayaking and yoga.
There was also an outside running track which is useful for burning off (a-hem) those extra calories. And the onsite spa with its wealth of treatments was exactly what I needed post activities.
Lying on the massage bed in one of the most beautiful furnished rooms, I was gone in like 60 seconds as the therapist gave me a full body aromatherapy massage. I may not recall all of it but I know it was good. I left rejuvenated, refreshed and in a blissful state as I left.
The hunter-gatherer in me jumped at the chance of a boat trip. During the Phu Quoc Island Discovery Field Trip, guests can grab the chance to catch their own fish which is then prepared for you by the onboard crew turned chefs. But if unlike me you’re unsuccessful at catching anything, you needn’t worry – you will still get fed.
The resort plans for the fancy boutique shop area – that is known as Rue de Lamarck – to open up to the public to create a ‘night market’ vibe soon. But like many other activities, the staff are happy to organise night markets outside the resort. If creativity is your thing, then having a go at making lanterns is super fun. The experience grips you so much, it doubles up into a therapeutic session.
Having said that, there’s seriously not much need to venture far from here with so much to do. Those of a leisurely mindset, needn’t do anything. They can literally laze around the various pools and beaches around the resort. Now, where else in the world would you find a ‘university’ like that?
Where and How?
Rooms at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa start from £308 per night on a B&B basis.For more information or to book visit jwmarriottphuquoc.com
Vietnam Airlines offers the UK’s only nonstop flights to Vietnam, with daily flights to either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Flights are operated by the latest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offering Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class from Heathrow T4. Return fares from Heathrow to Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City currently start from £462 per person, inclusive of taxes. For further information and reservations visit www.vietnamairlines.com
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