A Sassy Guide To The Ultimate Phu Quoc Getaway

A closer look at Phu Quoc in Vietnam, the enchanting JW Marriott Resort & Spa, the island’s unique history and must-see spots…

Phu Quoc is one of those places that looks too good to be true. But if you think those pristine beaches are a result of photo manipulation, think again! Our Sassy editor’s recent stay at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa only confirmed that this island is magic — filled with history, nature and culture, not to mentioned some of the freshest seafood we’ve ever tried. The resort is equally jaw-dropping,  like stepping into a Wes Anderson film, if he designed a pastel-hued, beachfront university.

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Getting There: Cheap Flights & Island History

Flights to Phu Quoc

From Hong Kong, HK Express offers direct 2.5-hour flights for as low as $80 one-way, though we admittedly paid approximately $3,000 for (very last minute) round-trip tickets. That being said, it’s best to book in advance for November–April trips, the island’s dry season.

A Brief History Of Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc’s past is as layered as its fish sauce (locals say this export is the best in Vietnam!). Originally part of Cambodia’s Hà Tiên principality, it became Vietnamese territory in the 18th century under the Nguyễn lords. The French later used it as a penal colony, and during the Vietnam War, it housed the infamously brutal Phu Quoc Prison — a harrowing site you can visit by bike tour, which is a heavy experience. Today, over half the island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, balancing tourism with conservation.

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The JW Marriott Resort & Spa: A ‘University’ You Actually Want to Attend

Designed by renowned American architect and designer Bill Bensley, the resort is themed around the fictional Lamarck University, a 19th-century academy reborn as a luxury retreat. The attention to detail is obsessive in the best way: hallways are lined with vintage globes and ‘student’ portraits, restaurants are dubbed ‘Departments’ and the buildings housing the rooms (‘Dormitories’) are all uniquely themed.

Rooms & Suites: From ‘Dorms’ To Over-The-Top Villas

• The ‘Dorms’ (Deluxe Rooms): These aren’t your college-era cinder-block walls. Think breezy, high-ceilinged rooms with private balconies, lab-beaker glassware as drinking glasses and headboards shaped like library ladders. You can choose between garden, ocean and pool views — we opted for the ocean-fronted room which leads directly onto the beach, and were not disappointed!
• Private Pool Villas: Secluded sanctuaries with plunge pools and outdoor showers. The Turquoise Suites (only two exist) are the crown jewels. Perched atop the Zoology and Architecture buildings, they offer private gardens and tower views.

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Where To Lounge & Indulge: Pools, Beaches, Activities & Dining

Beach & Three Main Pools:

• Khem Beach is a dream — powdery white sand, water so clear you can see your toes and hammocks strung between palm trees. The resort provides water sport tools like paddle boards, kayaks and even little canoes for guests to borrow (plus sunscreen and iced lemon water on tap). 
• The Shell Pool is a mosaic masterpiece shaped like a giant seashell, surrounded by palm trees and cabanas. This is the social hub, where guests sip cocktails and snack on fresh dishes from the poolside menu (don’t sleep on the calamari!).
• The Sun Pool is for adults only, offering a quiet and serene dip with infinity edges that blend into the ocean horizon. Perfect for uninterrupted reading or a mid-afternoon drink!
• The Sand Pool is great for kiddos, as it’s a shallow, family friendly and right by the beach (and bar!).

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In-House Resort Activities

Unlike wellness-focused retreats, JW Marriott Phu Quoc leans into experiences that blend culture, creativity and adventure. The resort’s ‘Student Book’ (given at check-in) lists daily activities, many complimentary. Beyond loved the in-house cinema screenings and tranquil massage offerings (given at Chanterelle Spa, where treatments are inspired by Alice in Wonderland!), we loved the:

• Herb Garden Tour & Cocktail Making: Pick lemongrass, butterfly pea flowers and kaffir lime leaves, then mix them into a refreshing drink at the Department of Chemistry Bar.
• Sunrise Yoga: Held at sunrise on the calm bay, this is the perfect way to start your day.
• Cooking Classes: Learn to make fresh spring rolls or Phu Quoc-style grilled seafood at Tempus Fugit’s open kitchen.
• Laquer-Making Workshops: Craft traditional lacquer at the Lantern Room on ‘Main Street’,  where you’ll also find retail offerings (clothing shops, art gallery) and cafes.

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Food & Drink: From Buffets To Fine Dining

• Tempus Fugit Breakfast Buffet: This isn’t your average hotel breakfast. Running from 6am to 10:30am (perfect if you’re jet lagged!), there is quite literally every cuisine you could image on offer. A pho and noodle station, the freshest tropical fruit imaginable, sushi, made-to-order eggs, warm bread from the 200-year-old oven at French & Co., a juice and coffee bar and more.
• Pink Pearl by Oliver E.: The resort’s splurge-worthy fine-dining spot offers a set menu (think quality ingredients like caviar, lobster and Wagyu) in a pink, chandelier-filled 1920s mansion with flapper-clad staff. Definitely book ahead for this one, as it’s popular for birthdays and anniversaries.
• French & Co. Bakery: That 200-year-old oven mentioned earlier? It bakes the flakiest croissants on the island. Pair one with a spiked Vietnamese coffee for the ultimate midday pick-me-up, or go all out with the soups, salads and sandwiches. The extra-long banh mi is a popular choice — but it really is massive, so come hungry!
• Beachside Dining: For casual lunches, Red Rum serves fried seafood and oven-fired pizzas, while the Department of Chemistry Bar mixes mojitos with herbs from the garden.

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Beyond The Resort: Kiss Bridge, Night Markets & More

The JW Marriott feels like its own world, but Phu Quoc has so much more to offer. The concierge can arrange a double-decker bus ticket (or private car) to these must-see spots:

• Sunset Town & Kiss Bridge: A 10-minute ride away, this waterfront area is pure romance. The Kiss Bridge is a photogenic spot where two walkways almost touch — legend says couples who kiss here stay together forever! Go at sunset for golden-hour pics, then stick around for the night market nearby. Stalls sell everything from pearl jewellery to grilled scallops drenched in garlic butter and the most affordable oysters you’ll ever find.
• Phu Quoc Night Market: Duong Dong’s bustling market is one you should come hungry for! Highlights include herring salad (wrapped in rice paper with coconut and peanuts), grilled sea urchin and banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes). There are also plenty of bars nearby if you fancy a beer by the water, and many offer discounts (up to 30% off!) for those staying at resorts like JW Marriott.
• Kiss of the Sea Show: Held nightly in Sunset Town, this is Phu Quoc’s rebuttal to Cirque du Soleil. A love story unfolds on a 1,000m² water screen with acrobats, dancers, fireworks and lasers. While the narrative is definitely aimed towards children, the finale — a seven-minute fireworks display set to dramatic music — is worth the ticket alone.
• Hon Thom Cable Car: For epic island views, ride the world’s longest sea-crossing cable car to Hon Thom. The 15-minute journey floats over turquoise water, ending at a water park and beach club.

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Final Thoughts

Phu Quoc and the JW Marriott Resort & Spa blew us away — both offer a fully immersive escape, but the latter does so with a sense of humour and heart. If you’re intrigued by the Wes Anderson-esque design, the Kiss of the Sea fireworks or that picture-perfect beach, we can’t recommend this island getaway enough.

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