Keeping pace with the booming tourism growth on the Pearl Island, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa has affirmed its position as a premier destination in Vietnam’s luxury hospitality market.
A resort paradise with a unique “Lamarck University” design
Guests are often delightfully surprised upon their first visit to JW Marriott Phu Quoc, stepping into the whimsical world of “Lamarck University” and becoming ‘students’ enjoying a dreamy ‘semester’ in this legendary academic retreat. This imaginative resort is a masterpiece by world-renowned architect Bill Bensley, who has masterfully brought to life a captivating and artistic narrative through every design element.
Inspired by a fictional 19th-century French university named after famed naturalist Jean Baptiste Lamarck, each space at JW Marriott Phu Quoc tells a fascinating story drawn from Lamarck’s imagined heritage. The buildings are named after various academic departments; the reception area was once the principal’s library; and the iconic Pink Pearl restaurant, originally the residence of the first principal’s second wife – Madam Hồng Ngọc – showcases Bensley’s visual artistry, where every detail tells a story and awakens the senses.
Nestled along the pristine shores of Kem Beach, JW Marriott Phu Quoc welcomes guests with 231 luxurious rooms and suites, as well as private pool villas. The resort boasts five restaurants and bars, offering a culinary journey across cultures with flavors from East to West. Guests can also retreat into tranquility at Chanterelle Spa by JW – a serene oasis of wellness featuring indulgent massages and rejuvenating therapies.
Mr. John Woolley, General Manager of JW Marriott Phu Quoc, enthusiastically shared: “Over the past 24 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various leadership roles across the globe with Marriott International. However, being both the General Manager and the ‘Dean’ of Lamarck University at JW Marriott Phu Quoc is truly a unique and rewarding challenge. This dual role offers me a fresh and inspiring perspective, allowing our team to enrich the guest experience with the whimsical legacy of Lamarck University intertwined with the enduring values of the JW Marriott brand.”
During its seven-year journey of bringing world-class hospitality to the Pearl Island, JW Marriott Phu Quoc has earned prestigious accolades such as “Top 50 Resorts in the World” (2017), “World’s Leading Luxury Resort & Spa” (2020), and “Best JW Marriott Resort Globally” (2022). “Looking ahead to 2024, we remain committed to the core values of JW Marriott Phu Quoc while continuing to innovate and elevate guest experiences with a devoted team and thoughtfully curated services,” Mr. Woolley added.
Elevating the art of resort living with experiences that nourish the body, mind, and soul
As a leading luxury resort in the region and a destination where culture and refined service converge, JW Marriott Phu Quoc is constantly reinventing itself through curated activities that elevate the art of hospitality. At the heart of this evolution are immersive experiences designed to nurture the body, mind, and soul—woven seamlessly into every aspect of a guest’s stay. From JW Garden, which reconnects visitors with nature, to Family by JW, offering meaningful moments that bring families closer together, these experiences reflect the resort’s holistic approach to wellbeing.
“We strive to make these activities intimate and personal, giving guests a safe space to explore themselves,” Mr. Woolley shared.
In 2024, the resort is also set to unveil a vibrant new beachside club, transformed from the Department of Chemistry Bar. This revamped venue promises a refreshing and more welcoming social space, where guests can easily connect with loved ones and create new memories by the sea.
One of the highlights early in the year was “The Luxury Intersection – A Symphony of the East,” a special event held during the Lunar New Year (February 10–17, 2024). The occasion featured a collaboration between talented chefs from three of Asia-Pacific’s most prestigious hotels: JW Marriott Hotel Seoul, The Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou, and JW Marriott Phu Quoc. Together, they created a series of refined culinary feasts that offered guests a sophisticated journey through flavor, tradition, and Eastern cultural heritage.
A continued focus on sustainable development
In his new term at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, Mr. John Woolley and his team remain dedicated to preserving and enhancing the resort as a sustainably operated destination—through thoughtful operations, responsible human resource policies, and a steadfast commitment to the core values of both the JW Marriott brand and the fictional Lamarck University.
It is undeniable that people are the key to ensuring sustainable growth in the hospitality industry.
“At JW Marriott Phu Quoc, our human resources strategy is always rooted in the core value of ‘Putting People First’,” Mr. Woolley emphasized. “Our associates are continuously trained, inspired, and recognized. They are supported by a range of specialized tools and platforms, such as the JW Symphony of Service, which guides our team in elevating the JW service standard to new heights—delivering luxury that goes beyond the expectations of even the most discerning guests.”
