Review: Regent Phu Quoc Is A Lavish Jewel In Vietnam

Phu Quoc is a 30-minute flight away from Ho Chi Minh City and it is after sunset when the plane touches down on the island. It’s a balmy evening as the chauffeur-driven black Mercedes pulls up in front of the resort, winding its way across the quiet streets of this small town. Traces of its fishing village past remain in the modest dwellings and cultural nuances, and there is a palpable tranquility with which its people move about.

Regent Phu Quoc looms in contrast, yet merges with its surroundings through its muted ambient lighting outlining the flight of stairs leading to two expansive lobby areas. Subtle dances between contemporary and traditional Vietnamese art forms flank water features, culminating in a magnificent bohemian hand-blown crystal installation by Czech-based designer Lasvit–the pièce de resistance for all that Phu Quoc stands for. Charming Deeps, as the name suggests is a recreation of the splendid surrounding marine environment, sits under a sun roof as a curtain raiser to what is to come.

A typical Vietnamese welcome continues that journey as I get ushered to the Terrace Pool Villa past lush gardens and shimmering water bodies. There is a sense of being in an idyllic other-worldly commune.

The villa carries that home-away-from-home conversation forward, making it perfect for digital nomads and remote workers looking to mix work with luxurious and tranquil family getaways.

The first thing that strikes you is how contemporary style sits harmoniously with distinctive Vietnamese design elements aided along by a soothing colour palette.

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As Clint Nagata, the founder and creative partner of Blink Design Group, which did the resort’s interior design, admits, he was inspired by Vietnam’s “architectural heritage and gave it an interpretation based on a modern design aesthetic”. 

That design ethos is seen translated through the embellishments. The lacquerwork with delicate duck eggshell inlays, for instance, highlights the art form that the region is renowned for. Another notable nod to Vietnamese design is the traditional wooden truss system, known as the Bovi, woven in via subtle patterns found on screens, carpets and accessories.

There is also the strong emphasis on natural materials in line with the pristineness of the island, adds Nagata, which is unobtrusively evident throughout the resort’s 176 suites and 126 villas as well as the public spaces.

Hand woven abaca wall coverings are used in the villas as a soft contrast to the dark natural stones for the floor. Neutral undertones pervade the interior spaces, balancing the vibrant accents as seen in the throw pillows and accessories that take inspiration from local culture.

The emphasis on luxury at Regent Phu Quoc comes with an astute attention to detail towards family time, as well as a gentle reminder towards mindfulness. The expansive villas and larger suites each have infinity pools with relaxation areas so aligned to offer peace of mind and body.

They also come with a fully equipped kitchen–think high tech appliances, cook-, dinner- and barware. Vietnamese American food writer and author Andrea Nguyen’s Vietnamese Food Any Day takes pride of place next to a wooden chopping board. Regent Phu Quoc offers a grocery service that you can order in through the resort app if you want to whip up some quick bites for your family. Better yet, one of their chefs and or mixologist can do the same for you at your own villa or suite.

Taking that vibe to another level are its F&B offerings, which are exclusive as they are expansive, with the adjective applying to the culinary spreads. Complimentary breakfasts at Rice Market are an event in itself with over eight large stations offering everything from traditional fare to continental to organic and more. Add to that there have an a la carte menu, and the chef is ever willing to customise based on dietary needs.

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Ocean Club offers Mediterranean cuisine and fun bites with beach views. I can vouch for afternoons spent there tucking into their Chilled King Crab Avocado Soup, which was comforting and made dairy-free (without the Greek yoghurt) for a vibrant feast.

Restaurant Oku on the other hand, takes you on a French omakase experience that is lavish without compromising on the Vietnam experience.

As a guest in the Terrace Pool Villa, there was access to the rooftop Regent Club and an exclusive high tea specially catered to my needs. You could enjoy imaginative dishes and an infinity pool. Or you can have quiet couple time at Fu Bar and watch the sunset, while sipping artisanal gin cocktails, like the Mekong’s Charm with Lady Trieu Mekong Delta dry gin, Lillet Blanc vermouth and The London Essence Indian tonic water seemed apt to start the evening with.

The zoning at Regent Phu Quoc is done in such a way that it blurs the boundaries of indoor and outdoor areas. It is an homage to Gian Nha, the traditional Vietnamese way of living, explains Kailasam. Yet the contemporary interpretation highlights it with a stress on privacy and luxury. 

The creations of “pockets of space evoke a sense of epiphany within the resort to remind guests of the natural beauty of Phu Quoc”, says Nagata.

The spa, although expected, exhibits this with flair with treatment rooms and facilities complemented by zen lounge areas showcasing the water and greenery.

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Stepping out into the lush surrounds of the villa, I step into Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez for a pampering, cleansing session that also made me rethink my lifestyle choices. Nothing screams beautiful feet like healthy nails that you can flaunt without nail polish.

The vibe and purity of Phu Quoc remind me to “take only memories, leave only footprints” in the sand. The resort’s in-house art gallery, which showcases and celebrates local art and artists, serves well to facilitate the former.

If you’re thinking of checking in, here’s a little Tatler tip. Phu Quoc is divided into two distinct seasons, as any other tropical island. October to March is characterised by dry and cold weather, making it the perfect time to luxuriate in the comfort of Regent Phu Quoc as well as indulge in island hopping, yacht charters, parasailing and other activities. You can also lounge on a day bed and watch the sun set over the Gulf of Thailand.

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