The tropical island of Phu Quoc is fast becoming the hottest destination in Vietnam. While travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation on the island—ranging from whimsically-designed resorts to chic little boutique boltholes, few stays come with as much sophistication and personalisation as the Regent Phu Quoc.

Regent Phu Quoc review

Beachfront luxe

Arguably the most luxurious stay currently available on the Vietnamese island, Regent Phu Quoc is a sprawling beachfront resort where quiet luxury reigns supreme, courtesy of Bangkok-based BLINK Design Group. After coming up a long driveway, guests arrive to a breezy, open-plan lobby that blends high-end finishes (think black marble and massive art installations) with tranquil glimpses of nature. Check-in happens in a relaxed, drawing room-like setting amidst cushy sofas and postcard views of lush foliage.

It’s difficult to convey just how big Regent Phu Quoc is, even through photos. There are two main wings for guestrooms, a plethora of villas nestled into intimate gardens, a sprawl of white sand beachfront, and—a personal favourite—a stunningly Instagrammable main pool framed by towering Grecian-style columns. Paved paths snake through the resort to give guests access to every corner, though, sometimes, it’s easier to jump on a chauffeured buggy so you don’t waste a minute of pool time.

Elegant accommodations

Regent Phu Quoc features 176 suites and 126 villas, each one as immaculate and laden with creature comforts as possible. Perched high in the sky and overlooking the resort and ocean, the One Bedroom Sky Pool Villa that I call home is extravagant in every sense of the word and infused with natural light and soothing earth tones.

One bedroom Sky Pool villa bedroom
Settle into your own slice of designer paradise in the One Bedroom Sky Pool Villa

Luxury permeates every detail, from the expansive 165sq-m space to the bathroom amenities and cosy throw blankets. I’m not entirely sure whether they’re from the French designer brand, but they certainly mimic the look and feel of the uber-luxe Hermés versions.

The open-plan design gives guests plenty of flexibility for using the space, whether that’s enjoying meals at the massive four-person dining table (marble-topped, naturally), lounging on the massive sectional couches, or whipping up a storm in the fully-equipped kitchen, which boasts everything from a coffee machine and dishwasher to oven and full-sized refrigerator. If you don’t plan on cooking during your time off, no worries—the hotel can send a private chef to design a bespoke menu in your villa, or you can raid the complimentary Refreshment Gallery, which is stocked with all manner of treats and drinks.

There are also thoughtful touches and high-end technology throughout, offering an exceptional level of customisation for guests. Get a good night’s sleep by picking your poison from the extensive menu that features 10 options, have a movie night with the two 49” LG flatscreens (the Bose Soundbar helps with full immersion), or perhaps shake up a cocktail with the full wet bar.

A blissful escape

The resort is placing a particular emphasis on wellness, and there is a plethora of delightfully indulgent options for self-care. The heart of these offerings is, of course, The Spa at Regent Phu Quoc, a cleverly designed oasis that cocoons guests in sophisticated pampering. The bespoke Bastien Gonzalez Pedi: Mani:Cure Studio, created by the renowned French podiatrist, specialises in a wealth of nourishing treatments for hands and feet, but if that’s not your thing, it’s still worth slipping in to bask in a mindful, all-encompassing approach to wellbeing that marries decadent products with innovative techniques and natural remedies.

The Spa at regent Phu Quoc quartz sand treatment
We indulged in a blissful Alpha Quartz Sand Cocoon Therapy

It’s not an overstatement to say the 90-minute Alpha Quartz Sand Cocoon Therapy is unmitigated bliss. The unique bed which gives the treatment its name envelops spa goers in warm sand that soothes sore muscles, while a combination of relaxing Balinese and Hawaiian massage techniques quickly melts away any lingering tension. It’s practically impossible to leave the thoughtfully-designed treatment room anything less than zoned out. Luckily, there’s a smart relaxation lounge with a meditative water feature wall to finish the job.

All of this is before guests even begin thinking of more active wellbeing pursuits. There’s nothing like greeting the day with a light, 7am yoga session while watching the sun rise over the sea, or working up a sweat in the well-equipped Health Club filled with a range of Technogym equipment.

Creature comforts

It’s possible to spend days here and barely scratch the surface of the smorgasbord of offerings at Regent Phu Quoc. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try by beginning with the sublime food and drink options. Kick off your evenings at Fu Bar, a chic rooftop pool bar where you can sip cocktails while taking in brilliantly purple-and-orange-hued sunsets, before moving on to dinner.

Ocean Club Regent Phu Quoc interior with view
Ocean Club was designed with total relaxation in mind

Elegant Oku is a contemporary Art Deco-esque restaurant where chef Andy Huynh whips up brilliantly plated Japanese-French dishes that offer flavours and textures that are at once surprising and delightful. Who knew that a simple salad could be elevated to fine-dining fare or that ants (yes, really) could be the final touch for a delicious palate cleanser? Be sure to look out for the secret doorway that leads to Jade Bar—the resort’s intimate speakeasy-style watering hole—for a decadent aperitif or post-dinner tipple.

In the mornings, Rice Market offers a massive breakfast buffet with a range of made-to-order hot dishes—don’t miss the bakery that whips up fresh bread and pastries—while the all-day offerings include modern takes on classic Vietnamese and Asian cuisines. For a relaxed dining experience, the beach club-inspired Ocean Club offers high-end local and Mediterranean cuisine—the poke bowl is sumptuous—rum-infused cocktails, and fine wines.

A real treat for guests, Regent Phu Quoc boasts the distinction of having the island’s first—and currently only—luxury resort catamaran. Every evening, the Serenity sets sail on a sunset cruise around the island and guests can lounge about sipping Champagne and snacking on canapés while taking in unparalleled views. Hot tip: it’s possible to book Serenity as a private experience, which would create the ultimate setting for a bespoke special occasion.

With luxury and personalised service at the forefront, Regent Phu Quoc offers a thoroughly pampering stay where guests can check in and escape the stresses of daily life in a beautifully chic beachfront oasis. Upon checking out, the only thing you’ll be considering is how quickly you can come back again.

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