Regent Phu Quoc sets the bar for unparalleled luxury

In recent years, Phu Quoc has emerged as one of the most talked about destinations for globetrotters. Once home to sleepy fishing villages, Vietnam’s largest island has a fast-growing tourism industry thanks to its immersive natural beauty, pristine sandy beaches and the arrival of some pretty swish luxury resorts. Leading the way is Regent Phu Quoc, which opened in April 2022, setting the bar for a new level of unparalleled luxury. 

Regent Revival

The Regent brand is currently undergoing an ambitious revival. Founded in Hong Kong in 1970, Regents’ hotels were consistently ranked amongst the best in the world. They expanded, opening 17 hotels worldwide, including The Regent Beverly Wilshire (the backdrop for the movie Pretty Woman). Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, these prestigious properties were the place to be seen; however, in recent years, other major luxury brands stepped into the limelight. 

In 2018, IHG Hotel & Resort acquired the majority stake and announced plans to reposition Regent Hotels & Resorts atop the luxury market. In 2022, Regent Phu Quoc became IHG’s first resort in Southeast Asia to open under the luxury brand name. 

Setting the Scene

Located off the southwest coast of Vietnam alongside a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve on palm tree-studded Long Beach, Regent Phu Quoc looks out across the calm blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand and is a mere 15-minute drive from the airport. 

Designed by luxury hospitality firm BLINK Design Group, this is the place to come if you want to escape it all. The spaces are seemingly endless, with contemporary interiors and a calming colour palette to quickly soothe the soul. 

From curated artworks to countless Koi ponds (a symbol of good fortune in Feng Shui), the island’s local heritage influences are ingeniously interwoven throughout the resort, as are ‘Framed Views’ of landscaped gardens and majestic ocean scenes. 

All Suites & Villas

There are no ‘standard rooms’ at Regent Phu Quoc. Accommodations come in the form of 176 suites and 126 villas dotted throughout the landscaped gardens and in two blocks. Many have private pools and fully functioning kitchens (if you fancy cooking or hiring one of the resort’s chefs).  

Villas are standalone houses with one to seven bedrooms, while the suites offer luxurious city-living style accommodation. Our expansive One-Bedroom King Sky Pool Villa (an uber-stylish apartment with a huge terrace and infinity pool) provided breathtaking views, chic interiors and attention to detail at every turn – vases filled with fresh flowers, artsy coffee books and scented candles. 

Every detail has been considered. There are wireless charging pads by the bed, state-of-the-art entertainment systems for cuddling up and watching movies, a large soaking bathtub and an extensive pillow menu. And did I mention the complimentary minibar which is restocked daily with artisanal snacks and alcoholic drinks? 

Personal Havens

Regent Phu Quoc has set a new benchmark for effortless luxury with the introduction of ‘Personal Havens’ – a room filled with your favourite scent or a signature in-villa bath ritual, and ‘With Compliments’ – inclusive benefits such as an in-room refreshment gallery (refilled daily), breakfast, laundry and an unpacking service. 

The idea is to avoid bothering guests with the ‘little details’. You choose what you want at the time you want it. For example, if you’d prefer your breakfast delivered at 4 pm, the hotel can arrange that.

Guests staying in any accommodation type can further enhance their experience with access to the Regent Club for a one-off additional fee. This private holistic space offers privileges like luxury airport transfers and all-inclusive dining and beverages, including champagne.

Food & Drink

Helmed by Executive Chef Bruno Anon, who brings over 20 years of experience from some of the world’s finest kitchens, Regent Phu Quoc’s Taste Gallery features six curated dining venues.

Days begin with breakfast at the bustling and atmospheric Rice Market (In-villa Floating Champagne Breakfast can also be arranged). At Rice Market, guests can choose from an expansive buffet selection, including a fresh goods pantry, bakery and dedicated Western and Asian stations, or order à la carte from a carefully curated menu featuring the likes of avocado toast and perfectly poached eggs.

Rice Market transforms throughout the day and serves a Vietnamese-inspired lunch menu with traditional Banh Mi and succulent duck Pho, and sophisticated Asian dinner options such as Wagyu beef salad and Blue Crab Fried Rice. 

Beachside, Balearic-inspired Ocean Club is the only luxury beach club on the island. The menu is laid-back and easy, matching the breezy climate; think pasta, pizzas, salads and freshly caught fish.

Sunset is best enjoyed at Fu Bar, an exclusive adults-only sky pool terrace and bar with gin-focused cocktails, while recently opened French-Japanese restaurant, Oku, serves the finest beef cuts in the Salon de Boeuf and the freshest sashimi at Phu Quoc’s only Omakase counter. Next door, Bar Jade is a speakeasy showcasing fine artisanal spirits and custom cocktails mixed with fresh local herbs.

Regent Kids

Now let me tell you about the kids club. Regent Kids is undoubtedly the most impressive Kids Club we’ve encountered. A vast interactive indoor playground features an imagination zone, a climbing playground, a mini-theatre, a maze, gaming stations and infinite toys and crafts. It’s practically impossible to get bored.

Immersive activities for tots through to teens are available throughout the day, including cupcake decorating, yoga, aerobic dance, paper flower making and movie time (with complimentary popcorn).  

There’s also canvas painting on the beach, obstacle courses, kite flying, trips to the herb garden, nature walks and our favourite; a treasure hunt around the resort, complete with a hand-drawn treasure map and prizes. See the full schedule here. 

Spa & Wellness

From complimentary head and neck massages during breakfast to week-long tailored wellness itineraries, The Spa offers a holistic approach to mindful self-care. A Resident Holistic Wellness Coach is on hand to arrange programmes to suit. 

The Spa’s Signature Rituals include treatments like the Chakra Cleansing Glow, which combines aromatherapy oils with massage to alleviate stress and a Harmony Ritual, using deep tissue massage to promote energy flow. There are also body wraps and scrubs, pre and post-natal treatments, treatments for men, and a 45-minute Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes massage for younger ones. 

The Health Club offers state-of-the-art Technogym equipment accessible 24 hours a day and complimentary daily scheduled activities such as Reset Meditation, Sunset Aerial Yoga and Strength Training.

An Odyssey to Vietnam

News for foodies: From November 15-18, the Regent Phu Quoc Taste Studio captures the spirit of a theatrical play divided into eight chapters through moments of art, technology and gastronomy. Limited to 20 seats per day, An Odyssey to Vietnam offers guests an interactive dining experience through which artisans breathe life into narratives through a universal and immersive experience.

Vietjet offers daily direct flights from Hong Kong to Phu Quoc with a flight time of 2 hours 45 minutes. Vietnam Airlines offers connecting flights via Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. 

Regent Phu Quoc, Bai Truong, Dương Tơ, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang 92509, Vietnam