Vietnam's JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has been selected as part of Travel + Leisure's 2018 It List, Travel + Leisure's selection of the best new and newly renovated hotels around the globe. Hot on the heels of being named World's Best New Resort in the 2017 edition of the World Travel Awards, this prestigious international accolade marks a glittering start to the fantastical Bill Bensley-designed resort's second year of operation.

“After a fantastic first year of award wins for our new resort, we are extremely proud and honoured to begin our second year with this recognition from such an internationally renowned authority as Travel + Leisure. This is further testament to our commitment to creating enriching experiences for JW Marriott in a remarkable setting.” said Ty Collins, General Manager at JW Marriott Phu Quoc. “An incredible resort that is a destination unto itself, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay embodies the academic narrative across its enriching experiences of true luxury.”

Renowned for its picture-perfect white beaches and fuchsia sunsets, Phu Quoc is a secluded island trove off the south coast of Vietnam. A whimsical property on this idyllic island's 'ice cream' beach, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay was conceptualised by celebrated architect Bill Bensley and features a unique, larger-than-life design based on the fictional narrative of a mythical academy of learning, Lamarck University.

The resort is a unique paradise offering guests five-star luxury with an exceptionally creative twist at every turn, thanks to Bensley's tall tale of Lamarck University, told throughout the resort to conjure a truly harmonious aesthetic. An evolution in the architectural style, from its supposed beginnings in the 1880s through to the 1940s, ensures that resort feels like a campus of individual boutique-scale buildings developed over time, rather than a large resort, with each modelled after an academic department. For instance, the best spot for cocktails is The Department of Chemistry; The Department of Physical Education is the place to go for sports and fitness enthusiasts; while the main hub of the resort, Rue De Lamarck, is a bustling boulevard where boutique shops, traditional entertainment and cafés can be found.

Lining Emerald Bay, the resort's 234 spacious and beautifully appointed rooms, suites, villas and houses all boast beautiful views across a typically verdant Vietnamese landscape and the pristine white sands of the resort's beach. Here guests can enjoy one of the 'University's' extracurricular activities: snorkel among bustling coral reefs, depart on boating excursions to get those wanderlust-inducing Vietnamese island pictures, or enjoy kayaking along the rugged coastline. For days when only a sun lounger and a good book will do there are also three pools. 

The resort's award-winning flagship spa, Chanterelle – Spa by JW, offers an unconventional guest journey that references Alice in Wonderland to create an unparalleled experience in an imaginative space. Purported to have started life as the legendary former university's Department of Mycology, the spa interiors play on the unique theme of mushrooms. Chanterelle – Spa by JW is replete with fungiform furnishings, hand-painted murals of flora and fauna, and framed biological illustrations of mushrooms displayed across the tall ceilings, which emphasise the fantastical surroundings. Bensley also took inspiration from the childhood fable to create a corridor of asymmetric curves and mirrors, echoing the scene where Alice falls down the rabbit hole.

“In the highly competitive landscape of new and newly renovated hotels that open their doors around the world every year, new entrants must have something special: distinctive style, a transporting location, exceptionally interesting guest experiences, flawless service. The hotels and resorts on this year's It List have all demonstrated qualities that set them apart, and represent those that we at Travel + Leisure believe will satisfy the world's most sophisticated travelers, today and in the years to come.” commented Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Nathan Lump.

Save 15 per cent on accommodation rates at JW Marriott Phu Quoc when booking a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Prices start from £2,029 per person based on two adults sharing an Emerald Bay View Room for seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis, including flights and private transfers. This offer represents a saving of up to £360 per person and is valid for travel completed by 31 October 2018. Book with Western & Oriental (020 3588 6130, www.westernoriental.com).

For more information visit: www.jwmarriottphuquoc.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jwmarriottphuquoc

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About JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay

Nestled in the pristine beach of Bai Khem, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is the proud flagship of JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts in Vietnam. JW Marriott Phu Quoc offers a selection of 234 artistically unique well-appointed rooms, suites, and villas with Bill Bensely's whimsical touches blend harmoniously. Boasting of 5 restaurants and contemporary bars, the crafted dining experience will satisfy even the most discerning palate including Tempus Fugit, French & Co., Red Rum, Pink Pearl and the Department of Chemistry bar. Meetings are redefined in this destination 715 sqm Grand Ballroom, with spacious breakout rooms elegantly designed to suit every need.  A wide range of enriching experiences are waiting to be explored, from cultural events, artisanal shopping experiences, ultimate indulgence at Chanterelle-Spa by JW, to water activities at the resort's private beachfront. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pqcjw-jw-marriott-phu-quoc-emerald-bay-resort-and-spa/ 

About JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to sophisticated, self-assured travelers seeking The JW Treatment™ – the brand's philosophy that true luxury is created by people who are passionate about what they do. JW hotels offer crafted experiences that bring to life the brand's commitment to highly choreographed, anticipatory service and modern residential design, allowing guests to pursue their passions and leave even more fulfilled than when they arrived. Today there are more than 80 JW Marriott hotels in over 25 countries. JW Marriott is proud to participate in the industry's award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®. Members can now link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  

About Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure is the preeminent voice for the sophisticated, insatiable traveler, serving up expert intelligence and the most immersive, inspiring travel lifestyle content anywhere. Travel + Leisure captures the pure joy of discovering the pleasures the world has to offer—from art and design to shopping and style to food and wine. Whether the experience is in print or digital, T+L offers compelling reasons to get up and go. With a total global audience of 13 million, the Travel + Leisure portfolio includes the U.S. flagship and four international editions in China, India, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.The U.S. edition of T+L, which launched in 1971, has an authoritative website, TravelandLeisure.com, and an extensive social media following of more than 12.5 million. Travel + Leisure also encompasses newsletters, clubs, retail stores, and media collaborations.

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