Once the sun slips beneath the shimmering waves slathering the sky with soft pinks, reds and oranges, the green lamps of the squid boats strung across the horizon blink on and resemble a series of ellipses as if the ocean is trying to articulate the unsayable.
For reasons of obvious geography, none of Vietnam’s many beaches offer sunset views with the exception of those on Phu Quoc Island. Taking it in from a private balcony, while lounging on an enormous infinity pool or sitting on the beach, the view is a special joy and one of the most appealing aspects of staying at the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort. The new resort further distinguishes itself with graceful architecture, a wide variety of entertainment offerings catering to families and a diverse selection of cuisines for all palates.
The hotel’s understated design complements and pays homage to the coastal ecosystem. Large depictions of seashells line the sand-colored walls of the open-air corridors while elegant nautiluses accent the interiors of rooms that fill with natural light thanks to floor to ceiling windows. Wicker baskets strung in the atrium connect it to the island’s history as a sleepy fishing village.
The landscaping further contributes to the resort’s sense of serenity. The resort has a full-time arborist on staff to maintain the health of the many palm trees, bushes, ferns and flowers that shade the paths that meander between buildings and towards the wide private beach where guests recline on umbrella-shaded chairs. Further, when one arrives at the lobby after the short drive from the airport, the first thing to notice are the two massive infinity pools that seem to spill directly into the sea. Egg-shaped cushioned nooks surround the pool with some lounge beds placed directly atop the water.
Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia looked to his home country for inspiration for the HARNN Heritage Spa. Bamboo represents the strength, resilience and flexibility of the Vietnamese people, so he chose this material for each of the private treatment rooms and the breezy lounge that circle a lagoon enclosed by greenery. Guests can peacefully gaze up into the arching fibers while indulging in a variety of Asian treatments including foot reflexology and warm bamboo massage. Further looking to include local elements into the spa, the black pepper balm, water lily facial and pearl facial scrub rely on regional ingredients. Every season the spa offers a different experience in which this year focuses on lilies because of the perennial flower’s power of rejuvenation.
From the comfortable, The Hideout filled with Playstations, computers, dart boards and a football table, to the special swimming area filled with toys and waterslides, to the full-sized movie theater with daily screenings, a brief walk around the property reveals the importance the resort placement on entertaining kids of all ages. One of the restaurants features a special kid's cooking area where they can play or learn a few basic dishes with staff assistance while their parents have a quiet drink or meal. Similarly, Planet Trekkers is a fully supervised center filled with games, toys, arts and crafts aimed at children aged 4 - 12 years old where certified nannies can be arranged to give adults some alone time, perhaps renting kayaks or other equipment from the water sports center, playing volleyball on the beach, working out in the state-of-the-art gym or enjoying the signature treatments from HARNN Heritage Spa.
The diversity seen in activities mirrors the diversity of food available at the resort. Reliant on special ovens imported from Italy, at the shaded poolside Ombra, or “shadow” in English, Executive Chef Roberto Mancini creates traditional pizzas according to a family recipe. Having a slice of an Iberico ham pizza smothered with silky burrata cheese or creamy seafood bruschetta while listening to the ocean susurrus in the background makes for a perfectly relaxing lunch. Sea Shack is a chic beachfront restaurant that serves freshly caught seafood in Vietnamese and Western styles including an eye-catching lobster roll. Finally, Sora & Umi, which translates to Sky and Sea serves a variety of Vietnamese and Japanese staples including a wide selection of expertly sliced sushi. In the morning, it transforms into an international breakfast buffet featuring items including traditional phở, hot dishes, vegetables, fresh pastries, pre-peeled rambutan and seasonal fruits, locally-made artisanal honey and freshly pressed juices.
The most exciting way to treat your palate, however, might be INK 360, a bar situated on the island’s highest manmade point. Designed by Ashley Sutton and inspired by the ferocious tentacles of the legendary kraken, the unique space serves tapas, imported selections of cheese and cold cuts and incredibly innovative cocktails. The expert mixologists relish in tailor-making drinks to the preferences of guests and experimenting with some of the most advanced technologies in Vietnam including one that allows them to create caviar-like orbs of alcohol. At night, live DJs from around the world turn the energy up, playing a wide range of music under the stars.
Early December, representatives from InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort traveled to Lisbon and Shanghai to accept many collective awards for World's Leading New Family Resort, World's Leading New Luxury Resort and World's Leading New MICE Resort from the World Travel Awards 2018 and Most Popular Oversea Hotels and Resort from Travel + Leisure China. Considering the awe-inspiring sunset views, the beauty of its design, the plethora of family-focused activities and the delicious, diverse restaurants, this will not surprise a single guest who visits.
InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort's website
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InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort | Bai Truong, Duong To, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang, Vietnam
