Phu Quoc, 20 October 2016: Novotel Phu Quoc Resort recently announced its new five-star certification by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT). The announcement was made at a ceremony held on the site, which saw the resort become the first internationally managed property on the island to receive this accolade for its service and facilities.
The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Vu Van Thanh, Head of Hotels Department of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, and was notable for attendance of dignitaries including Mr.Nguyen Chi Thanh – Vice Director of Kien Giang Department of Tourism; Mr. Tang Chi Uyen – Head of Tourism Management, Kien Giang Department of Tourism; Mr. Doan Van Binh – President of CEO Group; Mr. Nguyen The Lam – Vice President of CEO Phu Quoc Investment & Development JSC; Mr. Tran Dao Duc, General Director, CEO Phu Quoc; Mr. Doan Tien Trung - Deputy General Director CEO Phu Quoc Investment & Development JSC; and the resort’s General Manager; and Mr. Lee Pearce.
Upon presenting the certificate, Mr. Thanh remarked: “The five-star certification recognizes the on-going efforts of AccorHotels and the CEO Group in the past year. Our government has made the development of the Phu Quoc tourism industry a key priority. The island has been especially earmarked to be one of the centerpieces of the national tourism industry, led by companies operating to international standards and supported by a series of policies regarding investment, infrastructure and visa exemption to boost tourists from over the world. Novotel and CEO Group have built a wonderful resort on this wonderful, sun-drenched, white-sand, blue-sea island. The extensive experience of CEO and Novotel in developing and managing a resort to this standard will offer a tremendous boost to the development of Phu Quoc, and the five-star certification is both a reward and an incentive for this resort to continue to enhance and improve upon its offering and to become a highlight for visitors to Phu Quoc.”
VNAT sets rigorous standards for its star ratings, with five stars denoting the highest possible standards of physical facilities, service quality, and the ability to meet the diverse requirements and demands of the world.
Thanking VNAT after the ceremony, Mr. Pearce said: "Phu Quoc is a destination with boundless potential and limitless opportunities. As the only international five star resort on the entire island, the Novotel is ideally positioned to capture an emerging, upscale segment of the island’s tourism market. It takes a bold and visionary company to recognize this potential and we are lucky to have CEO Group behind us, as just that kind of investor. We are confident their investment and their faith in Phu Quoc will pay dividends as the island continues to grow. Indeed, as the nearby airport continues to increase uplift, both domestically and with the addition of new international flights, the prospect for our resort to be at the center of the emergence of this destination is tremendous."
Novotel Phu Quoc’s holding company, CEO Group’s Mr. Duc concurred and further thanked local authorities for their support, stating: “We have invested nearly VND5 trillion into this project, and are committed to future investment in Phu Quoc. We have received strong support from local authorities and the provincial People’s Committee, and are immensely proud to be awarded this five-star certification today. We look forward to the ongoing efforts of Accor to continue to bring five-star amenities and services to travelers visiting the island time and again in future.”
The 366 room beach-front resort opened in January 2016 and is situated just fifteen minutes from Phu Quoc International Airport. Novotel Phu Quoc Resort is not only the first resort project of CEO Group, but also the largest internationally branded resort operating on the island.
"With six hotels and resorts and 1,362 rooms in Vietnam, Novotel represents AccorHotels’ largest brand presence in the country. Novotel Phu Quoc Resort is the region’s flagship beachfront property located on an island that is becoming well known for its beauty, eco-tourism attractions and cultural offerings. Receiving the five-star certification by the Vietnam Administration of Tourism nine months after opening is a testament to the Novotel brand and its consistently high service standards, as well as the resort team’s diligence and service-from-the-heart," said Mr Paul Stevens, Vice President Operations Novotel, Mercure, ibis for Upper Southeast Asia.
The resort is situated on Bai Truong and features unique architecture inspired by local fishing villages. Its 366 rooms include beach-front villas - some with private pools, suites, superior rooms and family rooms. The main five-story block overlooks the resort's two swimming pools. All rooms include sea views as well as vistas over the site's expansive 60,000 square meter landscaped gardens, offering guests a sense of complete relaxation.
Other resort amenities include a day spa, gym, Kids Club, two tennis courts and an extensive MICE offering including a 400-seating, 470 square meter ballroom along with three multifunctional meeting rooms. The resort has a strong focus on food and beverage recently launching a new menu in their acclaimed Seafood Restaurant and guests continue to enjoy the resort’s main restaurant, Food Exchange and two poolside bars – Lounge Bar and Ocean Bar.
In June 2016, these efforts were recognized when the Novotel Phu Quoc Resort received five awards at the Vietnam Property Awards (VPA), including "Best Hotel Architectural Design"; "Best Hotel Interior Design"; "Best Green Development "; "Best Hotel Development" and "Best Condo Landscape Architectural Design."
The resort, owned by CEO Group, will see 96 new luxury villas open by the end of December this year, as well as shop houses occupied by vendors and local restaurants, adding a vibrant atmosphere to the precinct.
The CEO Group is known as a pioneer in driving the growth of Phu Quoc, and is one of the three largest and most reputable investors working here. The Group recently announced its intention to buy two more projects totaling 160 hectares. CEO is at the forefront of a group of 180 businesses set to create the next wave of investment in Phu Quoc, with a registered investment capital of nearly US$9 billion. The Group is aiming to build up the largest and most synchronized complex of tourism, leisure, shopping and entertainment in the center of Phu Quoc.
The Rise of CSR in Phu Quoc’s Hospitality Industry
As with any popular tourist destination, Vietnam’s gorgeous island of Phu Quoc is not short of resorts. Island-wide, a growing range of accommodation caters for every budget and holiday experience. However, with such growth come concerns about sustainability and consideration for the island’s ecosystems. Thankfully, an increasing number of resorts in Phu Quoc’s hospitality industry are showing consciousness about their effects on the environment, social landscape, and local economy.
Resorts in Phu Quoc Realise That Staff Are People Too
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc is the pinnacle of relaxation and privacy for discerning travellers. The secret to the resort’s success, though, lies not in obsession with profits, but in the exceptional treatment of its employees. Staff receive a higher pay than at most resorts on Phu Quoc island and enjoy the “luxury” of two days off per week - uncommon in Asian hospitality businesses. As a result, employees enjoy a living wage and high job satisfaction.
Image source: agoda.net
Additionally, employees report feeling that there is a family environment at Fusion that encourages growth, collaboration, and high staff retention. The management at Fusion Resort Phu Quoc have it figured out - if you take care of the employees, they will work hard and ultimately keep guests satisfied.
At the family friendly resort of the new Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, hired staff that are not local recruits are assisted with relocation costs and employees are provided with return flight tickets to allow them to visit their hometowns and families. Bonus allowances are offered for special life events and through company awards, and employees’ families are gifted discounted stays at the resort. Along with a comprehensive training and career plan, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc knows these actions go a long way to keeping a happy staff, which then benefits their guests.
Image source: Mervin Lee
Preserving Phu Quoc’s Natural Beauty
Along the shores of Ong Lang Beach stands Mango Bay Resort, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Unfortunately, many resorts are built at the expense of the natural ecology of the island; however, Mango Bay is different. When building the resort, the architects worked hard to avoid environmentally negative actions, such as cutting trees and clearing native vegetation. In addition, the landscape design includes only indigenous plant species.
Mango Bay has also taken measures to protect the coral reef in their section of Ong Lang Beach by discouraging fishing and educating guests to prevent further damage. Other resorts and businesses on Phu Quoc, and throughout Vietnam, could do well to take note of Mango Bay Resort’s initiatives to help preserve the long term viability of the country’s beautiful natural habitat.
Image source: Mango Bay Resort
Hospitality in Phu Quoc: Community Involvement
Smaller resorts are also doing their part to improve social constructs. Phu Quoc Ecolodge is a Vietnamese-owned and operated boutique resort in Cua Can. As the name implies, environmental sustainability of Phu Quoc is a core value of the resort. They use solar panels, provide glass bottles and refill stations for drinking water, and grow herbs and vegetables on site. The rooms remain delightfully comfortable and the property is breathtaking while maintaining a low carbon footprint.
Most notable, though, is the dedication to the local Phu Quoc community of the owner, Phong Bui. He regularly works with clean up efforts in the area and, though it’s a slow process, he patiently impresses upon his neighbors the importance of reducing plastics, keeping trash out of the water, and properly disposing of waste. Additionally, he supports the local economy by providing Phu Quoc-made and environmentally-conscious products at Phu Quoc Ecolodge. Change is easier when motivated by economic viability.
Image source: tripadvisor.com
Phu Quoc’s Plastic Reduction and the Use of Sustainable Materials
It has been impossible to escape the global plastic reduction movement in recent years (for good reason) and encouragingly, this trend is also gaining momentum with top resorts in Phu Quoc.
Supporting this movement in Phu Quoc is the company Bamboo Step, who are supplying a number of the island’s major hotels and resorts with premium quality bamboo drinking straws to ease the burden of single use plastic. Some of the best Phu Quoc resorts such as La Veranda, Fusion, Best Western Sonasea Phu Quoc, JW Marriott and Radisson Blu are all playing their part by using bamboo, grass or metal straws instead of plastic ones.
Image source: shutterstock.com
Going a step further at the plush Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island, bamboo and grass straws are used as standard. Ceramic containers for bath products are included in all rooms, and carafes of filtered water are available for a small fee to cut down on purchased plastic bottles. Biodegradable and renewable materials such as Accoya wood were used in the construction of Salinda, showing that the sustainability commitment was present from day one.
Image source: shutterstock.com
It is clear that there is a lot of positive work being done at some of the excellent resorts in Phu Quoc, which gives good reason to be cautiously optimistic for the future of sustainability on the island. However, there is always much more that can be done and there are still plenty of challenges to making more significant progress; policies that are environmentally and socially responsible usually hit a resort’s bottom line, at least in the short term.
If the growing trends of sustainability and environmental protection gather increasing local and governmental support, then Phu Quoc, as one of Vietnam’s best places to visit, will continue its rise to becoming a sustainable tourist destination in all regards.
Banner Image source: Mervin Lee
Vietnam’s Longest Lagoon Pool at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc, the “Pearl Island” of Vietnam, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, delicious local food options, a range of natural and manmade attractions, and easy access to major cities across Asia. Phu Quoc can now also boast many top accommodation options fitting for such an in-demand tourist destination.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc beach resort offers guests a complete island vacation experience for any kind of traveller - families, couples, groups of friends, and business people are all wonderfully catered for here. In addition, the resort is also home to the longest lagoon pool in Vietnam and one of the longest of its kind in Southeast Asia. The appropriately named “Sonasea” resort, which means “Sonata” or “Song of the Sea,” received Dotproperty’s nod for Best Landscape Design, demonstrating the property’s ambitious architecture and water-inspired design.
Water-inspired, Award-Winning Design in Vietnam
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc’s remarkable design mirrors the magical allure and colorful elements that are characteristic of Southeast Asian islands. Inspired by Phu Quoc’s crystal-clear blue sea, white sand, and stretches of green coconut and casuarina trees, designers were intent in emulating nature in the resort’s architectural layout, making a beautiful mosaic of various green and blue hues. The resort’s lagoon and swimming pools resemble the sea, its roads play as the beach’s white sand, and its gardens create a protective canopy of trees.
Overlooking the vast turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand is a private beach of white sand that offers the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure along with gorgeous golden sunsets. And yet, it’s The Lagoon, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc's centrepiece pool, that makes its guests marvel. The Lagoon is a destination in itself!
This lagoon-style pool flows through the resort, cascading all the way from the main building down to the beachfront and passing through a wide circular fountain as well as seven smaller landscaped circles, which mimic the archetype of Mandalas. The crystal blue lagoon waters come complete with a built-in underwater current and the whole pool measures 148 metres on each side, totaling over 300 metres in length all around. This equals over 3 Olympic-size swimming pools - more than enough to delight the resort’s guests. The Lagoon pool is truly a gorgeous way to swim, paddle, or float your way around the resort, basking in the sun or finding little pockets of cooler shade.
Perfect Phu Quoc Experiences For All The Family
Family travellers with younger guests will be delighted to bring their children to the kids pool, which is conveniently situated next to the children’s playground. Its location allows parents to easily supervise their young ones or drop them off at the Nemo Kids Club, which offers babysitting services and a full schedule of activities.
As guests continue down towards the beach, their path flanked by the soft currents of The Lagoon on either side, the Oasis Pool Bar awaits, offering the young (and young at heart) a fantastic opportunity to splash away in a tropical paradise. Measuring 4.7 x 15.9 metres, this pool is open from 06:00 - 20:00 and offers Aqua Dance and Aqua Gym workouts during sunset, four times a week.
With little doubt, Oasis Pool Bar is Best Western Sonasea Phu Quoc’s definition of cool. As part of The Lagoon and with its delightful proximity to the sea, this venue offers the perfect mix of elegance and refreshment, offering guests a laid back place to enjoy their island vacation. The allure of Oasis Pool Bar lies in the variety of experiences offered. Whether families gather for a swim while enjoying the music and beachside scenery, or couples want to spend some alone time cooling off, the ambience at Oasis is like no other. There's no need to even exit the pool for a refreshing drink - the swim-up bar takes you straight to the barman for your choice of quality beverage.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc takes no shortcuts when it comes to its water-inspired design, represented wonderfully by the marvelous Lagoon pool - sure to enthral first-timers and repeat-guests alike.
Image source: Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc island has seen a rapid rise to become one of Vietnam’s most popular vacation destinations and a rising star amongst Southeast Asia’s finest islands. It’s easy to see why - if you’re looking for some of the best beaches in Vietnam, alongside beautiful nature, delicious seafood, fresh ocean breezes and gorgeous sunsets, then Phu Quoc should be your first port of call when travelling to Vietnam. Phu Quoc attracts visitors of all types and the ‘Pearl Island’ also offers plentiful attractions and activities.
In recent years, the dramatic increase in Phu Quoc’s luxury accommodation options has meant that discerning travellers are now spoilt for choice when selecting a top class resort on the island. To prepare for your next stunning beach vacation, read on and discover some of the very best luxury 5-star resorts on Phu Quoc island, Vietnam.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc is one of the newest luxury beach resorts on the island. Located around 10 minutes south of the airport and overlooking a lovely beachfront along Phu Quoc’s gorgeous western coast, this thoughtfully designed resort boasts excellent options for any traveller, from romantic couples and families, to business people travelling to Vietnam.
Image source: Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc
Enjoy accommodation from modern guestrooms and comfortable suites to stunning three-to-five bedroom villas with their own private pools, all with quality furnishings and luxurious amenities. For families with younger children, there is a brilliant deal where two kids (under 16) can stay for free in their parents’ room, including the daily buffet breakfast.
Image source: Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc
A fine variety of delicious international and Vietnamese cuisine is served at the resort’s Essence Restaurant and Oasis Pool Bar (with swim-up bar), and you mustn’t miss the stunning sunset views across the island and ocean with refreshing cocktails and delectable food at the romantic rooftop CView Sky Bar.
In addition to the two main pools and two kids’ pools, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc resort offers fun beach activities, the tranquil Thala spa, Nemo kids’ club, complimentary bicycles, modern fitness centre, free airport transfer, and excellent business and meeting facilities.
What’s special?
Best Western Sonasea Phu Quoc’s magnificent lagoon pool is Vietnam’s longest. At 300 metres, it is the gorgeous centrepiece of the resort for you to relax and float around in true luxury and enjoy one of the best accommodation options in Phu Quoc.
This peaceful spa resort is a perfect getaway to experience the height in personalised luxury in Phu Quoc island. Upon arrival, you will be assigned your very own “Fusionista”—an attentive point of contact (read: butler) for all your needs during your stay.
Image source: Fusion Resort Phu Quoc
Fusion Resort Phu Quoc is an all-villa resort with each one of the stunning villas enjoying highest quality furnishings, a private garden and its own pool for secluded relaxation. Pick from beachfront or riverside views to complete your getaway amongst Phu Quoc’s nature.
As an “all-spa inclusive” resort, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc uniquely offers guests complimentary treatments per night’s stay at its fully equipped spa and wellness facility, certainly one of the best on the island. The extensive spa menu helps you find the perfect route to relax and reinvigorate while enjoying this luxury resort in northwestern Phu Quoc.
Other facilities include an oceanfront infinity pool, tennis court, fun kids’ club, beach games and a multi-purpose room for meetings or weddings. Families can enjoy an active time together exploring Phu Quoc with the chance to ride bicycles along a well planned cycling route.
Whenever your appetite calls, Fusion Resort Phu Quoc offers outstanding culinary options. Dine in style in your villa, at the spacious Secret Garden or the seafood-inspired, ocean-facing Pezca, or kick back with a refreshing drink at Soul Kitchen. The Beach Bar is the perfect spot for cocktails and a gorgeous sunset with the sand of Fusion’s 2.5km beach at your feet.
Image source: Fusion Resort Phu Quoc
What’s Special?
Start off your day the right way with the complimentary “Breakfast Anywhere, Anytime” service. Just as it sounds, enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast from the comfort of your private villa or garden, across any of Fusion Resort Phu Quoc’s lovely dining venues, or even on the beach!
Set in a magical French colonial seaside mansion, La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc’s setting evokes posh garden parties and leisurely afternoons spent sipping wine and gazing at the sea from under a wide-brimmed hat. The saltwater swimming pool is surrounded by greenery and winding garden pathways and features a large children’s pool that is the perfect depth for little ones to splash in. The resort is part of AccorHotels group’s exclusive MGallery Heritage Collection.
Image source: La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc
One of La Veranda’s main draws is its world-class Peppertree restaurant, which is rated as the best restaurant on Phu Quoc island and #4 in all of Vietnam by TripAdvisor (at the time of writing). The restaurant combines the techniques of gourmet French cuisine with the spirit and recipes of a traditional Vietnamese kitchen. La Veranda’s famous breakfast includes crowd favourites like the made-to-order waffle/pancake/crepe bar and fresh smoothies that change daily. Weekly F&B events spice up the evenings with special seafood beach barbecues, complimentary wine tastings and afternoon tea services - all fantastic ways to enjoy the best in food and drink in Phu Quoc.
Each garden or ocean-view deluxe room, suite or villa at La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc has a story to tell. Historically accurate paint colours, furnishings and artwork, as well as personal touches added by the resort’s creator, Madame Catherine, create a personalised feeling in the rooms. Luxury service touches, such as the nightly gifts and handwritten letters at turndown, go above and beyond the typical resort experience.
Image source: La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc
What’s Special?
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc will soon become the top destination in Vietnam for health and wellness travellers with the inclusion of its signature Wellness Center due to open in 2019. The center will include spa treatments, day passes and all-inclusive wellness packages combining health-centric food options, meditative activities and classes related to mindfulness for true relaxation and pampering during your Phu Quoc vacation.
Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island epitomises tropical luxury. The resort is enclosed in a lush landscape featuring more than 100 types of trees and flowers, giving an atmosphere of an enchanted garden complete with butterflies and birds. The greenery goes all the way down to one of the nicest private beaches in Phu Quoc, where mango trees help block strong winds during the rainy season. The best place to truly experience the beauty of Salinda Resort is from the infinity pool where you can gaze out at the calm seas in true luxury. The pool itself is naturally treated with activated carbon and salt without unnecessary chemicals.
Image source: Salinda Resort Phu Quoc
Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island offers a selection of deluxe rooms, suites and villas. From the private balconies, guests can take in the setting sun as the evening sky is filled with a spectacular array of sunset colours. Premium linens, bathrobes and luxury beauty products make the experience one of pure comfort.
Salinda Resort is also known for its world-class F&B options, rated as some of the best on the island. Namaste India is Salinda’s finest dining option with Chef Liladhar preparing gourmet dishes from his native New Delhi. The atmosphere is all about candlelight, jewel-toned linens and top-notch service. Casa Italiana brings authentic Italy with perfectly prepared pizzas, pasta and wine. Salinda Restaurant showcases a stunning display of Hoi An silk lanterns on an open-air patio. The restaurant serves some of the best traditional Vietnamese cuisine in Phu Quoc during the evening, and an unbelievable breakfast buffet complete with sparkling wine.
Image source: Salinda Resort Phu Quoc
What’s Special?
From minimum plastic to eco-friendly pesticide and a chemical-free swimming pool, Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island is very much in the leading pack in terms of sustainability and environmental awareness in both Phu Quoc and all of Vietnam.
The InterContinental brand’s reputation is splendidly maintained with this beautiful beachside resort only a short drive from Phu Quoc International Airport. The “InterCon” is a class act throughout, from the comfort of its accommodation and high-class dining options, to its excellence as a family vacation and its wide range of excellent facilities - a true destination resort in Phu Quoc.
Image source: InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
From a range of spacious rooms and suites in its resort wings, resident-style accommodation in the Sky Tower, and ocean-view villas, the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort invites you to live in the lap of luxury with no detail left to chance.
For foodies, the InterCon’s five stylish venues provide fantastic choice, including fresh seafood, Japanese-Viet fusion, classic Italian and beachside barbecue on Phu Quoc’s western coast.
Facilities feature four swimming pools (including one separate kids’ play pool), 24-hour fitness centre, large kids’ club, a range of daily activities for all, wedding ceremony planning and indoor event/business venues. The soothing lagoon setting of the spa is perfect for re-energising your body and soul after a day exploring the resort or Phu Quoc island.
The expansive InterCon resort benefits from superior quality decor and impressive attention to detail. There is little need for anything other than exploring Phu Quoc’s attractions.
Image source: InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
What’s Special?
INK 360 is the breathtaking sky bar at Intercontinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort. In fact, it is the highest sky bar in Phu Quoc and the place to survey spectacular sunset views with exquisite craft cocktails, accompanied by sundown beats and party tunes.
Previously a 19th-century French university, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa retains a classic design alongside all the 5-star comforts and modern conveniences you could need for your beachside vacation in Phu Quoc. This majestic resort features a wide range of rooms and suites, gorgeous private pool villas, and even an incredible seven-bedroom oceanfront residence with its own infinity pool facing the sea. All accommodation types display a unique character with plush furnishings, high ceilings and bright, spacious layouts.
As a fantastic family resort in Phu Quoc, there is a huge variety of scheduled daily activities from morning till evening for adults (bike tours, lantern-making and cookery classes) and children (dancing, painting, magic shows and treasure hunts).
More laid-back travellers can take it easy at the three beautiful swimming pools or enjoy a dip in the ocean and the JW Marriott’s private beach. Enjoy deeper relaxation by indulging in the soothing class of the Chanterelle Spa.
The JW Marriott Phu Quoc features its very own walking street, Hoi An-style, where guests can wander around at their own leisure. Here, you can peruse the classy selection of shops, visit the spa, or dine at the resort’s several F&B venues, featuring fantastic views of the island with options of fresh seafood and French cuisine, tasty tapas and signature cocktails.
Video source: Great Tours
What’s Special?
The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa seems almost like a fairytale village, with its colourful building facades and mini castle-like structures that offer a fantasy-style vacation in beautiful Phu Quoc.
If you’re looking for a secluded resort to escape in luxury in Phu Quoc, there are few better options than Nam Nghi. Set in a private location on the north-west coast of Phu Quoc, this gorgeous resort will surround you with lush greenery, breathtaking views, natural wooden architecture and stellar service.
If you prefer a spacious villa, there is the option for ocean view or a tranquil private garden view. All accommodation is tastefully designed with luxurious touches and natural materials used with sustainable design in mind to help preserve Phu Quoc’s inherent beauty.
Image source: Nam Nghi Phu Quoc
Nam Nghi Phu Quoc is around 30 minutes’ drive from the island’s main Duong Dong town but a free shuttle bus service is provided. In the peace and quiet of this hideaway resort, there are plenty of facilities and activities to enjoy. Sunbathe on the lovely private beach, take a dip in the ocean or the beautiful pool, go kayaking or snorkelling, use the well-equipped gym or indulge in a treatment at the restful spa.
When you’re hungry, Nam Nghi Phu Quoc resort doesn’t disappoint with its top quality offerings, from the excellent breakfast buffet to exquisite cuisine at the fine-dining TreeHouse Restaurant.
Image source: Nam Nghi Phu Quoc
What’s Special?
Nam Nghi Phu Quoc’s very own private island offers a delightful little beach and the exclusive Rock Island Club bar—a sublime spot to take in a spectacular sunset with a refreshing cocktail.
Nestled at the south-eastern tip of Phu Quoc, the 5-star pool villa resort of Premier Village is draped over a large expanse of natural beauty, where guests, families or larger groups can enjoy true seclusion and luxury.
Each one of the Premier Village’s stunningly designed pool villas includes a private infinity pool, generous living areas, and elegant, modern decor with plentiful natural light from the floor-to-ceiling glass doors and panels.
Image source: Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort
Premier Village’s extensive facilities include numerous bright turquoise swimming pools and a white sandy beach with loungers and hammocks, as well as kayaks and paddle boards for active guests. Beyond the pools and beach, children will be entertained by the fun kids’ club and bicycles to offer a great family vacation in Phu Quoc. The resort’s spa offers a huge treatment menu for soothing relaxation. Situated on the side of an ocean view hill, it is also a great place for amazing sunset views.
Whether it’s the excellent international and Vietnamese cuisine at The Market restaurant or the fresh Mediterranean menu at Corallo, Premier Village offers delicious culinary options for all. Enjoy a swim and a drink at the Pool Bar or savour the self-explanatory Sunset Lounge’s location with a delightful drink.
Image source: Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort
What’s Special?
If you choose a beachfront villa at Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, be sure to take advantage of the private chef barbecue service just for your group—perfect for celebrating your special island vacation in mouthwatering style.
Banner Image source: InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
I was lucky enough to be invited to the Novotel Phu Quoc Resort for a media familiarisation, and can truly say that it was an unforgettable experience.
At the airport arrivals hall we were greeted by the Novotel shuttle bus for the 9 km journey to the resort.
It now being lunchtime, the group was told that we would be having lunch after a quick freshen-up. It’s the little things that make a big difference, so the complimentary fruit platter with personalised welcome message and bag with some local specialities provided a sense of personal service for such a large resort. After a quick rainfall shower and change of clothes it was time to come to grips with what else the Novotel Phu Quoc Resort had to offer.
First Culinary Impressions
Seated at a lovely pool-view table in the all-day dining restaurant, Food Exchange, it was time for the indulgence to begin. Food Exchange offers an extensive buffet selection as well as an a la carte menu. There were many stations around the restaurant serving Western, Asian and Vietnamese fare, with the famous Phu Quoc seafood featured in many of them.
As a seafood lover, I wasted little time in sampling some of the freshest squid, shrimp and scallops I have tasted in Vietnam. I’m not a big lunch eater, and diligently restricted myself to a frugal three plates. My favourites were the seafood curry, Hungarian potato salad, seafood pasta and the refreshing variety of salads.
Pina Coladas by the Pool
After a satisfying lunch, we were given an opportunity to relax and enjoy the resort’s facilities. First stop for me was a quick retreat to my room to get some work done. I was lucky enough to have been given a Superior Suite on the third floor. If it wasn’t for the sun shining in a cloudless-sky and the temptation of a pina colada by the pool, I think I may have not left the room for the rest of the stay.
The suite featured a separate living room, standing bathtub, rainfall shower and a double-sized balcony with spectacular views over the pool, surrounding villas and all the way to the Long Beach area. The design of the resort aims to maintain the feel of a traditional Phu Quoc fishing village, with the smallest beachfront buildings being the One Bedroom Villas with private pool that resemble traditional fishing huts. Away from the beach, the buildings become progressively larger until you reach the main building housing 366 rooms.
On my way to the beach, I passed the spa and decided to grab a nice cold drink at the beach bar to enjoy while sunbathing. There I noticed the fantastic range of homemade ice creams for only VND40,000 per scoop. Being adventurous with ice cream flavours, I tried the blackcurrant and Phu Quoc pepper. It first gave the tongue a kick of the hot pepper, then instantly soothed by the cold blackcurrant creaminess. Perched on a lounger under the merciful shade of a well-manicured palm tree, I enjoyed a few hours of swimming, relaxing and reading – an idyllic afternoon.
A Sunset to Remember
As the sun began to set, we were lured to the beach-bar area by the enchanting melody of the in-house band that performs six nights a week. We were treated to some simple yet delicious Vietnamese-inspired canapés to accompany a few glasses of wine whilst watching one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen.
Seafood Sampler
That night we would be dining al fresco at the beautiful Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant. Sampling the island’s best catch is obligatory for any selfrespecting seafood-lover. We were each given a cold, refreshing towel scented with lemongrass and ginger, which truly awakened the senses.
For starters, we were silver-served a tangy salad followed by a smooth and creamy lobster bisque. After selecting our items from the a la carte menu, they were exquisitely presented on a haring platter. Shrimp, squid, scallops, whole crab and cobia (also known as black salmon) were all on offer, but my hands almost subconsciously reached first for the Oysters Kilpatrick, which didn’t disappoint.
A very relaxed and conversation-filled meal ensued, enjoyed at a leisurely pace with some of the group beginning to fall into a siesta in the large, comfy chairs. To round off the evening, we were served a scoop of the homemade vanilla ice cream served on a bed of honey-drizzled mango and a master-crafted sugar tuile, which again sparked the table back into conversation.
Champagne Breakfast
The following morning, we received an a la carte champagne breakfast back at the Phu Quoc Seafood Restaurant. Not being one for morning alcohol, I started the day with my routine ca phe sua da while enjoying the fresh fruit platter.
A Sunday breakfast in a 5-star hotel on Phu Quoc is always a treat and this was no different. After considering a few options, I settled for one of my favourites (which, no matter how hard I try, I have never been able to perfect at home): eggs Benedict. Being from Scotland, my preferred accompaniment would have been smoked salmon, but sadly I was informed that it was not available. An alternative offer of smoked ham turned out to be a more than suitable substitute.
As most of the group were booked on earlyafternoon return flights, the hotel organised a whistle-stop tour of Ho Quoc Pagoda and the famous Phu Quoc Market.
Massage
After two strenuous days of relaxing, sunbathing, wining and dining, it was now time to relieve those niggling aches and pains with a rejuvenating massage at the hotel spa. I decided to go for the sports massage and a facial. The massage was exactly what the doctor ordered: firm, focused and just the right amount of time spent on each area. This was my first ever facial, and I couldn’t stop laughing when the products were being applied: they felt ticklish and made me giggle like a little schoolgirl; even the therapist, Ms. Huong, had a chuckle to herself.
Some people might feel the prices here are high compared to their normal VND250,000 massage in a local Ho Chi Minh City spa, but you cannot compare hamburgers with Kobe beef. Novotel Phu Quoc Resort has searched far and wide to employ only the most highly skilled professionals. My masseur at the spa, Mr. Quy, has 15 years’ experience in the industry and was hired from Saigon. My therapist has six years’ experience and relocated from Binh Thuan. For me, anything to do with your body and well-being should focus on quality over price. I’m sure we’ve all heard about someone’s horror massage that left them walking like the hunchback of Notre Dame.
What Could be Improved
With an unobstructed view of the sky and ocean, my room enjoyed the sun non-stop from dawn till dusk. Even with the A/C on maximum setting and net curtains drawn to block direct sunlight, it felt too warm.
However, when the sun relented on the second day, so did this small issue. On the first night of our stay, the hotel was hosting four corporatefunction events entailing a gala-dinner and musical entertainment, which can be a bit noisy if you are in relaxation mode.
Contact information:
Address: Duong Bao Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc is a top class 5-star resort that is perfect for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism and business travel in Vietnam. Phu Quoc island, also known as Vietnam’s “Pearl Island,” continues to grow into one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for travellers of all walks of life and is a fantastic choice for companies and organisations looking for a luxurious location for their business travel needs.
Located on the marvellous western coast of Phu Quoc along a private section of Long Beach, the resort is 8 km from Phu Quoc International Airport and is an advantageous destination for both local and international business travellers. Direct flights from Hanoi, Saigon, Seoul, Copenhagen, Oslo, Kuala Lumpur, Moscow, and Guangzhou - to name a few - make it a highly convenient option for your company’s luxury getaway to Vietnam’s most prestigious travel hotspot.
As part of The World’s Largest Hotel Chain® with over 4,200 hotels, the award-winning Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, overlooking the deep turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, recently received a nod from Dotproperty.com for “Best Landscape Design”, making the resort a wonderful place for business people engaging in MICE tourism in Phu Quoc and Vietnam.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc: The Perfect Destination for Business and Incentive Travel in Vietnam
As a seasoned company in the tourism industry, Best Western Premier has decades of experience providing accommodations for incentive travel and this is very well demonstrated at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc. This tropical location is an upscale resort featuring a warm climate, gorgeous landscapes, and a full array of services that caters brilliantly to business travellers and their families in Phu Quoc.
Research shows how well-rewarded employees normally work harder and remain loyal to their company for a longer period of time when offered incentive travel opportunities. In fact, the return on investment for businesses investing in incentive travel for employees can yield results as high as 84 percent, according to a study titled “Assessing the Impact of Sales Incentive Programs.”
In order to provide a fantastic, well-rounded experience for business travellers, the CEO Group, through their Sonasea (“Sonata of the Sea”) property, have created a masterfully designed beach resort in a gorgeous location that provides a convenient and comfortable space with top-class amenities, while opening the door to the wonderful island of Phu Quoc.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc accomplishes its mission to be a sought-after MICE Tourism destination, in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia, by providing superior accommodation, lavish food and beverage venues, banquet-ready conference and meeting areas, plus the quality front desk, guest, and concierge services that you would expect from a top hotel. A Recreation Team is also on-hand for a variety of team-building activities within the resort and beyond.
Outstanding Conference, Banquet and Team-Building Facilities for Business Travellers at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc
For large company meetings, training workshops, exhibitions, and dining events, the Duong Dong Conference Center measures 360m² and can host people in a variety of formats: from banquet-style (240 people) and theatre-style (350 people), to classroom (160 people) or boardroom-style (110 people). Featuring high-speed WiFi, comfortable furnishings, and a dedicated hotel coordinator to assist with your event requirements, Best Western Sonasea Phu Quoc will ensure your business travel experience in Vietnam is highly rewarding.
The main conference room can be divided into two separate areas, named An Thoi and Ham Ninh, that measure 245m² and 115m² respectively. Each area can also be accommodated to host a variety of conference and meeting styles to suit your company’s varied needs. Flexibility and a desire to fulfill all your business requirements are key at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc.
The business meeting banquet options at the resort are not only convenient and varied, but also delicious. Whether your company wants a comfortable coffee break or a week-long retreat from the office, this pristine resort has you covered. Meals can easily be arranged within the conference area if your business wishes to remain separate from other guests in the hotel.
Coffee break menus all include a selection of Dilmah tea, coffee, mineral water, and a fresh fruit platter, starting at VND95,000 per person, depending on the length of stay. Coffee break menus can also feature a generous assortment of sandwiches, savories, pastries, and juices.
The Banquet and Events team has assembled Half-Day and Full-Day Meeting Packages that also include these coffee breaks to give business travellers well-earned rests between work sessions. Meeting areas are kitted out with pencils and markers, A4 paper pads and flip charts, high quality projectors, and a fully equipped sound system suitable for anything from meeting announcements and presentations, to karaoke parties to blow off steam at the end of a working day!
The Full-day Package includes two coffee breaks and a lunch buffet (or set menu) at Essence Restaurant, which can seat up to 350 guests at any given time. Lunch and/or dinner services are available with four Western and six Vietnamese menu options.
Mouth-watering culinary offerings, featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced produce, are available at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc’s different venues including a Beach BBQ & Buffet which can accommodate up to 400 people. Oasis Pool Bar, with its relaxing swim-up bar and the beach nearly within touching distance, can host up to 150 people outdoors and up to 40 people indoors. With a similar capacity plus glorious ocean and island views from up high, the astounding CView Sky Bar is a stunning venue to gather your business groups, while the Ballroom can host up to 200 people with an indoor buffet.
If you choose Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc for a team building opportunity, then activities on the resort’s beautiful stretch of beach will be a highlight of your company’s group experience with plenty of fun in the sun to be had. Games and activities include “Tug of War,” where groups are divided into two teams who take a side of a rope and try to pull it over the line to beat the other team. A game called “Longest” in which each group is divided into three separate subteams by height including tall, middle, and short. Then, members of each subteam lay down on the sand and the longest team wins. Other bonding activities include “Treasure Hunt,” the “Human Knot,” and “Powder Transfer”, as well as plenty of chances for splashing in the ocean and other fun ways for your company’s employees to enjoy their time together.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc Offers High Quality Accommodation for MICE Tourism in Phu Quoc
The Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc beach resort boasts 550 guest rooms and suites as well as 16 beachside villas, ranging from 35m² Deluxe Rooms to the highly coveted 280m² Presidential Villa. Guests staying in suites and villas will have access to a variety of business-friendly conveniences and amenities. For example, the hotel is one of a very small number of resorts that have dry cleaning services on the island. Although the resort’s scale is grand, with a capacity to host over 1,500 adult guests at any given time, each guestroom shows admirable attention to detail for all business and incentive travellers coming to Phu Quoc.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc seeks to raise the bar for business travel in Vietnam by providing luxury level hospitality for all guest rooms, not just some. The enjoyable comforts that can be found in all rooms include privately furnished balconies with garden, mountainside or sea views, kitchenette and minibar, Queen or King size beds with plush bedding (washed in-house), overhead adjustable rain showers; and classy furnishings that include a sofa bed and dining table. In addition, guests can expect:
- 24-hour in-room service
- 43-inch screen flat TVs, and plastic-free luxury amenities that feature locally sourced, natural ingredients such as coffee and lemongrass infused soaps.
- Extended In-Room Dining and Late Night menus
- Yukatas (Japanese-style robes) and slippers, perfectly suitable for the warm climate of the island
- Central comfort lighting system
- Dialing Code Index for international calls
- Laundry, Dry Cleaning, and Pressing same-day service is available with express options and can be done as quickly as two hours for an additional fee.
In addition to the above, the Executive Deluxe rooms come with a convenient writing desk while 100 Suites have impeccable bathtubs that offer a great opportunity to relax after a day’s business meetings or company team-building.
Well worth mentioning are the Deluxe Villas at Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc, which come with three bedrooms and have their own living areas, perfect for business travellers bringing their families to enjoy this top notch beachside resort. Luxury villas offer extra space for groups or families and come with additional features such as en-suite bathtubs, private terrace with swimming pools and a sea view or beach front, separate kitchens with island seating, and a living room and dining room that can comfortably accommodate up to ten people.
Venues
The Lagoon, which is the longest lagoon pool in Vietnam, is one of the headline features of the resort. This mesmerizing 300-metre body of water is lined by shady palm trees, sun loungers, and a moving current that flows all the way from the main building down to the beachside Oasis Pool Bar and beach area.
Opportunities to relax, have a snack, or have a complete hearty meal are available in their various F&B venues - the CView Sky Bar, Essence Restaurant, and Oasis Pool Bar. The seaweed-themed Thala Spa offers a variety of services, including Jacuzzi VIP rooms as well as manicure and pedicure services for guests wanting to be pampered. Business travelers with children will have many comforts at this family-friendly resort, including a Nemo Kids Club with scheduled activities, babysitting services, playground, and The Lagoon - the longest pool in Vietnam, as well as two kids’ pools.
The fully equipped, state-of-the art Fitness Center is open from 6am until 10pm and includes private lessons, plus scheduled group classes including Tai Chi, yoga, and Mindful Breathing meditation for beginners as well as advanced practitioners. Each guest will also receive a schedule of recreational activities for adults that includes basic Vietnamese language classes, water sports, arts and crafts, and other outside group activities.
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc’s Front Desk, Guest, and Concierge Services For Business Travellers in Vietnam
Keeping true to the Best Western Premier brand, exceptional service is the name of the game. Front Desk Guest, and Concierge services are both varied and expansive to cater for all the needs of a business traveller. These services include:
- Airport transfer, car and motorbike parking, plus airport and downtown shuttle bus services
- Complimentary Wifi service throughout the resort
- Front lobby is equipped with computers for guests to use 24/7
- Fax and Photocopy services are available 24/7
- Airline reservations, flight modifications and confirmations, as well as airport transfer services
- Complimentary bicycles for local individual escapes or group tours
- Concierge services are available from 8am-10pm
- Courier Service - International door-to-door delivery services are available
- Currency Exchange is available at the Front Desk and can exchange into Vietnamese Dong (to exchange from Vietnamese Dong into a different currency, transportation will be arranged to a local service)
- Information about local religious services will be provided, including access to two Catholic Churches, as well as information about Buddhist pagodas throughout the island.
Group Excursions to Phu Quoc National Park and Beyond
As one of the island’s top beach resorts, Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc aims to provide complete comfort and convenience to MICE and business travellers coming to Vietnam. However, guests are encouraged to approach the island as their oyster and take advantage of the many offerings in Phu Quoc.
Front Desk and Concierge services are readily available to help your company organize the company trip of a lifetime, in partnership with CEO Travel. Whether individual travellers want to adventure around or companies want to organize group outings and team building excursions, Phu Quoc island is a great place to explore!
With an annual temperature of 27℃ (81℉), this 28 island archipelago, which measures 594km², offers many opportunities for individuals and groups alike. A growing nightlife scene as well as a variety of local and Western-style restaurants, a vibrant Night Market, a fishing village, boat tours, and a variety of natural life excursions, speak to the varied experiences that can be had in the paradise that is Phu Quoc island.
Whether you are curious about the translucent waters and fresh ocean breeze or desire a closer look at the spectacular marine life available through diving and snorkelling activities, the island does not fall short of things to do.
For example, Phu Quoc National Park, considered a national treasure as a UNESCO designated site and part of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, covers almost 50 percent of the island and offers a wide range of ecotourism activities. These include trekking and hiking, as well as water sports like kayaking.
Divided into four park zones, this magnificent location offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while respectfully admiring wildlife that includes a fascinatingly wide range of animal species. Is it any wonder that Phu Quoc island is quickly becoming one of Asia’s leading destinations for business travellers who also want to enjoy a beautiful landscape and plenty of attractions?
Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc is proud to offer MICE Tourism and Business Travel comforts in a superb 5-star resort location that is sure to captivate the hearts of guests who will already be planning their next visit. With upscale hospitality comes the convenience of conference rooms and banquets, team-building fun activities, mesmerizing local group excursions, and a variety of stand-alone venues to keep guests and visitors satisfied throughout their stay. Choose Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc for all your business travel needs while in Vietnam’s Pearl Island and have a wonderful and fruitful time with your company or organisation.
Image source: Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc - by Mervin Lee
