Everyone gets a dream vacation at InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
A romantic getaway for two. A few leisurely weeks by the beach to truly unwind. A raucous family holiday filled with waterslides and edutainment activities. A luxe retreat where pampering is the order of the day. What may seem like four separate vacation destinations can now be found under just one roof at the newly completed InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, less than an hour’s flight from Saigon.
Sporting a “less is more” philosophy, understated luxury is the driving force behind the landmark 1,000th InterContinental property situated along Phu Quoc’s up-and-coming marina, just 20 minutes south of the main town of Duong Dong. Serendipity awaits as you begin to notice subtle touches of luxury everywhere you look—the plush, textured carpets underfoot, the hand-painted artisanal chocolates and overflowing fruit tray that resembles a Dutch still life waiting in your room, automated blinds that open up to sweeping beach views best admired from an oversized soaking tub, delightful HARNN bath and body amenities, or a delicate blooming orchid in your guest room for that touch of home.
The concept of hidden luxury extends to the design of the property itself—four accommodation wings that fan out like a starfish from the central Sky Tower, neatly creating distinct spaces that cater to very different types of travelers. Looking for a fun-filled family getaway? Kids can be kids in the Planet Trekkers Children’s Club that includes a mini-water park, cooking school and games room, all presided over by staff who are certified teachers. There’s even a 130-seat theater screening family- friendly movies with complimentary refreshments. Couples looking for a quiet retreat need never cross paths with young noisemakers while ensconced in an oversized bird cage-like cabana by the two cascading pools, sipping on tropical drinks and catching rays, or dining in Lava, the brand-new upscale Asian fusion restaurant set right on the beach. If just a few days by the water doesn’t cut it, make yourself at home in a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom apartment-style suite in the Sky Tower where you can whip up a home-cooked meal in the kitchenette using gourmet ingredients picked up from the Mercado on-site, or settle in on the plush living room sofa and revel in unobstructed ocean views. Discerning guests looking for a slightly more refined holiday can head to the dedicated check-in lounge for Club InterContinental rooms and enjoy the use of private spaces, elevated services, and premium amenities throughout their stay, including an exclusive swimming pool and evening cocktails and canapés.
Bamboo Massage
While certain room categories are a privilege, most of us would agree that a spa day on holiday is a basic right. With that in mind, we walk down a tree-lined path
to the HARNN Heritage Spa, a gorgeous collection of bamboo villas designed by renowned Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia that seem to float around a lotus lagoon. Soaring bamboo arches create a cathedral-like atmosphere, a soothing combination of light and space that sets the mood for a signature Bamboo Massage designed by HARNN especially for the resort. For 90 blissful minutes, a rolling bamboo stick wielded by strong hands knead tired muscles, banishing stress and tension. Aimed at restoring the natural balance of body and mind, the spa focuses on a different ancient Asian element each day. Ours was Wood, which was cleverly woven throughout our treatment, from the welcome herbal tisane of bael fruit and white mulberry to the woody, citrusy scent of Cymbopogon used in the villa.
INK 360
Already feeling on cloud nine, we head up to the InterContinental’s spectacular new lounge on the 19th floor of the Sky Tower, the highest point on the island of Phu Quoc. Conceived by Australian designer Ashley Sutton, famed for his fantastically whimsical spaces, INK 360 is truly spectacular. Outside, the wraparound terrace is a family-friendly space for taking in stunning views of Phu Quoc’s amazing sunsets while inside, the ocean comes alive in the form of gigantic tentacles reaching out from behind the bar, octopus chandeliers dangling from the ceiling, and gorgeous mother of pearl and white marble tiles that mimic the seafloor. Once the sun goes down, the space takes on a more adult vibe, helped along by a resident DJ who spins the tunes while talented bartenders serve up innovative cocktails. “All of our ingredients are made fresh daily,” says Resort Mixologist Giuseppe Carneli, “and that’s the difference between a good drink and a memorable one,” as he puts together an Uncle Ho’s Penicillin, a delightful concoction of Scotch whisky, lemon juice, Phu Quoc honey with a bite provided by fresh ginger syrup, all infused with smoky lapsang souchong tea and black cardamom. INK 360’s own kitchen crafts delicious sharing platters including tapas and Japanese yakitori, making it the perfect spot to start or end the evening on the paradise island of Phu Quoc.
InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort features 459 rooms, suites and villas, each a minimum of 49 sqm. Doubles start at USD xxx, including breakfast. For more information and reservations, visit www.phuquoc.intercontinental.com or contact the Reservations Team by phone +84 283 978 8888 or by email: reservations.icpq@ihg.com.
Images Provided by InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
