Phu Quoc Island｜Lying Back and Living Like a Local

As soon as you step into the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, you’ll be speechless at this "magic academy" beauty! Originally Lamarck University from 1880, the renovation preserved historical traces like the plastic running track and laboratories. Even the books on the lobby bookshelf are authentic antiques used over a century ago📚 Designer Bill Bensley brilliantly blends French romance, Vietnamese charm, and collegiate style. Each building has a different academic theme. On my room’s desk was a vintage globe, and opening the window revealed coconut groves and turquoise sea, instantly transporting me to the set of Harry Potter! 🏛️ Time-Traveling Design Details • Architecture Faculty Building: The arcaded corridors look just like Hogwarts, with afternoon sunlight casting geometric shadows through the lattice windows onto the floor • Zoology Garden: Hidden giant butterfly sculptures and shell-shaped seats—I shot a jungle adventure photo series here • Library Bar: A whole wall of antique books plus cocktail shakers made from chemistry test tubes, even the chandelier is shaped like an astrolabe 🌊 Secret-Level Bay Experience • Private Emerald Bay: The beach is as white as flour, the water so clear you can see schools of little fish swimming at your feet. Best to visit at 8 AM to have the entire jellyfish-like sea to yourself • Magic Class Activities: Free kayaking and snorkeling gear (the coral area is super close!), the biggest surprise is the champagne ceremony on the beach at sunset • Infinity Pool: The pool floor tiles form the academy’s crest pattern. Order a fresh coconut and lie back to watch the sunset 🛏️ Stay in an Antique Laboratory Even the basic rooms have private balconies, bathtubs facing garden views, and aromatherapy essential oil amenities. The bedside lamp is made from a test tube rack, the minibar is hidden in an old bookcase, and nightly turndown service includes themed gifts (I got a butterfly specimen bookmark!) 🍽️ Academy-Style Dining • Chemistry-Themed Restaurant: Test tube drinks and molecular cuisine. Highly recommend the "experiment set" with liquid nitrogen ice cream • Must-Have Breakfast: Freshly made Vietnamese pho and drip coffee, with a storytelling chef grandpa at the egg station • Hidden Menu: Ask the butler for the "Dean’s Afternoon Tea" and enjoy it on the tower’s top floor overlooking the whole island 📸 Perfect Photo Spots 1. Main Building Spiral Staircase: Wear collegiate-style outfits, hold a thick leather-bound book, and capture side shots 2. Beach Swing: Shoot against the sunrise backlight, the flowing skirt effect is super fairy-like on video 3. Specimen Hall Corridor: Mirror selfies here create infinite depth (wear the round glasses gifted by the hotel for the best look) ✨ Insider Tips • Book themed rooms in advance by email (Zoology Department is the most popular) • Bring light-colored long skirts and straw bags to match the architecture perfectly • Dean’s Dinner is held every Wednesday and Saturday, formal attire required This fairy-tale hotel, transformed from a century-old school, engraves romance and whimsy into every corner. Sitting in the specimen hall turned bar, sipping test tube cocktails while watching the sunset dye the clock tower red, I finally understood why everyone says "the world’s best JW Marriott is here."~