Vietnam’s splashy, new island resort

Regent Phu Quoc is now open on dreamy Long Beach

The backstory Phu Quoc isn’t (yet) Phuket, but the destination’s “what, where?” days as a sleepy secret paradise are numbered. The island — Vietnam’s largest, located off the coast of Cambodia — made Time’s 2021 list of “the world’s greatest places,” and the pace of tourism-driven development in recent years has been brisk. Among the newest luxury resorts is Regent Phu Quoc, which opened in April. The Long Beach property is operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts, whose swanky brands also include Six Senses, InterContinental and Kimpton.

The space

Catering to seclusion-seeking couples and big groups of friends and family alike, the resort spans 176 suites (starting from 840 square feet) and 126 villas (the largest surpassing 10,500 square feet). The design mood is modern minimalist, with open-concept living spaces, sleek furnishings and nods to heritage architecture; villa courtyards, for instance, take inspiration from ones found in a traditional Vietnamese house. Features vary by suite or villa but are meant to maximize lounging inside and out: think deep-soaker tubs, kitted-out terraces and private infinity pools.

The dining

For guests who never plan to stray outside the resort, there will be six restaurants and bars (two of which will open midsummer). Menus offer everything from Japanese-French cuisine (the forthcoming main venue, Oku, will include an “omakase atelier” and “salon de boeuf”) to barbecued duck pho and dim sum (Rice Market), casual pizzas and pastas (Ocean Club), and gin cocktails (Fu Bar).

The extra amenities

The on-site spa specializes in treatments both classic and out of the ordinary, including a massage inspired by tam quat (the traditional Vietnamese method), and psammotherapy (hot sand therapy) on a cocooning quartz bed. Hit the Technogym-equipped gym whenever the mood strikes (it’s open 24 hours), or time your yoga practice on the rooftop or outdoor pavilions with golden hour. Family-friendly features also include the Regent Kids club, with play areas for children four to 12, and an on-request babysitting service.

The nearby sights

Besides all the white-sand beaches, you’ll find the diversions typical of a tropical destination: snorkelling, diving, exploring quiet fishing villages, boating around the island’s southern archipelago. The relative bustle of the main town, Duong Dong, is also just about a half-hour drive north of the resort.