Review: Regent Phu Quoc - how does it compare to the other shiny resorts on the island?

The Hotel

Joining a number of star-studded resorts in Phu Quoc is the new luxury beachfront resort, The Regent, which made its presence known amongst Vietnam’s coterie of who’s who when it quietly but steadily opened its doors in late 2021.

Set within weekend-trip distance (a mere 35-minute flight by Vietnam Airlines, VietJet or Bamboo Air starting from approx. 53 usd round trip) of Saigon, the impressive 2000 sqm all-suites-and-villas property (176 suites and 126 villas) boasts a private infinity pool in every room, three contemporary restaurants spanning Vietnamese fare to chef’s counter Omakase, a rooftop yoga pavilion and complimentary water activities like sailing and kayaking that appeal to both the discerning and the intrepid traveller visiting the island.

A mere 15-minute drive from the airport (courtesy of the Regent Phu Quoc airport meet-and-greet service which we highly recommend) transports you to the grand entrance of the mega-resort bedecked in lush green nature, Koi fish ponds and infinity pools (of course). Shortly after, we’re served a refreshing towel, welcome drink and snack (strawberry white chocolate madeline) in the lobby, which was a much-welcomed gesture after escaping the hustle and bustle (and humidity!) of Saigon.

The Rooms

After check-in, we were taken up to our room by Linh, one of the reception staff - a sky pool villa via the elevators.

The villa unfolded into a gorgeous open plan living room with large plush sofas, perfect for winding down after activities in the sun, and of course, our very own private infinity pool.

*Our private infinity pool overlooking the sea*

*Full-size kitchen fully equipped with an oven, dishwasher and even a Nespresso Coffee Machine and bartending kit*

Connected to the sitting space was a fully equipped kitchen, fitted out with a full-size fridge, cooking hob, prep island, and even a dishwasher. The sleek and modern kitchen comes stocked with a ‘refreshment gallery’, where complementary delicious drinks (alcoholic and non) and snacks (crisps, locally produced chocolates, dried fruits, and more) were provided and replenished daily.

*Complimentary chocolates using local Vietnamese cocoa beans*

The bedroom featured a king bed plump with pillows (there was also an extensive pillow menu should you wish to personalise your sleep time), which opened up to a spacious bathroom.

THE BATHROOM

We especially loved the ‘his and hers’ or in our case ‘hers and hers’ dual vanity sinks, where along with a spacious shower, and a lavish bathtub, guests are provided with a spa-like atmosphere to unwind and rejuvenate in style. There was also a gorgeous bath tub if you needed more soaking after a dip in the private pool.

Floor to ceiling panes lined the living room and bedroom with sliding doors opening up to our private infinity pool and cabana. The cool inviting waters beckon you to take a dip whilst enjoying the view of the sea on the southwest coast of Vietnam.
Private infinity pool in our one-bedroom suite

*Enjoying sunset views from our private infinity pool*

Perfect for a girls’ trip or a couple’s retreat, the one-bedroom sky villa provides a serene and relaxing environment; whilst for families, the Regent also has wonderfully appointed two, three, and even four-bedroom villas resplendent with private pools.

THE FOOD AND DRINK

Days start at Rice Market, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant furnished with distinctively Indochine design elements and architecture - bamboo lightwood furnishing, colourful lanterns as well as darkwood pillars - all set against lush greenery.

The breakfast menu spans from Asian delights - Vietnamese Pho and Taiwanese beef noodles - to cheese and charcuterie spreads and a must-visit dedicated room filled with fresh baked goods.

For lunch and dinner, Vietnamese contemporary fare comes to the fore with dishes like Quang Ngai Rice Paper Rolls using dry beef (390k) and Blue crab fried rice with Tobiko (390k). Though, if you’re craving for something more familiar like Bun Bo Hue (480k), Bun Cha Hanoi (480k) or perhaps Coconut Coffee (150k) - they’ve also got you covered. Another must during lunch at Rice Market is the live ‘Guqin’ performance in the middle of the restaurant!

Besides the all-day dining, indulge in all things seafood and Mediterranean at Regent’s beachside Balearic-inspired Ocean Club, which has both indoor and outdoor seating inside the infinity pool (yes, you can dine while enjoying a dip against stunning views of the ocean).

Here, seafood is the name of the game, so definitely opt for one of the three-tiered Seafood Towers (starting from 4,200k) - cold or barbecued - and tuck into a generous selection of market-fresh scallops, oysters, river prawns, crawfish, caviar and Phu Quoc squid paired with coconut and cilantro sauce, lemon butter herbs and golden chilli sauce.

*Ocean Club’s signature seafood tower featuring market fresh seafood from Phu Quoc - squid, clams, prawns, caviar, crawfish and the like*

For those craving some meat, you won’t regret the Australian Wagyu beef burger with seared foie gras, caramelised onion, cheddar cheese and truffle mayonnaise (690k) - one of our favourites at the resort.

At sunset, head up to Fu Bar, the Regent’s rooftop gin bar where you can have a dip in the infinity pool while sipping on one of the bar’s signature Vietnamese craft gin-based cocktails featuring well-loved brands like Lady Trieu, Song Cai and Royal Sedang, a gin distilled in France using local Vietnamese herbs and spices.

*For gin geeks, there’s even a dedicated mini Vietnamese craft gin display at the bar so here I am with the gin display!*

Wellness and sports activities

If you can tear yourself away from the private pool and refreshment gallery, catch a ride from the resort’s electric buggies to the beach and watersports area. We were captivated by the sheer beauty of the beach the moment we set foot on their pristine and powdery white beach with gentle blue waves lapping the shore.

There are free-to-play games, such as volleyball, basketball, and archery right on the shore. Just pick up the equipment and have a blast! We chose to head to the watersports hut to try our hand at windsurfing and kayaking.

*Sunset kayaking with our instructor, Hoang, at Regent’s private beach. PS, selected water sports (like this one) are complimentary for all resort guests!*

*Sunscreen, lifejackets, sparkling water from Lavie and all around friendly smiles - everything you need for an afternoon filled with fun water activities!*

The Regent’s team of friendly and experienced staff are there to provide you with cool water, towels, suncream, and even to instruct you on how to do the water activities. Hoang took us on our first ever sailing experience, feeling the sun kiss our skin as the azure waters shimmered beneath us, it was a highlight of the holiday.

*The ‘Reset Room’ where we had a sound bath meditation session with our instructor, Thompson*

After expending energy in the sun, we retreated back to the hotel for an intimate sound bath meditation session. Nestled in the ‘reset room’ on the 8th floor of the Ocean Wing, the meditation corner was next to a fully equipped gym. Both were next to a large lap pool with stunning views of the ocean. Led by an experienced practitioner Thompson, we began a journey with the power of sound. The gentle hum of the singing crystal bowls enveloped us and eased our minds from the chatter of daily life

THE VERDICT

Having been to Phu Quoc multiple times (three times to be exact), The Regent is perfect for couples and families who have been to the island before and are perhaps looking for a peaceful, private and quiet respite by the beach. Considering its newness and furtive location on the island, it’s definitely one of the more exclusive and private resorts on the island privy to but a few.

Website: https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/