A place where you want to be.

If you&rsquo;ve spent any time scrolling through social media, especially <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lofficielmalaysia">TikTok</a>, you&rsquo;ve probably noticed that Phu Quoc is having a major moment. Your For You Page is likely flooded with videos of travellers soaking in the island&rsquo;s stunning scenery and pristine beaches, indulging in some seriously drool-worthy Vietnamese cuisine. And honestly, it&rsquo;s hard not to get hooked. Phu Quoc, the largest of the 105 islands that make up Vietnam&rsquo;s UNESCO-recognised Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, boasts a perfect blend of <a href="https://www.lofficielmalaysia.com/issues/cover-story-get-personal-with-nia-atasha-feat-dior-cruise">natural beauty</a>, rich biodiversity and historical landmarks. But the island&rsquo;s appeal doesn&rsquo;t stop there &mdash; it&rsquo;s perched along the breathtaking Gulf of Thailand, where you&rsquo;ll also find the <a href="https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com">Regent Phu Quoc</a>, a luxury resort that marked the brand&rsquo;s debut in Southeast Asia after being acquired by IHG Hotels &amp; Resorts in 2018.

(Image credit: press)

A quick flight of 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur lands you on this island paradise, where your arrival feels like stepping into a different world. As the sleek, chauffeur-driven black Mercedes I got picked up in cruises through the quiet streets, you can still sense the island&rsquo;s roots as a humble fishing village. There&rsquo;s an effortless calm in the air, reflected in the people&rsquo;s laid-back pace of life. The Regent Phu Quoc, though striking in its modernity, seamlessly blends into the landscape. Muted ambient lighting guides you up the steps toward two expansive lobby areas where contemporary Vietnamese art meets tradition. At the heart of this sophisticated space is a show-stopping installation by Czech designer Lasvit, Charming Deeps, a hand-blown crystal piece that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Phu Quoc. The journey continues as I&rsquo;m escorted past tranquil koi ponds and shimmering water features to the Sky Pool Villa, where the sense of serenity makes it feel like you&rsquo;ve truly escaped to another world.

<div>The villa exudes a vibe that says, &ldquo;I want to escape, but not completely unplug,&rdquo; making it a dream setup for digital nomads and remote workers. The moment you step inside, it&rsquo;s hard to miss how effortlessly contemporary design merges with distinctive Vietnamese elements, all tied together with a calming colour palette. High-tech features are woven seamlessly into the kitchen, living room, bathroom and even the poolside area on the sprawling balcony. But amidst the sleek decor, you&rsquo;ll find touches of tradition &mdash; delicate lacquer work with duck eggshell inlays and a classic wooden truss system, known as the Bovi, which nods to Vietnam&rsquo;s rich craftsmanship and architectural heritage. Throughout the space, hand-woven abaca wall coverings juxtapose the dark natural stone floors, while the neutral tones in the d&eacute;cor and accents create a harmonious, balanced atmosphere. It&rsquo;s a villa where modern luxury and cultural authenticity coexist in perfect harmony. </div>

At Phu Quoc, culinary options are as diverse as the guests themselves, with three restaurants and five bars ready to cater to any craving. Start with Rice Market, the all-day dining spot that mixes Western classics with authentic Asian fare. Here, you&rsquo;ll find everything from steaming bowls of pho to other Vietnamese specialities, plus eight live stations dishing out international flavours. Lunch and dinner offer a chef-curated &agrave; la carte and cocktail menu, making it a lively dining experience. For those after beachside vibes, Ocean Club serves up Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a side of sea views. Do yourself a favour and try the grilled squid and pho &mdash; the squid is perfectly tender and flavourful, while the pho has that cosy richness that keeps you coming back for more. Oku, on the other hand, is all about French-Japanese fine dining, led by former Nobu chef Andy Huynh, adding a refined twist to the lineup. Meanwhile, Bar Jade, a hidden speakeasy, crafts custom cocktails inspired by gemstones. And the ultimate highlight? Sipping a cocktail at the rooftop Fu Bar as the sun sinks over the horizon &mdash; an unforgettable experience that feels like the crown jewel of the resort.

As if everything else weren&rsquo;t already sublime enough, the spa is truly the cherry on top. For those looking to recharge after a long journey, we recommend the Tam Quat Reviver, a Vietnamese massage that blends kneading and rhythmic clapping techniques to release muscle tension and improve circulation. Beyond body therapies, the spa also delivers an impressive range of facials powered by Biologique Recherche, as well as pedicures and manicures by Bastien Gonzalez. With restorative treatments that cover every indulgence, this is the place to let go and dive into full-on relaxation. The glistening expanse of the ocean isn&rsquo;t just for admiring; it&rsquo;s a playground for water sports like bodyboarding, dinghy sailing, sea kayaking, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. But the crown jewel? The sunset cruise drifts around the island each evening. Guests can lounge on deck, champagne in hand, snacking on canap&eacute;s while soaking up panoramic views.

<div>With luxury and personalised service as top priorities, Regent Phu Quoc offers an indulgent escape where guests can unwind from the hustle of daily life in an effortlessly chic beachfront haven. And upon checkout, the only question left will be how soon you can make it back.</div>

Modern-day luxury and old-world elegance merge effortlessly at the Regent Phu Quoc

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