JW Marriott Phu Quoc celebrates journey elevating leisure experiences with iconic 'Lamarck University'

JW Marriott Phu Quoc celebrates its seven-year journey of elevating leisure experiences with the iconic “Lamarck University”

With the one-of-a-kind “Lamarck University," the resort is constantly innovating to enhance the experience for guests in 2024.

A destination where a thousand stories unfold

Perhaps every guest will be surprised and delighted when they first set foot at JW Marriott Phu Quoc and become a 'student' enjoying a 'dream semester' of “Lamarck University” - a sophisticated and enchanting design by world-famous architect Bill Bensley.

Inspired by the story of the mythical 19^th century French university named after renowned naturalist Jean Baptiste Lamarck, each space of JW Marriott Phu Quoc tells a wonderful story in a treasure trove of the heritage of Lamarck.

The buildings are named after university departments; the reception area used to be the Dean’s library; and the stylish Pink Pearl restaurant used to be the mansion of Madame Pearl - the first Dean’s second wife.

Every corner is imprinted with Bensley's unique characteristics where he poured in all his visual passions, and breathed vivid stories into them.

John Woolley, general manager of JW Marriott Phu Quoc said, “Over the past 24 years, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work for Marriott International in different important roles in many places all over the world. However, holding both the positions of general manager and dean of Lamarck University at JW Marriott Phu Quoc is a unique challenge for me.”

“This combination allows me, along with my team to have a new and inspiring perspective to enrich the experience that subtly resonates with the legacy of Lamarck University and the sustainable values of the JW Marriott brand.”

In the 7-year journey of bringing hospitality services to the Pearl Island, JW Marriott Phu Quoc has achieved worthy achievements in Vietnam and overseas. Along with the award of being such the most luxurious beach resort in Vietnam, it has received prestigious global awards, such as 'World's Top 50 Best Resorts' in 2017, 'World's Leading Luxury Resorts and Spas' in 2020, and 'World’s Best JW Marriott Resort’ in 2022.

“In 2024, we will continue to uphold the core values of JW Marriott Phu Quoc and aim to enhance, innovate, and enrich experiential activities with a dedicated team and thoughtful services," said Woolley.

Elevate the art of leisure with mindfulness experiences

With the position and reputation of a leading luxury resort in the region, JW Marriott Phu Quoc is renewing itself through novel experiences. In particular, is a focus on mindfulness experiences that are integrated into every aspect of the guest experience, such as the JW Garden – which helps immerse guests in nature, or Family by JW - experiences that connect family members.

“We strive to make these activities intimate and personal, providing guests with a safe space to explore on their own,” Woolley shared.

Promisingly in 2024, the resort will transform its department of chemistry bar into a vibrant beachfront club, designed to be a dynamic and inclusive space, where guests can effortlessly connect with their loved ones, aligning with the JW Marriott brand's core value of bringing people together.

To start the new year in grand style, during the Lunar New Year from February 10–17, JW Marriott Phu Quoc introduces the special event "The Luxury Intersection."

The event will gather talented chefs from two of the most luxurious hotels in the Asia-Pacific region, JW Marriott Hotel Seoul and The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, cooperating with JW Marriott Phu Quoc to create a classy culinary experience, offering guests a sophisticated journey through flavours and cultural heritage imbued with Asian influences.

Always focusing on sustainable development

In his new term at JW Marriott Phu Quoc, Woolley and the entire team continue to preserve and strongly develop the resort as a sustainable operational resort, and in adhering to the inherent good core values of the JW Marriott and Lamarck University brands.

The resort’s human resources strategy aligns seamlessly with the core value of “Putting People First” a principle shared across Marriott International.

“We prioritise our associates through continuous training, inspiration, and recognition, facilitated by various dedicated tools and platforms, such as 'JW Symphony of Service’ - a key element of the talent strategy that gives our associates guidance on how to elevate JW service to a luxury level, exceeding the expectations of discerning guests,” said Woolley.

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