(Phu Quoc, 12 December 2017) – Vietnam's JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is delighted to announce that it has been named the World's Best New Resort in the 2017 edition of the World Travel Awards, crowning a glittering year of accolades and award wins for the new resort. The resort's Alice in Wonderland-inspired Chanterelle - Spa by JW was also named World's Best New Resort Spa in the World Spa Awards, at a glamorous and unprecedented dual Gala Ceremony held at the fantastical new resort on 10 December. This event was not only a moment of celebration for the resort, but also a showcase of both the best of Vietnamese hospitality and the global spa and wellness industry to hundreds of hospitality representatives from around the world.

Pictured (from left to right): Ms. Phoung Mai, Event host; Mr. Le Hong Ha, Executive Vice President, Vietnam Airlines; Mr. Ty Collins, General Manager, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay; Ms. Le Thi Viet Thu, Assistant to General Director, Director to Sun Phu Quoc Limited Liability; Mr. Dang Minh Truong, Vice Chairman, CEO of Sun Group

Pictured (from left to right): Mr. Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Group; Mr. Ty Collins, General Manager, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay; Mr. Dang Minh Truong, Vice Chairman, CEO of Sun Group; Ms. Le Thi Viet Thu, Assistant to General Director, Director to Sun Phu Quoc Limited Liability

Having already picked up the prized titles of Asia's Leading New Resort at the World Travel Awards™ Asia & Australasia in June and South East Asia's Top Luxury Emerging Spa in the World Luxury Spa Awards in July, as well as being named Asia's Top Luxury New Hotel and Vietnam's Top Luxury Design Hotel at the World Luxury Travel Awards on 2 December, the five star resort was the natural choice to host the combined World Travel Awards and World Spa Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2017. Presided over by the Chairman of the resort's owners, Sun Group, this unique twin celebration was an unprecedented opportunity to bring together the elite of the international hospitality and wellness industries, and saw the resort welcome over 250 high profile industry guests, government luminaries and media from across the region and around the world.

“As a fantastic first year of award wins for our new resort draws to a close we are extremely proud and honoured be recognised by the World Travel Awards and the World Spa Awards, which is a testament to our efforts in creating enriching experiences for JW Marriott in a remarkable setting. It has been a pleasure to host both the 24th annual World Travel Awards Grand Final and the third annual World Spa Awards,” said Ty Collins, General Manager at JW Marriott Phu Quoc.

“An incredible resort that is a destination unto itself, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay embodies the academic narrative across its enriching experiences of true luxury. As host of the two prestigious events, it was a great honor to have been a part of this celebration with hospitality leaders all over the globe. We greatly enjoyed celebrating the pinnacle of both the global tourism and spa industry during the spectacular Gala Ceremony event at our resort and I would like to extend our deepest gratitude on behalf of my team to our guests, our owning company as well as WTA and WSA team who have supported us in creating such successful events .”

Renowned for its picture-perfect white beaches and fuchsia sunsets, Phu Quoc is a secluded island trove off the south coast of Vietnam. A whimsical property on this idyllic island's 'ice cream' beach, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay was conceptualised by celebrated architect Bill Bensley and features a unique, larger-than-life design based on the fictional narrative of a mythical academy of learning, Lamarck University.

The resort is a unique paradise offering guests five-star luxury with an exceptionally creative twist at every turn, thanks to Bensley's tall tale of Lamarck University, told throughout the resort to conjure a truly harmonious aesthetic. An evolution in the architectural style, from its supposed beginnings in the 1880s through to the 1940s, ensures that resort feels like a campus of individual boutique-scale buildings developed over time, rather than a large resort, with each modelled after an academic department. For instance, the best spot for cocktails is The Department of Chemistry; the Department of Physical Education is the place to go for sports and fitness enthusiasts; while the main hub of the resort, Rue De Lamarck, is a bustling boulevard where boutique shops, traditional entertainment and cafés can be found.

Lining Emerald Bay, the resort's 237 spacious and beautifully appointed rooms, suites, villas and houses all boast beautiful views across a typically verdant Vietnamese landscape and the pristine white sands of the resort's beach. Here guests can enjoy one of the 'University's' extracurricular activities: snorkel among bustling coral reefs, depart on boating excursions to get those wanderlust-inducing Vietnamese island pictures, or enjoy kayaking along the rugged coastline. For days when only a sun lounger and a good book will do there are also three pools. 

The resort's award-winning flagship spa, Chanterelle – Spa by JW, offers an unconventional guest journey that references Alice in Wonderland to create an unparalleled experience in an imaginative space. Purported to have started life as the legendary former university's Department of Mycology, the spa interiors play on the unique theme of mushrooms. Chanterelle – Spa by JW is replete with fungiform furnishings, hand-painted murals of flora and fauna, and framed biological illustrations of mushrooms displayed across the tall ceilings, which emphasise the fantastical surroundings. Bensley also took inspiration from the childhood fable to create a corridor of asymmetric curves and mirrors, echoing the scene where Alice falls down the rabbit hole.

Established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry, the World Travel Awards is globally recognised as the ultimate hallmark of quality. Launched in 2015, the World Spa Awards are designed to drive standards in spa and wellness tourism by rewarding leaders in the field.

Save 15 per cent on accommodation rates at JW Marriott Phu Quoc when booking a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Prices start from £2,029 per person based on two adults sharing an Emerald Bay View Room for seven nights on a bed and breakfast basis, including flights and private transfers. This offer represents a saving of up to £360 per person and is valid for travel completed by 31 October 2018. Book with Western & Oriental (020 3588 6130, www.westernoriental.com).

For more information visit: www.jwmarriottphuquoc.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jwmarriottphuquoc

-Ends-

About JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay

Nestled in the pristine beach of Bai Khem, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is the proud flagship of JW Marriott Hotels and Resorts in Vietnam. JW Marriott Phu Quoc offers a selection of 244 artistically unique well-appointed rooms, suites, and villas with Bill Bensely's whimsical touches blend harmoniously. Boasting of 5 restaurants and contemporary bars, the crafted dining experience will satisfy even the most discerning palate including Tempus Fugit, French & Co., Red Rum, Pink Pearl and the Department of Chemistry bar. Meetings are redefined in this destination 715 sqm Grand Ballroom, with spacious breakout rooms elegantly designed to suit every need.  A wide range of enriching experiences are waiting to be explored, from cultural events, artisanal shopping experiences, ultimate indulgence at Chanterelle-Spa by JW, to water activities at the resort's private beachfront. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pqcjw-jw-marriott-phu-quoc-emerald-bay-resort-and-spa/ 

About JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to sophisticated, self-assured travelers seeking The JW Treatment™ – the brand's philosophy that true luxury is created by people who are passionate about what they do. JW hotels offer crafted experiences that bring to life the brand's commitment to highly choreographed, anticipatory service and modern residential design, allowing guests to pursue their passions and leave even more fulfilled than when they arrived. Today there are more than 80 JW Marriott hotels in over 25 countries. JW Marriott is proud to participate in the industry's award-winning loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®. Members can now link accounts with Starwood Preferred Guest® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  

About World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards celebrates its 24th anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade. Attended by senior executives from major travel companies, operators, destinations, WTA events are universally respected as providing established, top level networking opportunities, regionally and globally. The brand aims to celebrate those organisations who push the boundaries of industry excellence. Find out more at www.worldtravelawards.com.

About World Spa Awards

World Spa Awards was developed in reaction to overwhelming demand from the spa industry for a programme that was fair and transparent. A programme with a mission to serve as the definitive benchmark of excellence, and to help to foster a new era of growth in spa tourism. For the full low-down, please visit worldspaawards.com.

For more information or to discuss feature ideas and press trips please contact:

Kerry Skinner (kerry@bacall.net), Nat Frogley (nat@bacall.net) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@bacall.net)

Bacall Associates, tel: +44 (0) 8704 288 401