Find Your Spirit Animal at JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

As the “Year of the Snake” slides ever closer, Bill Bensley’s unique collection of luxurious villas will transport explorers on a zoological journey into the realm of reptiles, mammals and sea creatures

Find Your Spirit Animal at JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
As the world welcomes the “Year of the Snake”, guests can experience stylish stays in a beautiful three-bedroom villa

Phu Quoc Vietnam, 5 December 2024 – What is your spirit animal? As the world looks ahead to the “Year of the Snake” in 2025, you may feel a closer connection to the realm of reptiles: smart, eloquent, creative and caring. Or perhaps you feel a kinship to the planet’s mammals, an affinity with our feathered friends in the skies above, or maybe the glistening ocean beckons you to dive into the domain of fish?

At JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, a reimagined mythical French university nestled between tropical jungles, turquoise seas and bright skies on Vietnam’s precious “Pearl Island”, every guest can immerse themselves in the world of their spirit animal. Lamarck University, which is said to have thrived between 1880 and 1940, advanced the study of native species and the endemic wildlife of Indochina. Within this center of learning, a collection of highly original and exclusive villas, brilliantly brought to life by Bill Bensley, are inspired by the colors of nature and the animal kingdom, empowering every visitor to discover a deep connection with nature.

As Vietnam slides seamlessly into the “Year of the Snake”, families and friends can come together and celebrate Lunar New Year, or Tet, amid the sky blue hues of the Department of Herpetologie. This exquisite three-bedroom villa depicts the many wonderful reptiles that call Phu Quoc home, including several species of snake. With three beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, a generous living area ideal for entertaining, multiple outdoor spaces and panoramic views, these evocative villas seamlessly blend sophisticated design with complete comfort.

Find Your Spirit Animal at JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Inspired by the university_s Department of Herpetologie, the three-bedroom villa is decorated with images of local reptiles and snakes

Alternatively, the Department of Mammalogie is an exquisite one-bedroom villa, perfect for couples who want to unwind in luxury and elegance. With 180 square meters of light-filled, turquoise-hued living space, curious explorers can cool off in private pools and feel inspired by the lush tropical hills that surround the resort. The sense of discovery is elevated by the monochrome images that line the walls, depicting the diverse mammalian species that once roamed the surrounding forests – and in some cases, such as macaques, otters, and fruit bats, can still be found in Phu Quoc today.

Find Your Spirit Animal at JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Bill Bensley’s beautiful one-bedroom villa is inspired by the colors and creatures of the ocean

Gazing out towards the resort’s lush, natural gardens, the Department of Oceanographie is a dazzling jade villa which was formerly committed to the study of aquatic creatures. From ancient ammonites and fossilized shells that trace Phu Quoc’s ancient history, to the present day creatures that reside offshore, such as crabs, lobsters and sea snails, these vibrant one-bedroom villas bathe guests in the wonders of the ocean. Amid these centers of learning, couples can relax and reconnect with each other in complete peace and serenity, with bright colonial-style interiors and stylish furnishings such as four-poster beds, tiled floors and white shuttered windows.

The underwater world also comes to life in the three-bedroom villas, which are inspired by the university’s former Department of Ichtyologie, dedicated to the biological science and research of fish. These breathtaking 400-square meter residences are blessed with aquatic Tiffany blue interiors that seem to flow with waves of grace and beauty. Up to six loved ones can experience unparalelled tranquility with private outdoor terraces and plunge pools.

Find Your Spirit Animal at JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Inspired by the university’s Department of Ichtyologie, the three-bedroom villa is adorned with images of fishes

Within each of these stunning sanctuaries, guests can learn about the animals displayed within Bill Bensley’s interior design through pen & ink stetches, descriptive images, artistic installations and even a series of QR codes that can be scanned to reveal further information about each zoological subject.

For the ultimate escape, the spectacular seven-bedroom Lamarck House is Phu Quoc’s most sought-after residence. A magnificent white mansion spanning 1,300 square metres of indoor and outdoor space, this palatial villa features art-inspired interiors designed by Bill Bensley, a mesmerising 50-meter-long infinity pool, and breathtaking views of the sunrise over Emerald Bay. With its pink hues reflecting the original university dean’s wife’s love of the color pink, this mansion sets the stage for life’s most special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries and New Year festivities with up to 16 guests.

Find Your Spirit Animal at JW Marriot Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
Spanning 1,300sqm on Phu Quoc_s stunning sunrise coast, Lamarck House is an unparalleled place to stay and celebrate with loved ones

“The heyday of Lamarck University in the late 19th and early 20th Century was an era of great discovery that transformed our understanding of the animal kingdom. Now, we are reviving the culture of scientific scholarship by letting our experience-seeking guests learn about Phu Quoc’s indigenous wildlife in an ambiance of pure luxury. As we move towards the Year of the Snake, this is the perfect time to embrace your spirit animal and celebrate the beauty of nature,” said John Woolley, the university’s newest dean and general manager of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa.

Rates at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa start from US$ 1,104. For more information and to book your inspiring escape in this natural paradise, please click here.

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