Many may have never heard of Phu Quoc. It is a remote island south of the Vietnam coastline and close to the border of Cambodia. With the many new hotels opening there, it is sure to be the next hot destination. Amongst the clutter of newfangled resorts, the Chen Sea Resort and Spa was one of the first luxury hotels there and carved out its own sanctuary on a 300 metre long flawless sand beach with gentle waves.
The Chen Sea in Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam is a gem. A holiday experience for those who appreciate a simplistic and uncomplicated vacation. Guests will find a natural setting on a beautiful beach, spacious and uber comfortable accommodations, and wonderful dining and service.
There’s something special about this place that you’ll pick up as soon as you arrive. The friendly greeting at the lobby, the scene of the manicured gardens past the Olympic sized infinity edge pool. From there the view is of the beach lined with chaise longues and the gentle waves rolling in. Just beyond you’ll see local fishermen passing by with the catch of the day. At dusk, couples congregate on a setting of cushions facing west. The sun begins to set and casts its rays creating a sky of reds, oranges, and purples. It’s a Zen like setting and that just what most of the guests seek out in a holiday.
This is not a trendy hotel with flashy neon colors or gimmicks to get on some magazine’s hot list. They do the basic things that most guests look for in a holiday and they do them very well. The concept of simplicity and cleanliness is the ethos of the resort and evident throughout in the service, design, dining and with each experience there. There are only 36 units spread over 3 hectares so it never feels crowded. This is truly created in the spirit of a boutique hotel, intimate, and special.
The design of the common areas and throughout the resort is simple and uncluttered. Minimalist design of polished concrete, teak wood, terracotta roofing, exposed granite and brick come together to add to the serenity of the resort. Banana trees line the walkway and beautiful flowers and foliage are everywhere.
The accommodations are wonderful as well. The Sea View Villas face the ocean with a wonderful outdoor living space. There is a deep plunge bath outdoors with nothing but a lush garden, lawn, and the beach between you and your loved one and the ocean. The villas are spacious with minimalist décor inspired by the Vietnamese traditions.
The Jacuzzi villa is remarkable as well, being a reclaimed traditional Hoi An home from the turn of the century which was dismantled and rebuilt on the property. Black teak wood with ornate ceiling rafters, a plush king sized bed and the polished concrete floor are simple and soothing. There is a sunken bath and outdoor shower. Each unit has direct views of the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
This is a tropical haven so the indoor space fuses seamlessly into the outdoor space. There is a spacious sitting area perfect for a night cap or a bottle of wine. There is a large sunning deck in perfect privacy and what makes this unit so special is the Jacuzzi of refreshing bubbling water and sitting space. One more aspect to further you along your path of utter relaxation.
This is a resort and spa and they have a wide selection of treatments such as Traditional Vietnamese Body Massage, Thai Traditional Body Massage, Hot Stone Therapy Massage, Beauty Therapy or a Bath Rituals Sensations. There are open air pavilions as well as services provided by the beach, where guests listen to the ocean while the therapist works her magic.
The dining experience here is exquisite as well. The executive chef has worked in some of the finest Italian restaurants in Europe and brings those skills to the resort. The menu is a mixture of Italian, continental and local dishes all imaginative yet respectful of traditional techniques. The seafood is of particular note with the fresh fish and shellfish caught each day and on your plate that night.
What brings the experience all together is the high level of service and attention to detail by the staff. Each are naturally warm and friendly, from the front desk to the restaurant staff and the room attendants. They are led by Olivier Petit , an engaging Frenchman, who is the general manager and is a consummate host. He, like the resort, is a throwback to another time. He has led some of the top hospitality projects around the world and is now in the twilight of his hospitality career. Petit has that old school work ethic that he instills in his staff, which is to focus on the basics of making customers feel valued and giving the utmost in service and care and most importantly to focus on the details.
The Chen Sea Resort is what good vacations used to be. A place to go for a week to relax and rejuvenate on a tropical island. Perhaps to go with a loved one for a honeymoon or to rekindle romance. Where you escape boredom or drudgery back home for quality time in a natural setting overlooking the blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand.
Address: Bai Xep – Ong Lang Hamlet, Cua Duong Village, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province, Vietnam.
Phone: +84 297 3 995 895
