The first thing that came to mind the moment I stepped through the doors of Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc was that the property lived up to its name. Heavy rain had belted down on us at the airport and I was eager to escape from the weather.
Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc did not disappoint. The warm greeting from hotel staff and the grandness of the hotel interior—complete with a world-class complex of dining, shopping, and entertainment experiences—welcomed us with a sense of resplendence and served as a pleasant respite from the downpour outside.
Anyone stepping into the hotel can tell that Phu Quoc holds a special place in Wyndham Hotels and Resorts’ heart. The world’s largest hotel franchisor just opened the doors of not only their largest Wyndham Grand hotel in the world, but their biggest Wyndham Garden hotel as well in September 2023. The former boasts 1,378 rooms and 21 newly constructed villas slated to open later in the year, while the latter accommodates 921 rooms on the property. And the good news is, both hotels are in our South-east Asian neighbourhood, on the biggest island in Vietnam.
It is no wonder the hotel franchisor set up their biggest Grand and Garden hotels in Phu Quoc. In the Gulf of Thailand, this slice of paradise is nicknamed “Pearl Island” because of its gleaming white sand beaches. Time Magazine hailed it as one of the most amazing islands in the world in 2021. More recently, Condé Nast Traveler named it as one of the top islands of the year in their 2023 Readers’ Choice Award for a second year running.
I had heard of Phu Quoc prior to the opening of Wyndham Grand and Garden, but never thought of visiting. After all, Singaporeans sometimes forget how good we have it for beachside and resort getaways. With well-loved destinations like Bali and Phuket right in our backyard, it is sometimes easy to overlook other idyllic islands less travelled. About an hour away by plane from Ho Chi Minh City, the island provides a great seaside respite for those looking to get away from Vietnam’s bustling former capital. It is also part of the UNESCO Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, which directly protects land, water and natural resources while also functioning as a cultural protector by integrating traditional knowledge into the management of the ecosystem.
Why is it then that Phu Quoc does not seem to be as popular as other South-east Asia beach destinations among tourists? “Phu Quoc is an emerging destination that hasn’t been commercialised to the extent other leisure destinations have,” Ben Schumacher, Vice President of Operations South East Asia & Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, explains. “Its natural beauty, value for money, and wide array of attractions and activities will resonate with Singaporeans looking for a South-east Asian escape.”
He continues, “The natural beauty of Phu Quoc bodes well for its appeal as a wellness destination, capable of catering to guests’ physical and mental wellbeing.” It is therefore no surprise that Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc takes inspiration from an oasis under the sea, offering a distinctive, escapist experience.
Touring the property during our time there, I realised that large does not even cover the scale of the entire estate. The hotel has its own ecosystem nestled within the property’s sprawling complex, so much so that you don’t even need to leave to experience a vast array of different activities.
Take food. Foodies who are looking to eat their way through Phu Quoc already have many options available in the hotel—seven restaurants and bars serving cuisines like Chinese and Italian. You can even pop over to Wyndham Garden Phu Quoc for more options. Seafest Restaurant offers a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese and international flavours. Guests seeking a much needed mental recharge will have direct access to the picturesque Bai Dai Beach, an outdoor pool shaped like an oasis, and a tranquil spa in lush greenery. I was pleased to see facilities like a sauna with an indoor jacuzzi and an outdoor pool available for guests inside the spa, on top of massages and natural therapies you can get. For those looking for other ways to escape the hustle and bustle of life, there’s also the Corona Casino, indoor cinema, theatre, and shopping street—all within the hotel.
Believe it or not, this is only the beginning of your journey through Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc’s immense complex. Guests looking for something interesting can visit Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc, which is also within the hotel’s complex and just a shuttle away from the hotel lobby. My visit to the safari was a highlight. I journeyed through the park in the safari’s bus and saw animals—both native and non-native to Vietnam—up close and personal, roaming around the compound.
There is also an amusement park on the property for thrill seekers, complete with a sizable aquarium and rides for adults and children. For those who just want to soak in the atmosphere, Grand World Phu Quoc is at your doorstep (pictured below), letting you marvel at European-inspired architecture, vibrant festivals, and unique performances.
Unique Performances At Grand World
These activities are all within close vicinity to Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc. It only takes a 10- to 15-minute drive to each location. Shuttles from the hotel can assist guests on their journey across the vast complex, and guests can also book tickets to these attractions at the hotel as well. Wyndham Garden Phu Quoc offers more affordable options for those looking to spend less on accommodation while still having access to the array of activities and experiences.
While Phu Quoc is still seen as an emerging global tourist destination, it is garnering attention from the travel community worldwide. The island welcomed nearly 5.1 million visitors in 2022, an increase of 134 percent from the previous year. The addition of Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc and Wyndham Garden Phu Quoc will elevate the island even further as a domestic and international destination. “International world class brands, world class hotels, and world class service are here, and it’s ready now,” Ben said fondly of the lush island. “We are excited about the next phase of our journey as we move into 2024.”
Clear skies greeted us as we departed Wyndham Grand Phu Quoc on our last day. It was a welcome change from the tropical downpour that had greeted us on our first night. Rain or shine, there is something for everyone to experience in the world’s biggest Wyndham Grand and Garden.
