JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa

A spanking-new hotel on Vietnam's largest island lifts the standard of luxury.

You could join a Vietnamese martial-arts class or sign up for boot camp. Or, if you’re after something less strenuous, you could learn to cook or make lanterns. But to really appreciate the slower pace of life on Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, all you have to do is open the window, lie on your four-poster bed and admire the sweeping sea views. The guestrooms at this spanking-new retreat are decadent, with a palette that ranges from turquoise and deep red to calming lime and blue. But creature comforts remain standard; separate sitting areas feature in the bedrooms, while the marble bathrooms have oversized baths and fluffy robes. Hard as it may be, do try to leave your room. There are three restaurants to experience – our favourite is Pink Pearl, for its exquisite Cantonese cuisine – and one great spa, where each of the eight treatment rooms has its own rainforest shower, steam room and sauna. marriott.com.au