Dreaming of a tropical escape? The Radisson Blu Phu Quoc is pure island luxury with ocean view suites in a 5 star resort. It is perfect for couples or families wanting a relaxing stay. Come along as we explore the hotel.
Phu Quoc is Vietnam's largest island located in South Western Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand. Also called Pearl Island, it it is a 40 minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City. This teardrop shaped island is known for its beaches, mountains and hiking trails as well as Vin Wonders, a Disneyland-esque theme park and the Venetian themed Grand World plus a wonderful range of fresh seafood. Since 2014 it is the only area of Vietnam to offer a visa free entry to tourists.
It's late when Mr NQN and I arrive in Phu Quoc after a flight from Sydney to Saigon and then a short domestic flight from Saigon to Phu Quoc international airport. Our home for our stay in Phu Quoc is at the Radisson Blu. The 5 star Radisson Blu is an upmarket tier just under Radisson Collection and focuses on luxury and service. There are 514 rooms, suites and pool villas here and we are staying in the main building in a suite.
Most hotels look best during the day when the sun shines and illuminates rooms and pools but even late at night I can tell this is a gorgeous, expansive resort. At this late hour we make our way upstairs to our sea view suite which is a 90 square metre suite with a separate living room and a large king bedroom and a WC as well as an en suite bathroom. The living room opens up to a balcony with a view of the pool below. The style of the suite is pure Disney princess with gold and cream swirls and antique style mirrored furniture.
The bedroom has a wonderfully comfortable king bed with smooth, cooling sheets and a desk to work at. A large tv sits opposite the bed. I love the little touches like the fresh blue, pink and red roses and hydrangeas in each room. There is a mini bar with a coffee machine and tea bags to make tea and coffee in the room.
The bathroom is spacious with a separate bathtub and shower and double sinks with plenty of room to spread out toiletries. There's a makeup mirror and full sized amenities in lovely floral scents and a comprehensive amenity kit. I also love the super soft, silky robes that are perfectly suited for this warmer weather.
At this late hour, we reach for the phone to get some room service. We order some caramelised prawns with rice, grilled lemongrass chicken on sticks and a tom yum soup that are all absolutely delicious along with some fresh watermelon and orange juice before falling asleep for a sound 8 hours.
The next morning we wake up early as we are still on Sydney time. Breakfast here finishes at a very reasonable 11am so there's no need to rush. We head downstairs to Avenue restaurant and grab one of the comfortable semi circular booths and help ourselves to the comprehensive buffet breakfast.
There is everything from omelettes, fresh fruit, pho noodle soups (with versions from North and South Vietnam), pastries, steamed dumplings and a Korean and Indian selection. You can also make yourself a Vietnamese Coffee or use the coffee machine to make a cappuccino, Americano or latte.
Lunch is at the Annex restaurant with its floral panelled walls. We start with frozen lychee and avocado smoothies (both delicious and true in flavour). They bring out a complimentary bread basket with butter, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and Sriracha mayonnaise.
We are having a light lunch today we had a late breakfast. The classic banh mi is filled with char siu pork slices, tomato, cucumber, herbs and mayonnaise and carrot with a salad and chips on the side. This is a good size- I recommend asking for extra pickles and chilli.
We also try the crab cakes that are made with crab meat and seasoned minced pork that are wrapped into square parcels and deep fried. These are served with vermicelli, lettuce leaves and nuoc mam dipping sauce to fashion into a tasty, crunchy wrap.
For a hotel this size there is a whole program of activities during the day and night including complimentary activities like SUP, snorkelling, shuttlecock, beach volleyball, beach football and walking on stilts.
There are also paid activities like fishing with nets, art drawing, tea time as well as cooking and mixology classes. There's also a separate program of activities for kids.
On Fridays, the Radisson also has a complimentary self serve afternoon tea just near the Annex restaurant. Between 3-4pm guests can help themselves to tea and coffee and a selection of sweets.
That evening the Radisson Phu Quoc has arranged for a romantic dinner. Originally it was meant to be on the beach but since there is a high chance of rain our dinner is moved to the patio of Annex restaurant which we have all to ourselves. The staff are very friendly and accommodating.
We start with burrata with curls of prosciutto, rocket, basil and a balsamic dressing. The burrata is enormous and could we shared it between two but we have one each. I split it open and the luscious cream curds spill out.
I love soups when I travel and this seafood chowder is an upmarket version of a classic, chunky soup. The soup is creamy but still has the aroma of a bisque. On top there is an edible leaf garnish hiding finely chopped carrots and prawns. I grab some of the soft focaccia bread to mop up every last drop of this delicious soup.
Our main course is a grilled Australian beef tenderloin with king prawn with dabs of mashed potato, edamame and cherry tomatoes. The steak melts in our mouth and is perfect cooked medium rare. What is nice is that the meal is absolutely delicious but also doesn't go on for a long time as the staff sense that we are tired from our day at Vin Wonders (story to come soon).
And for dessert it is a tiramisu coffee cake with a coffee cake topped with mascarpone cream finished with matcha powder on top and fresh fruit on the side. We sleep deeply excited about our following day's adventure to Vinwonders theme park.
Coming up: exploring more of Phu Quoc and Vinwonders world!
So tell me Dear Reader, have you ever visited Phu Quoc? Does getting visas play a factor when choosing a destination?
NQN and Mr NQN stayed in Phu Quoc as a guest of Radisson Hotels but all opinions remain her own.
Radisson Blu Phu Quoc
https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-phu-quoc
Phone: +84 297 3660 000
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