The first day of school is always daunting. Plenty of unfamiliar faces, a sprawling campus and a schedule to follow. It’s also exciting. The promise of a new experience. The fostering of meaningful relationships. And much to learn. Welcome to the academy, freshie.
The entrance spares no expense. Two colossal iron Phu Quoc Ridgeback dogs symmetrically flank the entry, resting atop the emblazoned gold letters in varsity font: BIENVENUE À TOUS UNIVERSITÉ LEMARCK. Spot a miniature version of the pair along the road in; one amongst the pattern of visual palindromes of animal statues guarding the domain. A giant trophy takes center in a courtyard pond, and the gaze soon follows the college memorabilia adorning the halls.
You are forgiven for believing that the hotel now occupies a former French-colonial boarding school that was abandoned in the 1940s. The embellishments carry such a level of detail—black and white cohort photos, team jerseys of rival institutions, distinguished portraits—that the legacy is almost palpable. The fictional university derives its name from a real-life French naturalist, grounding the storylines behind what is otherwise a highly imaginative concept for a Marriott, or any hotel for that matter.
Those familiar with Bill Bensley’s work would recognise his whimsical touch. Fueled by the desire to push the envelope, Bensley reframed a conventional beach resort to echo the best season of most of our lives: college years. Staff attire resembles faculty uniforms, fashioning them as fellow students rather than teachers. The guest information pamphlet is embodied in a student handbook. Blocks are assigned as departments spanning Ornithology, Ichytyologie, and a slew of other -ologies you’ve never heard of.
Every aspect is so committed to the bit that it’s no longer a bit. Find fun facts according to their respective departments in each lift (did you know the number one killer creature by total death count is the mosquito?). Even the running track features an unmissable Home Vs Away scoreboard. Architecture is distinctly Indochine, but the vibrant paint job viscerally evokes a theme park town. The immaculate upkeep of the grounds, however, does not give away its age.
Like the eclectic mix of written and painted murals (including one quote of Walt Disney himself) dotting the estate, the fitness center is just as extra. Apart from modern machinery, it is spruced with elements of a vintage gymnasium. It’s one of several instagrammable corners that the resort map marks out for your consideration.
The three pools are sensibly free from the kitsch, but their wave-inspired shower areas are a nice touch. All fringing the welcoming views of Khem beach, which can vastly change its hues depending on the weather. It’s no wonder that guests opt for the classic water activities provided spanning paddle boarding, surfing and kayaking.
Three days’ worth of breakfasts was not enough to try everything that was in Tempus Fugit’s incredibly diverse spread. Encompassing the greatest variety of cuisines, the all-day dining still manages to switch up the choices daily. Pho-losophy, its hearty menu that celebrates Vietnam’s famed dish, earns a shoutout for a fantastic rendition incorporating truffle. Savour afternoon tea fresh from French & Co, dine at Red Rum’s ocean-front seating, and continue the revelry at The Department of Chemistry (the bar, of course).
Do save a night for Pink Pearl, arguably the grandest display of the hotel’s mythical narrative. An ode to a second wife that never actually existed, the restaurant has its menu crafted by Chef Olivier Elzer. The 27 Michelin stars to his name and work with industry greats Pierre Gagnaire and Joel Robuchon expresses in a truly stellar French-Mediterranean course. A personal favourite is a brandy “blancmange” of blue lobster tinged with tandoori sauce, bedded under Osciètre and presented in a caviar tin with a pearl shell spoon.
The range of activities at your disposal are cleverly arranged like a timetable. Lantern Room hosts most of them, not limited to, well, lantern-making. If candle creation and other handiworkings are not your thing, there are plenty of outdoor options from cycling to diving. Chanterelle-Spa is a lovely spot to unwind after all that productivity.
Even without indulging in the treatments, the spaces accompanying the steam and sauna rooms are composed with visible care. The peripheral mini shopping street and theatre means you practically don’t have to step out of the resort at all.
But this visa-free, direct-flight island beckons. The shuttle bus conveniently situated outside the main gate takes you to the heart of Phu Quoc’s tourism—Sunset Town. Across the Positano replica is the best panorama of the setting sun framed by a flood of fellow foreigners. Before catching the excessively extravagant evening firework and acrobatic water show, a scenic ride to Sun World Hon Thom on the world’s longest archipelago-crossing cable car is highly recommended.
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