There is a university where the curriculum is all about flavour, and “gastronomic graduation” is the ultimate goal, and it’s right at the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa. This stunning retreat on Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island has been reimagined as the mythical Lamarck University. Here, dining is an academic pursuit, with new menus and experiences to delight and educate your palate.
A Michelin-Starred Masterclass
The first course in this unique culinary education is at Pink Pearl by Oliver E., a breathtaking pink mansion by the sea. Here, you’ll be taught by Chef Oliver Elzer, a culinary master with a staggering 27 Michelin stars to his name. His new French-Mediterranean menus are a masterclass in combining fresh, local ingredients with global influences. You might find yourself savouring the Roasted Phu Quoc Abalone Rossini, a creative East-meets-West fusion, or indulging in the rich flavour of Japanese Wagyu A5 Tenderloin. Dessert is just as educational, with the Jasmine Marou Chocolate, a sweet tribute to Vietnam’s world-class cacao. The elegant setting and impeccable service make this a dining experience that feels like a final exam you’ll actually want to take.
Latin-Inspired Seaside Vibes
For a more vibrant and casual lesson, head to the newly revitalised Red Rum. This beachfront pavilion now offers a bold, Latin American-inspired menu. Think colourful salads, savoury quesadillas, and grilled-to-perfection meats and seafood, all prepared in a lively show kitchen. The real standout, however, is the new Rum Program. You can taste the resort’s own house-infused rums, bottled and blended with local tropical elements, capturing the true spirit of the island in a glass. The extended alfresco lounge, with its panoramic ocean views and refreshing sea breeze, provides the perfect backdrop for this relaxed and flavourful class.
The Art of “Pho-losophy”
Perhaps the most unique course on the curriculum is at Tempus Fugit, where you can delve into the “Pho-losophy” Menu. This is not your typical bowl of pho. It’s a four-course journey that elevates Vietnam’s national dish to an art form. The experience begins with a pho-inspired spring roll, followed by an elegant, truffle-infused short rib pho. It all culminates in a truly surprising finale: a pho dessert made with taro ice cream and coconut & lemongrass syrup. To complete the lesson, there’s even a special Pho Cocktail to sip on. This innovative menu is a testament to the creativity and reverence for tradition that defines the resort’s culinary philosophy.
Mixology in the “Department of Chemistry”
To cap off the day of culinary discovery, the Department of Chemistry Bar awaits. Here, “chemists” mixologists craft cocktails using local herbs and spices sourced directly from the resort’s organic JW Garden. It’s the perfect way to apply your new knowledge and toast to a successful “gastronomic graduation” against the stunning backdrop of Emerald Bay. The bar offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, where every drink is a carefully measured concoction designed to delight the senses.
This is a chance to immerse yourself in a world of flavour, creativity and discovery. With the new experiences at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, you’re not just a guest but a student in the most delicious university on earth. And for those ready to enrol, the resort’s “Easy Escape” package offers an enticing opportunity to start your studies, including discounts on stays and tickets to local attractions.
