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Recently, global hotel group The Lux Collective signed a strategic agreement with PQ Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company to manage a luxury resort. The resort, built in the style of the Maldives, features overwater villas in the waters off Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam. Named LUXNAM* Phu Quoc, the project is located in one of Asia's most sought-after destinations and is expected to open around the end of 2024.
The Lux Collectives and PQ Hai Quoc signed a cooperation agreement.
“We are honored to partner with PQ Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company to manage this unparalleled resort. Located on the northern coast of Phu Quoc, surrounded by a UNESCO-recognized Biosphere Reserve, the project spans over 314,000 square meters and encompasses rich flora and fauna, lush green forests, and majestic mountains. This is the first beautiful Maldives-style resort in Vietnam and the region,” said Paul Jones, CEO of The Lux Collective, at the event.
The unique architecture of LUXNAM* Phu Quoc
“The resort is built in a modern tropical architectural style, inspired by the tropics and full of energy. With sustainability at its core, LUXNAM* Phu Quoc brings natural beauty to every space, inspiring sophisticated travelers seeking destinations close to nature, with refined and minimalist design,” shared Mr. Tran Anh Duy, Managing Director of PQ Hai Quoc Joint Stock Company.
Speaking to Travellive, Christopher Chua, co-founder of Kulor Group and the person responsible for the project's design, said the resort will be shaped like a dragon. This is a traditional Vietnamese symbol representing growth and prosperity. Christopher Chua's team has 20 years of experience building resorts, especially in places with rich natural landscapes such as the Maldives, Bali, and Ecuador. Therefore, Kulor Group is fully capable of creating a product that combines distinctive architecture with harmony with the natural landscape.
The resort, shaped like a dragon, floats on the sea surface of Phu Quoc Island.
LUXNAM* Phu Quoc blends seamlessly with nature while preserving its architectural beauty.
"Creating the resort in the shape of a dragon wasn't very difficult. We spent a lot of time researching which parts of the dragon should face the sea and which parts should be in the forest," said Christopher Chua.
When construction began, Christopher Chua and his team always started the architecture from the land first, deciding that the dragon's tail would be located within the forest. Then, Christopher built villas clinging to the forest extending to the floating houses on the sea, with both architectural zones connected by a 4 km long pier. LUXNAM* Phu Quoc comprises 126 villas, including 109 villas with private pools built over the water, 13 beachfront villas, 2 penthouses, 2 oceanfront mansions, and private villas and penthouses with 1 to 5 bedrooms.
"LUX* Resorts & Hotels is a luxury hotel brand, so we always decorate in bright and elegant tones. In particular, we have to choose color combinations that are both colorful and harmonious with the surrounding landscape," Christopher said.
The local character of LUXNAM* Phu Quoc
When asked about how LUXNAM* Phu Quoc preserves its unique architectural characteristics while harmonizing with the surrounding landscape, Christopher stated that the materials themselves are crucial. Before constructing the resort, Christopher's team researched and learned about the products that local artisans could create. Afterward, LUXNAM* uses only building materials sourced from Phu Quoc and strives to avoid importing any additional materials.
"The resort's originality comes from the materials used in its construction. To ensure sustainability in tourism and protect the environment, we use wood from old boats and houses, repurposed into furniture, walls, and even treehouse restaurants," Christopher told Travellive.
The leadership team of The Lux Collective and PQ Hai Quoc interacted with and answered questions from the press.
Paul Jones, CEO of The Lux Collective, commented that Vietnam is a rising star in the Southeast Asian tourism industry. The CEO named successful domestic destinations such as Nha Trang and Da Nang. For him, Phu Quoc is a hidden gem, rich in untapped potential.
"The advantages of tourism in Vietnam, especially Phu Quoc, come from its beautiful natural landscapes and the friendly, approachable Vietnamese people," commented Paul Jones.
The Lux Collective recognizes the growing demand for travel since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the increased interest in Vietnam. Paul Jones affirms his strong belief in the resurgence of Vietnam's tourism industry, considering it a robust market for the future. Another indicator of continued tourism growth is the gradual reopening of South Korea, Taiwan, and Europe. The LUX brand already has significant potential in the European market. Therefore, the launch of LUXNAM* Phu Quoc will attract many tourists from around the world.
Akisu Restaurant, one of LUXNAM* Phu Quoc's four restaurants.
"The Vietnamese government has implemented many policies to support investors and stimulate national tourism. We are cooperating with local authorities and connecting with many other foreign partners to develop tourism in Phu Quoc. From there, we can build a solid tourism market," Paul Jones shared with Travellive.
