A jet lag-free trip to the Amalfi Coast without the hefty price tag? It’s a dream come true at La Festa Phu Quoc.
“But why would I go to Vietnam for an Italian holiday?” Those were the first few words out of my mouth when I read about La Festa Phu Quoc. I questioned everything as I did my research before heading to Hilton’s newest resort on the lush Vietnamese island. While everything about the town sounded amazingly dreamy on paper (and looked gorgeous in pictures), I was unsure whether it’d meet expectations.
Based on personal experiences, resort towns themed around idyllic destinations tend to be caricatures rather than an immersive experience. I mean, why bask in Italian culture in Vietnam? Long story short – I’m ever the sceptic with oh so many questions. But with an open heart and mind, I set off for my trip. Spoiler alert: I enjoyed every second of it.
Wait, are we actually in Italy?
After a full day of flying, being rushed through customs in Saigon to make our connecting flight, and a 30-minute drive to the resort, I was ready to call it a night. Until I stepped out of the car and came face to face with a fountain so grand and intricate, it looked like it belonged in Italy. Despite being dark, the hotel and resort town vibe immediately charmed me and my travel companions, revitalising us from the long journey. We even joked amongst ourselves about whether we had been transported to Italy in secret!
But this moment of awe is very much what a Curio Collection hotel is meant to evoke. Each establishment promises a distinct story and curated experiences. The Phu Quoc location is inspired by the romantic encounter of a young couple who met on the Amalfi Coast. La Festa Phu Quoc is all about their experiences together in the coastal town. Each design element in the hotel mirrors the Italian locale while embracing Phu Quoc’s distinct culture.
Besides the gorgeous hotel, you’ll be surrounded by the area’s idyllic Sunset Town based on Mediterranean architecture, which is the cherry on top of the immersive experience for me. Even when you step out of the summery paradise of La Festa Phu Quoc, the Italian landscape stretches as far as the eye can see.
A paradise away from home
Rooms are bathed in a bright and warm colour palette, screaming pure summer vibes. I was treated to the King Amalfi Ocean View Suite, which comes with a dedicated living room, two balconies, and a gorgeous bath. Each balcony even has its own bougainvillaea plant, which makes for the dreamiest Instagram pictures. And when you step out, you’re graced with an unobstructed view of the horizon which is stunning during sunset hour. I don’t think there are enough words to describe how awestruck I was.
Inspired by the Villa Malaparte and the 1963 film Le Mepris, the bath is stocked with 19-69 Capri soaps boasting a fresh, light, and comforting scent. There’s even a small jar of bath salts for you to use when you need a relaxing soak. After that, you can don the silk kimono that’s uber soft to the touch, putting you in the lap of luxury.
And if you think this room is impressive, you should see the King Capri Terrace Suite that comes with your very own jetted tub. Just imagine sitting back in your own private pool overlooking the scenic town. An absolute dream, if you ask me. If you’ve got a huge family, the King Dolce Vita Suite is my top pick. Kids are free to play in the living area while you lounge upstairs in bed. Heavenly.
Living la dolce vita the foodie way
A property inspired by Italy isn’t without delectable Italian cuisine. The Merchant brings tastes and cultures from Capri to Phu Quoc. Its breakfast buffet boasts a spread of hot and cold options, with Vietnamese and Western classics available. The live pho station was a dream; I had it every morning during my stay. I also couldn’t resist the mini banh mi treats I found next to a live egg station and giant steamers full of traditional buns.
The lobby bar Il Salone is ideal for relaxation, whether it’s in the middle of the day or for a nightcap after dinner. My travel companions and I spent a lazy midday enjoying a delectable afternoon tea menu with sweet and savoury bites, and warm scones with jam, butter, and cream. As we sipped on tea, we couldn’t resist ordering glasses of iced Vietnamese coffee. We joked about how sacrilegious it was to have coffee with these delicate bites. But when in Vietnam, we just had to get a cuppa, especially when it was topped with the most decadent salted cream.
Nothing beats a dinner filled with traditional Italian plates presented by head chef Simone, who imbues his heritage and expertise in each dish. The Mare presents hearty and rustic fare, including homemade pasta, grilled meats, and classic desserts. Every dish, from the scallops to the pan-fried barramundi, was sublime. But the highlights were the dishes prepared tableside. If you order the carbonara, be ready for a show as the chef personally makes an appearance to finish the pasta off in a giant wheel of pecorino romano. And the tiramisu is a dream – layered in front of your very eyes, it’s a beautiful balance of acidity and sweetness in every bite.
Adventures beyond paradise
As much as I would have loved to lounge the day away by the pool, there are one too many things to see in Sunset Town. A number of attractions are just a stone’s throw away from La Festa Phu Quoc, which is perfect for convenient exploration while sticking close by for emergency respite when necessary.
The island boasts the world’s longest three-wire cable car that’ll take you through the sea, Hon Dua, and Hon Roi islands before landing at Hon Thom where you get to explore a tropical island. For anyone afraid of heights, I don’t recommend this as an activity because the cable car moves fast. But have no fear – there are plenty of things to do while keeping your feet on the ground.
One of my favourite activities of the trip was taking a walk through Kiss Bridge at sunset. It’s made of two halves that don’t touch, and the idea is you and your beau start at opposite ends of the bridge, walking up to meet in the middle where you’re separated by a mere 30-centimetres of space. Romantic, no? While bathed in the golden hour sun with the sea breeze in your hair, it makes for some very Instagrammable moments.
But one of the key activities that shouldn’t be missed is the Kiss of The Sea Show, an attraction close to the hotel which uses a multitude of technology, artists, and dancers to tell the story of two starcrossed lovers. I won’t spoil it, but I will tell you it culminates in a seven-minute fireworks spectacle designed exclusively for the show. And it happens every night at 9.30pm!
Would I live the Italian high life in Vietnam again?
Short answer: yes. As someone who’s a sucker for the aesthetics, I’ll admit that La Festa Phu Quoc drew me in almost immediately with its beauty. Despite my initial apprehension, the whole experience in the resort and beyond was a breath of fresh air thanks to the beautifully designed hotel and amazingly warm service.
While it may not replace my dream trip to Italy, it’s a great substitute if you feel like having a little Italian summer vacay on a budget. Tickets to Phu Quoc are a fraction of the cost of tickets to Italy, and you’ll be there in no time despite needing a connecting flight in Saigon. If you’re someone who can’t live without Asian food, staying in La Festa Phu Quoc gives you the best of both worlds with Italian and Vietnamese cuisine. Plus, not having to deal with jet lag is a big plus to me. Maybe I’ll be booking the King Capri Terrace Suite next…
La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, Sunset Town, An Thoi, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang 91000, Vietnam
