-
A beach retreat the family will love
All photography by Christian Berg
It’s a sunny day by the pool. Phu Quoc’s sea breezes rustle the palms overhead. As you pick out a flavour of homemade gelato, the kids play contentedly on the water slides, and your partner catches up on some reading.
Known for its shimmering shoreline and ever-expanding options for fun and relaxation, Phu Quoc in Southern Vietnam makes an appealing case for a family getaway. Just 15 minutes from the airport, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort is an oasis of island luxury, set amid blooming gardens on a powdery stretch of Long Beach.
Here are some top reasons families are choosing InterContinental Phu Quoc for their holidays.
Sublime swimming pools
InterContinental Phu Quoc gives families a choice of four gorgeous swimming pools to pick from. Not sure where to start? The Vista Pool is arguably the most photogenic in the resort. Enveloped by plush daybeds and exotic greenery, this infinity lap pool beckons to children of all ages, and is the perfect place to wile away a morning in the sun together.
Travelling with tots? Lively little guests will be fully occupied by the colourful water slides and inflatable toys at Splash! Pool. This free-form pool, shaded by frangipani trees and waving palms, is the perfect spot for parents to relax while easily keeping an eye on their little ones. The resort’s smiling staff are always nearby and ready to assist with extra towels, sunscreen and toys for youngsters.
Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club
One of the highlights for families staying at InterContinental Phu Quoc is Planet Trekkers, the resort’s 250-square-metre Kids’ Club. Fully staffed by trained childcare professionals, Planet Trekkers’ welcomes children from ages four to 12 with a rotating schedule of activities and an in-house cooking school, ‘Kids Can Cook’.
Children will have a field day exploring Planet Trekkers’ creative play area and reading corner with their parents. Planet Trekkers organises complimentary daily activities such as kite-flying, egg hunts and coconut leaf crafts to keep small hands and minds engaged. Parents can also take advantage of Planet Trekker’s baby-sitting services to snag a few moments for themselves.
TIP: The Hideout in the resort’s main building is fully stocked with board games, movies, computers, billiards tables and books — ideal for older children and teenagers.
Sea view rooms
Designed with enjoyment in mind, the rooms and suites at the InterContinental Phu Quoc make the most of the striking island setting. Each living space features luxe bedding, deep-soak bathtubs and rainshowers, and elegant decor inspired by local life on Phu Quoc.
Perfectly prepped for parents travelling with children, the 158-square-metre Family Suite overlooks landscaped gardens with easy access to the Kids’ Club and Splash! Pool. The suite offers a king bedroom and a twin bedroom, plus a large living room and private balcony where everyone can gather. In the Club Panoramic Suite, floor-to-ceiling glass doors slide open to reveal an expansive outdoor terrace, complete with cushioned cabanas and sweeping views of the sea.
TIP: Extended families or those looking for even more privacy can book the Club InterContinental Beachfront Villas, which range from two to four bedrooms.
Delicious fine dining
When it’s time to eat, InterContinental Phu Quoc’s six restaurants and bars offer delightful flavours from all over the world. Every morning, an international buffet is laid out in Sora & Umi Restaurant, with countless options to please every member of the family. Pull up a seat at one of the al fresco tables to enjoy an exquisite breakfast in the fresh morning air.
Elsewhere in the resort, families can dine on just-caught seafood at laidback Sea Shack Restaurant, taste traditional Vietnamese dishes such as steamed seabass in banana leaves and wok-fried crab vermicelli at Sora & Umi, or fill up on Italian pizzas and pastas at Ombra Restaurant by the Oasis Pool. The resort’s ‘kids eat free’ policy allows children under the age of 12 dining with their parents to choose their own complimentary meals from a special kids’ menu.
On-site activities
With such intriguing grounds to explore, don’t forget to spend some time unwinding on Long Beach — one of Vietnam’s most idyllic shores. Active adventurers can go kayaking or try the stand-up paddleboards. Back on land, rope the family into a game of beach football, or book an island tour to explore Phu Quoc’s pepper and pearl farms.
Of course, parents deserve a vacation too. Busy moms can recharge with daily yoga sessions on the sand, while dads hit the resort’s 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness centre. For deeper refreshment, book a treatment at HARNN Heritage Spa. Set on a serene lagoon, the spa promises full rejuvenation with bamboo roller massages, nourishing scrubs and premium facials. When you’re ready, gather the whole family for basket boat ride at sunset — a lasting memory from beautiful Phu Quoc.
‘Family Fun in Phu Quoc’ Package
