Book It: Four incredible beach resorts in south-east Asia

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa,
Vietnam

Best for… fans of the eccentric escape

The low-down: The island of Phu Quoc barely had power a
decade ago, but it is swiftly becoming a haven for luxury resorts. Emerald Bay
stands out because it is less a hotel than it is a fantasy. Specifically, the
gleefully fictional ‘Lamarck University’, designed by flamboyant architect Bill
Bensley. The made-for-Instagram pastel-coloured buildings and themed costumes
of the staff purposefully evoke something between Yale, Oxbridge and Legally
Blonde, but the refined glamour of the cleverly laid-out rooms means that
luxury still has the edge over gimmick. The breakfast is particularly
spectacular, helped considerably by a French pastry chef.

Out and about: It’s worth dragging yourself away from the
comforts of Emerald Bay’s private beach to see the rest of the island: freshly
caught seafood is barbecued on the streets of Duong Dong and Cambodia is only a
short boat ride away.

Stella loves: The spa has a quirky Alice in Wonderland theme
and a sumptuous spa menu to please any discerning relaxation seeker.