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Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay resort on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam has opened as a new 308-room property. Situated along the unspoilt Bai Dai beach, just north-west of the island recognized as UNESCO’s World Biosphere Reserve in 2006, the resort is a 40-minute drive from the Phu Quoc International Airport, and 30 minutes from downtown.

With a philosophy of building hotels for the future, the new-look Crowne Plaza leans on design aspects that move guests seamlessly between work time and downtime, including the ‘Plaza Workspace‘ – a new take on the traditional hotel lobby space, offering inspiring surroundings where hotel guests and locals can feel comfortable to do some work, enjoy a coffee over a business meeting or socialise with friends.

“It is a new era for IHG’s premium brand, Crowne Plaza with all new design innovations,” says Nguyen Huu Ngu, Executive Assistant Manager. “Following its global footprint across key cities and airports, we are excited to introduce the brand’s new look in Vietnam with Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay. The resort will also offer the first ‘Plaza Workspace’ in South East Asia and be a perfect base to explore the stunning Phu Quoc Island.”

Designed by the award-winning eco-id architects and Saigon-based Zoo Studio, Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay offers 308 stylish guest rooms including 11 villas and 21 suites, ranging from 40sqm to 411sqm. Each offers an expansive balcony overlooking the sweeping views of the ocean or the scenic view of the island’s native greenery. Set in subdued ocean and earth tones, the contemporary interior is inspired by the vernacular culture of fishing and weaving and anchors the resort experience to the tranquility of its stunning Bai Dai beachfront location.

From USB outlets to charging stations throughout the resort, unlimited high-speed wifi, the generously-sized guestrooms are brimming with technology-led features designed to blend the 9-to-5, 5-to-9 day. In-room amenities also include pillow menus and bath amenities from New Zealand’s organic beauty brand, Antipodes.

Other resort facilities that encourage guests to relax and unwind include two swimming pools – a sheltered Olympic-length 50m lap pool and a lagoon fun pool, gym, and the Hoa Sim Spa, a serene oasis with 4 individual treatment rooms. The resort offers two distinctive dining venues including Horizons Restaurant – Lounge – Bar, which boasts of an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean. On its menu, choose from local Vietnamese cuisine or international cuisines with Mediterranean flair, complemented by locally brewed craft beers or signature cocktails such as the gin with herbal-infused tonic. Amber Sands Beach Club offers beachfront dining coupled with a fire dance performance and a spectacular sunset view; guests can savour a selection of fresh locally sourced seafood and prime cuts of meat served a la minute in its open-fire kitchen.

The resort’s Tribe Kids Club invites children to become wildlife adventurers in a day camp setting. The itinerary includes indoor and outdoor adventure play and a range of creative and enriching activities. Guests can also explore the island, from its renowned national park and local fishing villages to the lesser-known attractions such as Starfish Beach and the world’s longest overseas cable car.

With 416 sqm of dedicated space across a Grand Ballroom and three meeting rooms, the resort will continue to have a strong focus on meetings and events, ranging from corporate functions to weddings for up to 480 people.

IHG Hotels & Resorts now has 14 hotels in Vietnam operating under four brands: Six Senses, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn, with another 15 in the pipeline including brand entries for Hotel Indigo, voco Hotels and Regent.