Singapore-based design agency KulörGroup has revealed plans for Lux* Phu Quoc, a 100-key resort opening in Q2 2023. The scheme will form a journey through a tropical forest from dense jungle to blissful blue sea.
Each building sparks a different experience – from walking over the ocean towards an arrival complex surrounded by turquoise waters to trekking up idyllic jungle hills that are enveloped by lush greenery, the air, and a poetic vision of spring freshness and summer heat, finally revealing the lustre of the Jungle Restaurant.
The main arrival building features high-pitch roofs with modern Vietnamese aesthetics, as well as traditional handcrafts of lacquer, rattan and bronze. Accents of yellow are scattered around the space too. Also part of the arrival experience is Café Lux*, an open concept coffee house where guests are treated to the region’s best coffees, all while watching how the beans are ground and brewed through an interactive glass panel.
Located atop the secluded hills meanwhile, the Jungle Restaurant is designed to resemble a treehouse and magnifies a different type of spatial experience of outdoor dining. The use of natural building materials with traditional Vietnamese techniques, littered with modern décor and accent pieces amidst the treetops, transports guests away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, evoking a sense of calm and tranquillity.
Elsewhere, Beach Rouge – synonymous with all Lux* Resorts across the globe – it is a metaphoric space that adapts from day to night. Inspired by the glamour of 1950’s French Riviera in Saigon, it is decked out in effortless chic touches during the day, but as dusk falls, a flash of red neon light, cheeky signage and bold accents awakens the essence of fire and transforms the beach restaurant and bar into a vivacious experience.
Sustainability and biodiversity play a very important role in this project too. According to KulörGroup, the client managed to source for local timber from old boats and houses from around Vietnam, and together with the contractors, the design agency repurposed them into furniture, wall panelling and architecture structures.
Every villa was designed to complement the island and guests’ experience rather than compete for attention. As such, the designers focused on well-crafted furniture and joinery that contributes to the laidback luxuriousness throughout. Seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor spaces, and optimising views and guests’ experiences with open decks and infinity pools, create a visual extension to the sea and horizon.
Paying homage to the local and cultural elements of Vietnam, the villas are inspired by the lush tropical landscape as well as the colours of marine life and the corals that surround the shores. The interiors showcase the rich island traditions of upcycled wood, rattan weaving and carefully handcrafted artworks, through a neutral tone on tone palette complemented by splashes of contrasting colours of aquamarine and burnt orange that are subtly weaved into the fabrics of the spaces. This pays tribute to its roots and generates visual interest that harmonises rather than competes with the striking surroundings, while the high-pitched ceilings in light, white-washed timber gives the private quarters a light, airy and laid-back sophistication.
