Sriram Kailasam, Regent Phu Quoc General Manager.
Nestled beside a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve, Regent Phu Quoc is more than just a luxury resort—it’s a symbol of transformation for one of Vietnam’s most alluring yet relatively undiscovered islands. Since its debut in April 2022, the resort has redefined the boundaries of ultra-luxury hospitality in Southeast Asia, setting a new benchmark for excellence on Phu Quoc.
As the property celebrates its third anniversary this year, General Manager Sriram Kailasam reflects on its journey, the island’s evolution, and what lies ahead for discerning travellers seeking meaningful, immersive escapes.
As a front-runner in luxury hospitality on Phu Quoc, what would you say is the appeal of the destination, particularly for high-end travellers?
I’ve been fortunate to work in destinations that felt relatively undiscovered—like Phuket in the early 2000s. Phu Quoc has that same charming sense of a place on the verge of full discovery. It’s refreshingly beautiful, with a balanced mix of urban and rural charm, without being overwhelming.
Phu Quoc is a rising star, frequently recognised as the Best Island to Discover in Southeast Asia by prestigious publications. It’s a destination bursting with potential—on the cusp of becoming Asia’s next major beach escape.
Still somewhat off the beaten track in terms of Vietnam’s main tourist routes, Phu Quoc remains a serene and peaceful destination, appealing to high-end travellers seeking ultra-luxury experiences. Amid this tranquillity sits Regent Phu Quoc—the perfect retreat for guests visiting the island.
Leading architecture firm Blink Design spearheaded the design of the property.
Would you say Phu Quoc has only just begun to scratch the surface as a go-to destination for global travellers?
Absolutely. The island has seen a significant increase in direct flights from key Asian hubs such as Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, and Hong Kong. Combined with strong domestic connectivity from Vietnam’s major cities, the potential for growth is immense.
Phu Quoc has also been announced as the APEC host in 2027, which will undoubtedly drive further structural development and elevate the island’s global standing.
In terms of tourism growth and luxury positioning, where would you place Phu Quoc on the regional map?
While Phu Quoc is still growing and somewhat under the radar for high-end visitors, it’s Regent Phu Quoc that has helped shape the destination’s luxury narrative. In just three years, and through considerable effort, we’ve contributed to fast-tracking Phu Quoc’s appeal to luxury travellers—those seeking refined design and a tranquil environment to create their own personal haven while exploring Vietnam or Indochina.
What distinguishes Phu Quoc from other Vietnamese island destinations is its location in the Gulf of Thailand, which enjoys warm weather year-round. It’s also the largest island in the country, offering diverse experiences for a broad range of travellers. Its status as a UNESCO-listed biosphere adds further allure—with the entire northeast home to native forest and stunning bays.
What more is needed to boost Phu Quoc’s appeal and global presence?
Regent Phu Quoc has been instrumental in shaping the upper luxury narrative for the destination.
Greater connectivity, especially through full-service carriers from key regional markets, would significantly support tourism growth. Phu Quoc’s visa-free status is a unique advantage and an important selling point for many source markets.
As international arrivals increase, the airport also has an opportunity to evolve and meet the expectations of seasoned travellers.
Three years on, how has Regent Phu Quoc evolved and maintained its standing in Vietnam’s luxury hospitality scene?
Thanks to our high level of personalisation and the creation of unique guest experiences, we’ve quickly established ourselves as a ‘destination resort’ within Vietnam’s top-tier luxury landscape—and more broadly across Indochina.
Our architecture, led by Blink Design, plays a major role. Their work has given us a structure that allows us to operate effectively and deliver exemplary guest experiences. We’re grateful for their vision, which brings together both form and function.
That said, while hard skills are essential, it’s the soft skills—our people—that truly elevate the experience. In the world of luxury hospitality, genuine human connections are what guests remember. Travel has an incredible ability to dismantle boundaries and foster lasting relationships.
Has Regent Phu Quoc set a new benchmark for ultra-luxury in Vietnam?
I believe so. When we look back at this period, it will mark a defining moment in Phu Quoc’s tourism story—and Regent Phu Quoc is proud to be a pioneer in shaping that narrative.
We’re more than just a resort. While we operate in hospitality, we also have a responsibility to showcase the destination, uplift the local community, and preserve the environment. Vietnam is an incredibly compelling destination—with stunning beaches here in Phu Quoc, iconic landscapes, rich heritage, and a vibrant, ever-evolving bar and restaurant scene. It also remains competitively priced, encouraging longer stays and deeper experiences.
Our strong architectural foundation certainly helps, but it’s our team’s creativity and passion for innovation that truly position us among Southeast Asia’s most established luxury offerings. One of our signature concepts—Taste Studio—is a perfect example of this. It reflects our commitment to immersive, elevated experiences. As someone with an F&B background, I’m particularly proud of it. 28 November will mark the next chapter of our Taste Studio series.
We understand that 22% of guests over the past three years have been returning visitors. What’s driving this loyalty?
Personalised and meaningful human connections elevate the experience at the resort.
The most consistent feedback we hear from repeat guests is about the genuine warmth and hospitality of our team. It’s the people who make the difference.
Of course, thoughtful resort design and personalised guest journeys also play a big role. But it’s our ability to create a true sense of place, while delivering it all with joy and authenticity, that brings people back. These three years have flown by because we’ve had fun doing what we love—building lifelong friendships with our guests through real, human connections.
In your view, what do modern-day ultra-luxury travellers seek in a resort experience?
Unique guest experiences have solidified Regent Phu Quoc as a ‘destination resort’.
Luxury is highly personal and depends on context and intent. What a business traveller needs in Ho Chi Minh may be completely different to what they’re seeking on a family holiday in Phu Quoc.
For us, true luxury is about offering choice and having the agility to tailor experiences to the guest’s purpose. Our team is deeply committed to listening, observing, and connecting with guests in meaningful ways. The resort provides the setting, but it’s our colleagues who bring it to life—aligning our purpose with theirs.
How does Regent Phu Quoc aim to meet these evolving expectations?
By staying true to the Regent brand promise. Everything we do—whether it’s behind the scenes or centre stage—is designed with the guest in mind. We approach every day with the energy and curiosity of a three-year-old, always asking, “What’s next?”—whether it’s our accommodation, culinary offerings, spa experiences or recreational activities. At the same time, we bring the thoughtful wisdom of an elder statesman, grounded in care and quality.
(Images: Regent Phu Quoc)
