It’s an unlikely pairing – academia and luxury hospitality – but somehow, it works beautifully. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has unveiled six fantastical villas (two more to follow) designed by architect Bill Bensley, who created the original resort, each celebrating a different academic discipline in the continued design philosophy of this unique hotel. 

The villas – Department of Astronomy, Insect Study, Reptile Study, Fish Study, Mammal Study, and Ocean Study – are spectacular, each with private walled garden, mosaic-pool, double-height facades, freestanding tubs and bespoke prints and curios. If you can drag yourself away from your villa, visit the Department of Chemistry for a killer cocktail, and raise a toast to innovative design in paradise.