Vietnam’s leading luxury beach resort, Regent Phu Quoc, has this month opened the latest dining outlet on the tropical island of Phu Quoc. A barefoot beachfront restaurant beneath an art installation, Aqua Bar and Lounge is sheltered beneaththe pop-up offering within the art work resembling the graceful shell-like contours of a giant sea snail structure, designed by Vietnamese visual artist and architect, Mr. Trung Nghia, and sustainably built using locally sourced bamboo.
This natural sea snail form rests on the sand beneath the coconut trees of Regent Phu Quoc’s beach. The curves of the shell offers harbour diners beneath its shady form and provide a cosy shady cocoon from which to observe the beach at its best with soft sea breezes, shimmering ocean reflections and captivating sunsets. As the day turns to dusk and eventually to nightsun sets, fires torches are lit, and Aqua Bar and Lounge comes to life with its sophisticated rustic dining offers charcoal-grilled grill cuisine dishes cooked over an open fire accompanied by crafted cocktails and fine wines. The cuisine created by Chef Francesco and team would tickle the taste buds of all dietary preferences.
The structure of Aqua Bar and Lounge was originally created as an immersive art installation and pop-up restaurant during Regent’s most recent iteration of its Taste Studio culinary series, which was held at Regent Phu Quoc from 7-9 November 2024. Trung Nghia was inspired by Phu Quoc’s pristine beaches to create an art installation that enhances the sensory and emotional experience of guests and harmonises with its environment. Celebrating Vietnamese craftsmanship, the giant shell is over 6m high and constructed with natural materials. The walls and ceiling are formed from rattan threads, Common Bamboo, Monastery Bamboo reeds and Calcutta Bamboo strips. The roof is covered by a waterproof layer of silk membrane upon which Kaolin white clay has been used to create the seashell effect on the outer layer. Inside, thousands of handmade shell-like ceramic art nodules adorn the interior of the shell. The bar and lounge is accessed via a paved walkway fringed with native coastal shrubs and plants, overlooking the pristine beach of Bai Truong.
Commenting on the opening of Aqua Bar and Lounge, Sriram Kailasam, General Manager of Regent Phu Quoc, said, Commenting on the opening of Aqua Bar and Lounge, Sriram Kailasam, General Manager of Regent Phu Quoc, said: “At Regent Phu Quoc, innovation is fundamental to everything we do. The introduction of the sea snail-shaped pop-up restaurant perfectly aligns with our food and beverage philosophy and strengthens our vision of becoming a market leader in this space.”
Chef Andreoni has curated a menu for Aqua Bar and Lounge incorporating freshly sourced produce infused with local flavours grilled to order over crackling charcoal fires. Standout menu items include Rock Oysters; Surf Clams with Spicy Smoked Chorizo Paste; Wagyu Beef Tartare with Sea Urchin, “La Lot” Leaf, Lemongrass, Chili and Crispy Millet, and Charcoal Grill Yellow Stripe Fish on Bamboo Skewers with Laksa Leaves and Massaman Curry. Sharing plates include Mantis Shrimp with Okra Salsa, Salmon Rose, Coriander Sauce, and a Charcoal Phu Quoc Seafood Platter. As a sweet ending to the perfect evening, diners can enjoy desserts like Strawberry Baked Alaska with Phu Quoc Pepper Ice Cream, Meringue and Grand Marnier and an Ice Cream Sundae with Bamboo Charcoal Powder Ice Cream and Passion Fruit Crumble.
The beverage list at Aqua Bar and Lounge includes a choice of wines, champagnes, beers and spirits, as well as a curated cocktail menu. Low alcohol options include the Tatary, a blend of green tea, tamarind puree, strawberry and fresh mint, and the Pink Crystal, hibiscus tea and peppermint tea, mixed with honey, lime juice and mojito syrup. Alcoholic options include the Euphoria, a watermelon skin infused cachaca rum with orgeat syrup, coconut juice, lime juice and mango puree.
One of Regent’s distinctive brand hallmarks, Taste Studio is a recurring immersive culinary event travelling to different Regent properties across the world and is inspired by art, design and culture. Taste Studio unites Regent chefs and artists from across creative disciplines – from fashion designers to film producers to musicians – where together they go beyond fine dining to create true, sensational culinary moments. The most recent Taste Studio held at Regent Phu Quoc was inspired by the notion of “The Way of the Sea”, celebrating the mysterious allure of the underwater world through the lenses of Regent Phu Quoc’s talented chefs, notably new Executive Chef Francesco Andreoni and guest artists-in-residence including architect Trung Nghia, and returning celebrity visual artist, Mark Rios, best known as Mr. Dripping; a successful creator best known for his live drip paintings.
Aqua Bar and Lounge at Regent Phu Quoc is open daily from 12pm to 10pm. Aqua Bar and Lounge has capacity for 44 guests seated inside, on the covered outdoor deck and on the sand beyond. For more information on Regent Phu Quoc visit https://phuquoc.regenthotels.com/ or contact the resort at regent.phuquoc@ihg.com.