Justin Kim shares how La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton in Vietnam blends Hilton’s global consistency with a vibrant, destination-led identity, shaping a lifestyle resort experience defined by connection, culture, and joyful Mediterranean-inspired design.

LA FESTA PHU QUOC IS PART OF THE CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON, KNOWN FOR ITS DISTINCT CHARACTER. HOW HAS THE TEAM BALANCED IMPLEMENTING GLOBAL HILTON STANDARDS WHILE MAINTAINING THE RESORT’S UNIQUE, DESTINATION-INSPIRED IDENTITY?

       At La Festa Phu Quoc – the first and only Curio Collection by Hilton in Vietnam, we embrace Hilton’s global standards while celebrating the resort’s unique, destination-inspired character. Our philosophy is to bring exceptional service with local artistry and cultural touches, creating experiences that feel both luxurious and personally meaningful. Every corner of the resort – from our Amalfi Coast– inspired design to immersive activities and curated culinary moments – reflects this balance, ensuring guests enjoy the signature Hilton’s vision alongside the joyful, vibrant spirit that defines La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, Vietnam.

PHU QUOC IS A COMPETITIVE, RAPIDLY EVOLVING MARKET. WHAT KEY ELEMENTS – FROM DESIGN AND SERVICE TO F&B – DOES LA FESTA PHU QUOC USE TO TRULY STAND OUT AND ATTRACT THE HIGH-END TRAVELER?

       Phu Quoc is a dynamic and competitive destination in Vietnam, and La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, stands out through its distinctive design, immersive Food & Beverage experiences, and lifestyledriven approach. Our photogenic Mediterranean architecture, direct public beach access, and curated culinary offerings – such as Mare for authentic Italian flavors, Finca for Spanish cuisine, and Seta for Cantonese specialties – create a vibrant, immersive gastronomic experience. Combined with music, art, and cultural collaborations, we offer a resort experience that resonates with curious travelers seeking both upscale living spaces and joyful discovery.

BEYOND TYPICAL UPSCALE SERVICE, WHAT IS THE CORE PHILOSOPHY THAT DEFINES THE GUEST EXPERIENCE AT LA FESTA PHU QUOC, AND HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT EVERY TEAM MEMBER EMBODIES THAT VISION?

       Our core philosophy is simple: hospitality is about connection. We lead with heart, empower our team members, and encourage them to create meaningful moments for every guest. Great service at La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton goes beyond expectation – it’s about making people feel genuinely seen, cared for, and inspired. Positivity attracts positivity, and by nurturing our team in this way, every member embodies the warmth, energy, and joyful spirit that define the resort. Ultimately, our goal is to create memorable experiences through strong storytelling that embrace local culture and talents and deliver meaningful connections for guests and teams alike.

HOW DOES THE RESORT INTEGRATE THE LOCAL VIETNAMESE CULTURE AND THE SPECIFIC ESSENCE OF PHU QUOC INTO ITS OFFERINGS, PARTICULARLY IN CULINARY EXPERIENCES AND GUEST ACTIVITIES?

       We integrate Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s unique culture through curated culinary offerings, local artisan collaborations, and guest activities that celebrate the island’s essence. From cocktails infused with local herbs to retail spaces showcasing modern Vietnamese craftsmanship, we create authentic moments that feel organic and inspiring. Seasonal events and experiences, like the Kiss of the Sea show with nightly fireworks or vibrant night market visits, connect guests to the local culture while maintaining a playful, lifestyle-oriented vibe. As an increasingly popular destination, Phu Quoc, Vietnam also offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, making it even more accessible and appealing for international travelers.

THE RESORT’S DESIGN IS INSPIRED BY THE VIBRANT ARCHITECTURE OF ITALY’S AMALFI COAST. HOW DOES THIS SPECIFIC CONCEPT TRANSLATE INTO THE OVERALL AMBIANCE AND THE FEELING YOU WANT GUESTS TO TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR STAY?

       Our Amalfi Coast–inspired architecture creates a colorful, photogenic environment where every detail invites guests to relax, explore, and capture memories. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about feeling transported to a space where art, light, and music intersect with the rhythm of island life. Guests leave with a sense of joy, wonder, and discovery – a lifestyle experience that blends Mediterranean elegance with the warmth and vibrancy of Phu Quoc, Vietnam.

IN MANAGING A LUXURY RESORT ON AN ISLAND, WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES YOU FACE REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CONTRIBUTING POSITIVELY TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

       Managing a lifestyle resort on an island comes with responsibilities: we aim to feature the natural beauty of Phu Quoc, Vietnam while supporting the local community. Our approach includes training local talent, sourcing ingredients sustainably, and collaborating with artisans to showcase authentic craftsmanship. These initiatives ensure we contribute positively to the island’s environment and economy while delivering memorable, lifestyledriven experiences for our guests

 

LOOKING AHEAD OVER THE NEXT 12 TO 18 MONTHS, WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST EXCITING NEW INITIATIVE OR STRATEGIC FOCUS THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL DEFINE LA FESTA PHU QUOC’S SUCCESS?

       We’re excited to unveil the future of Food & Beverage at La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, Vietnam with projects like our new wing – Terza, officially opened on November 15. This new wing features 29 upscale suites and duplexes alongside 4 signature culinary destinations – Finca, Seta, Luna Folk – Jazz Bar, and Francesca – Pool Bar & Sunset Deck – each crafted to delight the senses. Our goal is to create a vibrant destination where elevated design, curated menus, and immersive dining experiences attract both local and international food enthusiasts. With lifestyle collaborations, resident DJ and Saxophonist, and exclusive artist events, these offerings are set to make La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton a must-visit culinary destination on the island and a go-to place for exceptional Food & Beverage experiences.

AS A GENERAL MANAGER, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT LEADERSHIP WHILE OPENING AND RUNNING A UNIQUE, CONCEPT-DRIVEN  PROPERTY LIKE LA FESTA PHU QUOC?

       As a leader, I believe in connecting with my team emotionally and leading by example through a hands-on approach. My style combines coaching and mentoring with timely push-and-pull methods tailored to individual capabilities, fostering an engaging and inclusive environment. I value detailed planning, and my working style is friendly yet firm, assertive, and persistent. Leading La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, Vietnam has reinforced that true hospitality starts with heart. I’ve learned that empowering the team, fostering positivity, and embracing creativity are as important as operational excellence. Running a concept-driven resort requires blending vision with adaptability, connecting with guests on a personal level, and celebrating every opportunity to inspire joy. Hospitality is not just about service – it’s about crafting experiences where every guest feels genuinely valued and leaves with a memorable story to tell.

lafestaphuquoc.com

Related Posts