South Korea’s largest island—and filming location of choice for countless K-dramas—is now home to a JW Marriott Resort & Spa, the first in the country. Perched on a cliffside on the southern coastline, the new opening arrives not a moment too soon, popular as Jeju has become in recent years among international travellers. Spread across a sizeable property, the hotel comprises 169 rooms, 28 suites, five restaurants and bars, and plenty to do.
Prolific architect and designer Bill Bensley, the Renaissance man of our time, strikes again. Inspiration is found, right on the property doorstep, with the lush green beauty and organic textures of Jeju spread before the beholder, as far as the eye can see. Bensley’s harmonious blueprint takes land and sea into account, incorporating the volcanic properties of the island into the hotel design through rough-hewn lava stone walls, and reflecting the local farming and fishing industries through traditional colours, natural materials, and patterns. A canvas of grey, black, and white is elevated with bright yellow touches across the resort, reminiscent of the mustard flowers that bloom in the springtime across the island.
Keeping in line with the JW Marriott brand ethos of uplifting local culture, highlighting the unique features of the island is a must. Yeoumul prepares Jeju-style omakase dinners using fresh seafood harvested by haenyeo, female divers who serve as the keepers of a long diving tradition that dates back to the fifth century, while Jeju black pork and beef are slow-roasted to perfection at The Flying Hog. Let the resident coffee master whip up speciality drinks for you, take afternoon tea on the terrace for the best views, or enjoy poolside bites.
On an amenities level, guests will be well taken care of. Well-being and restoration of the mind, body, and spirit is JW Marriott’s niche, so an extensive wellness programme is to be expected. Pilates, yoga, meditation, and sound healing classes are just the start. Aside from signature treatments, sauna facilities, and beauty services, Spa by JW also has four indoor and outdoor pools that are fed by the volcanic springs on the island.
Dive deeper into Jeju culture with a traditional tea ceremony or opt for wine tastings and art classes, while little ones in tow can find entertainment at the kids’ club and playground. Join the Jeju Forest Adventurers for an outdoor romp, develop budding photography skills with the Natural Photo Box, create dishes with fresh produce from the hotel garden with the Children’s Cooking Class under chef supervision, or visit the Choga, a reproduction of a traditional Jeju-style home, to learn about the indigenous culture of the island.
Venture out of the JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa to take in even more of what makes this island so special, namely its range of UNESCO World heritage-listed natural attractions. Use the property’s direct connection to join the winding Jeju Olle Trail, a long-distance walking path that hugs the coastline and affords sweeping views of the East China Sea and Beomseom island, that lonely landmass sitting in an ocean of blue. Go further afield for the unmissable Hallasan mountain, the towering Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone, and the meandering Geomunoreum lava tube system (claustrophobes beware).
In terms of getting to the new JW Marriott, flights from Seoul to Jeju are just under an hour one way, with over 200 movements per day. It is one of the busiest routes in the world, and a wonderfully convenient one at that. From the airport, another hour on the road to the Seogwipo coast. Living out your dreamy island romance à la Our Blues is within reach.
All images courtesy of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa.
