This New Resort in Asia Is Encircled by Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and Pristine Beaches

The Dinogo perspective

Just an hour's flight south of Seoul, the tropical island of Jeju has long been a retreat for domestic visitors seeking sun, sand, and natural beauty. However, the April 2023 launch of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, a stylish beach resort from a renowned luxury hotel brand, has elevated the destination’s appeal for international travelers.

In contrast to the resort's angular exteriors designed by global architectural firm WATG, Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley has brought vibrant yellows (inspired by the island’s spring canola fields) and deep grays reminiscent of the traditional basalt stone walls that bordered local farms. True to Bensley's whimsical style, you'll find playful touches like faux taxidermy pigeons perched on the Hanok-style eaves in the lobby and silver flying fish dancing along the hallway baseboards.

Who is it suited for?

With miles of coastal walking paths stretching from its backyard, the hotel is perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to discover Jeju’s natural beauty—waterfalls, volcanic craters, and stunning rock formations. Wellness aficionados will enjoy the expansive spa and, soon, the natural hot spring pool in the garden, set to open in winter 2023. The resort is also family-friendly: Kids can have fun at the dedicated kids club, featuring its own pool and water playground.

The setting

Perched on the rugged southern edge of Jeju Island, the resort offers breathtaking views of the vast blue East China Sea and the distant Beomseom Island from nearly every corner. Scenic, easy-to-navigate trails behind the resort lead to dramatic cliffside viewpoints like Oedolgae and Hwanguji Seonnyeotang. Major attractions, including Hallasan Peak and Seongsan Ilchulbong, are a short drive away, so renting a car during your stay is recommended.

The accommodations

The hotel features 197 guest rooms, including 28 suites that offer separate living areas or additional beds. Even the standard rooms provide ample space. Regardless of the floor or type selected, the aesthetic remains consistent: light wood, vibrant tangerine orange and canola yellow accents, and hints of gold. Bathrooms are thoughtfully designed in two sections: the vanity area includes double sinks, mirrored walls, and elegant lanterns hanging from the ceiling, while the bathing area resembles a cozy jjimjilbang (Korean bathhouse) with its spacious square tub adorned in yellow marble. Ground-level rooms and suites may not boast spectacular sea views, but they offer access to a charming private garden and an outdoor hinoki wood tub.

Culinary offerings

Jeju is renowned for its exceptional produce, and the resort’s four dining venues showcase it in unique ways. At the Flying Hog, chef Joon Ko utilizes island-sourced meats (including the famous black pork) and local vegetables to create multi-course dinners on a wood-fired grill. Notable dishes feature charred mandarin "burgers" and rich local hanwoo beef enhanced with a delicate layer of dried milk skin.

At Yeoumul restaurant, seafood harvested by Jeju’s haenyeo (female divers) is served omakase style, while the marble-floored all-day eatery Island Kitchen delights with lobster brunches and truffle-infused avocado toast. For a sweet treat between meals, the Lounge offers delicious pastries, whimsical afternoon tea sets, and signature Jjinn Lattes—a delightful cream and espresso blend made with locally roasted beans.

Service and staff

The service, provided by a team of enthusiastic young Koreans who relocated to Jeju from various regions, is warm, attentive, and efficient. Menus arrived within moments, and water glasses were promptly refilled without prompting. From the poolside to the dining areas, the staff genuinely strives to enhance guests' experiences, even navigating the occasional language barriers with non-Korean speakers like myself.

Accessibility features

From the dining areas to the pool, all entrances are designed with accessibility in mind. Some rooms come equipped with roll-in showers and grab bars, and every floor is accessible by elevator.

An abundance of art

Bensley’s striking interiors are just the beginning. The resort’s Korean owner, a passionate contemporary art collector, has assembled an impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and installations by renowned artists such as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst in the common areas. Highlights include Daniel Arsham’s eroded Brillo boxes, beautifully painted ceramic plates by Korean artist Lee Woo Hwan, and a large-scale work by French painter Laurent Grasso. In the garden, you’ll encounter a vibrant trio of rocky totems by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, specially commissioned for the resort.