South Korea’s Jeju Island welcomed its first JW Marriott-branded property late last month.

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa in Seogwipo, Jeju, is perched on a cliffside overlooking the volcanic coastlines of the island. It is connected to Route 7 of the island’s famous Olle Trail, a walking path that follows the coastline for approximately 17.7 kilometers.

Luxury hotel designer Bill Bensley was tasked with creating the property.

Drawing inspiration from the raw natural beauty of Jeju and its farming and fishing traditions, Bensley incorporated design elements from traditional Jeju island farms, including low lava stone walls, cabbage fields, and mustard flowers that bloom in springtime in a sea of yellow, a lucky color in Korea. The gray, black and white color palette represents the volcanic landscapes of Jeju, contrasting with the abundant use of yellow throughout the resort.

The resort offers 197 guestrooms, including 28 suites, all appointed in natural wood and warm tones. The standard 485-square-foot Deluxe Rooms feature separate powder rooms. The suites are a spacious 990 square feet. Select rooms have large marble bathtubs for two.

Drink and dining options at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, include:

• Island Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant that showcases ingredients from Jeju and beyond;
• The Flying Hog, a signature BBQ and rotisserie restaurant;
• Yeoumul, a Jeju-style omakase restaurant, featuring seasonal ingredients and fresh seafood harvested by the island’s local female divers (Haenyeo);
• The Lounge, which serves specialty coffees and a high tea as well as a special savoury menu;
• and Bar Botan, a relaxing drink venue offering local libations and samples of dishes from signature menus.

The resort also offers a range of meeting and event spaces, all equipped with the latest audio-visual technology. The nearly 6,400-square-foot Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 600 guests. Other function rooms are customizable to suit every occasion.

Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa offers its signature Spa by JW with sauna facilities, and four indoor and outdoor swimming pools fed by the island’s volcanic springs. Wellness experiences available at the resort include Light Morning Walks, Morning Yoga, Pilates, Meditation Yoga, and Sound Healing. Cultural experiences available include Jeju Tea Ceremonies, Traditional Wine Tastings, and Wine Art Classes.

Other amenities include a signature JW Garden and “Serene Spaces” throughout the resort.

“We are delighted to introduce the JW Marriott brand to Jeju island, one of South Korea’s most beautiful holiday destinations with its unique culture, history and traditions, as well as its spectacular UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural attractions,” said Bruce Rohr, vice-president and global brand leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa is an architectural masterpiece that exists in harmonious balance with its natural surroundings, and we are confident that this new opening will set a new benchmark for luxury resort offerings in the country.”