South Korea’s crown jewel of luxury hospitality, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa, has been officially crowned as the nation’s leading luxury destination in the prestigious Travel + Leisure (T+L) Luxury Awards 2025. Voted independently by discerning travelers across the Asia-Pacific, this recognition confirms the resort’s position as Korea’s top hotel and reaffirms Jeju Island’s standing as an international luxury hotspot.
Awarded under the coveted “Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts” category, the win is a testament to the resort’s commitment to architectural brilliance, cultural integrity, premium wellness offerings, and culinary excellence.
T+L Luxury Awards: Honoring Hospitality Excellence
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards are widely respected as a barometer of global luxury travel. They celebrate outstanding achievements in design, service, and guest experience across elite resorts, spas, and hotels. Voted by travelers—not just critics—these awards provide a unique insight into what modern luxury really means to global consumers.
In 2025, the competition across the Asia-Pacific was fierce, yet JW Marriott Jeju stood out for its immersive cultural integration, sustainability efforts, and its ability to blend opulence with authenticity.
A Vision by Bill Bensley: Architecture Rooted in Jeju’s Heritage
Designed by globally acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, the JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa masterfully marries traditional Korean design with contemporary luxury. Set along the dramatic cliffs of the Jeju Olle 7 Trail, the resort offers sweeping views of the UNESCO-listed Hallasan Mountain and the volcanic coastline of Jeju.
Natural materials such as Jeju’s iconic yellow basalt stone, native timber, and traditional hanok-style architecture were thoughtfully used to create harmony with the surrounding environment. Every structural element—from its cascading rooftops to its serene gardens—pays homage to the island’s cultural narrative.
This balance between nature and design has been a critical factor in winning over both travelers and the T+L award panel.
Culinary Journey: Celebrating Jeju’s Local Ingredients
At the heart of the JW Marriott Jeju experience is its culinary philosophy—rooted in the island’s rich marine biodiversity and seasonal harvests. The resort’s signature restaurant, Fox Water, has become a gastronomic destination in itself, featuring menus curated in partnership with Jeju’s legendary haenyeo—female divers who harvest seafood using traditional methods.
The dishes at Fox Water highlight Jeju’s coastal bounty, such as fresh abalone, cutlassfish, sea urchin, and seaweed, while also incorporating mountain-grown herbs and citrus fruits. Each meal tells a story of the island’s agricultural rhythm and sustainable sourcing.
Whether guests indulge in an ocean-inspired tasting menu or enjoy farm-to-table breakfasts with volcanic spring water, every bite connects them more deeply to the land and sea of Jeju.
Spa by JW: Korea’s Premier Wellness Sanctuary
Ranking second in the “Best Hotel Spas” category at the T+L Luxury Awards 2025, Spa by JW has become one of Korea’s leading wellness destinations. With panoramic sea views, heated pools, and a menu of treatments inspired by Korean herbal medicine and volcanic therapies, the spa offers a sanctuary for physical and mental rejuvenation.
Blending modern wellness science with indigenous healing rituals, the spa reflects Marriott’s global wellness vision while embracing Jeju’s natural essence. Its serene setting, embedded within the volcanic landscape, helps guests unwind in the truest sense—making it a cornerstone of the luxury experience.
Strategic Location: Jeju’s Expanding Global Tourism Appeal
The resort’s cliffside perch near the Jeju Olle Trail and its close proximity to iconic landmarks like Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) and the volcanic summit of Hallasan make it an ideal base for exploring Korea’s only natural World Heritage Site.
Jeju’s blend of lava tubes, waterfall-fed forests, white-sand beaches, and spiritual shrines continues to attract global visitors seeking more than just a beach vacation. With direct international flights from Singapore, Tokyo, Shanghai, and beyond, Jeju is fast becoming a top-tier tourism destination, and JW Marriott Jeju is its most iconic place to stay.
Beyond Luxury: A Commitment to Sustainability and Culture
JW Marriott Jeju’s achievement goes beyond comfort and indulgence. The resort actively supports local communities by working with regional artisans, sourcing produce and seafood from local suppliers, and contributing to the preservation of Jeju’s unique ecosystem.
Guests are encouraged to explore local markets, participate in cultural workshops, and hike along traditional pilgrimage trails. This integration of luxury with learning and sustainability aligns perfectly with new global travel values—authenticity, wellness, and environmental respect.
Conclusion: A Timeless Icon of Korean Hospitality
By winning the T+L Luxury Award 2025 for Korea’s best luxury hotel, JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa has firmly established itself as a world-class destination for refined travelers. From its award-winning spa and fine dining to its dramatic architecture and commitment to sustainability, it offers an unmatched luxury experience that immerses guests in the heart of Jeju’s natural and cultural landscape.
Whether seeking a wellness escape, culinary adventure, or architectural inspiration, travelers to Jeju can now confidently consider JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa the pinnacle of Korean luxury hospitality. With its global recognition now official, the resort stands as a shining symbol of how local heritage and global luxury can coexist in perfect harmony on one of Asia’s most stunning islands.
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