The first time I visited Jeju Island in early July 2024, I was introduced to the bizarre Jekyll-and-Hyde weather in the north and south caused by Hallasan rising almost 2,000 metres up the centre. In the north, it was sunny, and clouds wafted across the azure sky; past midway of the volcano that is South Korea’s highest point, grey fogs hid the sky from view. That was a fascinating introduction to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the tip of the Korean peninsula.
The massive mountain determines many things besides the dynamic weather conditions. It also offers picturesque views, scenic trails that hikers fly in for, with volcanic black basalt – a hard lava rock with cheese-like holes – dotting the island as a ubiquitous construction material. WHERE TO STAY JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa These rocks inspired WATG for the architecture of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa .
The 27,000 sq m, 89-key building hugs the cliffs of Jeju Island’s southern coast in Seogwipo. Spread across several blocks, guests can weave outdoors and into Bangkok-based designer Bill Bensley’s yellow-washed interiors (the colour was drawn from the springtime canola fields that so besotted Bensley). Grey, black and white tones evoke the island’s volcanic landscapes, and along the corridors, metal flying fish pay homage to Jeju Island’s fishing traditions.
The JW Marriott Resort & Spa raises the island’s design quotient alongside the level of service and experiences befitting of an ultra-luxury h.