Beyond Luxury Living Spaces: How Marriott Residences Shape An Unprecedented Lifestyle In Vietnam

Marriott Residences, Grand Marina Saigon, Lake, located at No. 2 Ton Duc Thang Street marks the debut of Marriott Residences in Vietnam and the first tower in Grand Marina, Saigon – the world’s largest Marriott branded residence project, developed by Masterise Homes. The Residences introduces the branded lifestyle concept catering to high-net-worth individuals, seamlessly merging home privacy with hotel-inspired services from Marriott hosts.

Mahdi Samhouri, Deputy Head of Design cum Deputy Head of Project Development at Masterise Homes, and John Hearns, Senior Vice President of Global Residential Operations at Marriott International guide us through the ins and outs of this remarkable property. They explore all the details that make this project stand out – unraveling the unique features that define this property and blending the heritage of its location and local culture with the prestige of Marriott Residences.

How does Marriott Residences, Grand Marina Saigon, Lake, compare to other Marriott Residences worldwide and stand out from other properties in Vietnam?

John Hearns: A year ago, I had the opportunity to come to Vietnam, visit Grand Marina Saigon and check on its construction progress, and also visited several other luxury buildings in HCMC. I noted a distinction of this project in term of physical luxury and service excellence. Other non-branded projects labeled as luxury lacked essential services like doormen and concierge. What sets our residence apart is the warm ambiance created by carefully selected furniture and fixtures, along with proactive service. At Marriott Residences, Grand Marina Saigon, Lake, we distinguish ourselves with a focus on both physical luxury and unparalleled service, creating a lifestyle and community for its residents.

Mahdi Samhouri: Branded residences focus on enhancing quality of life by offering world-class service and unique experiences. They cater to a globally-minded consumer base with luxurious amenities, diverse lifestyle options, and a sense of community. This approach transforms living spaces into enriching, community-supported environments.

How does the historical location of Grand Marina, Saigon, inspire the design and operation of The Residences at Lake Tower?

Mahdi Samhouri: In design, culture plays a crucial part. Knowing the culture gives us insights into customer’s preferences and guides us in the design journey. This approach ensures that the design reflects local culture authentically.

The Lotus Park showcases Vietnamese heritage with its French-designed cycle track and features like Lotus leaf. The park’s design preserves the ship-building history of Ba Son site and creates a sense of community.

John Hearns: We operate 128 residences globally across six different brands, tailoring each project to its unique geographic location and the preferences of its owners.

The integration of local culture is crucial. For instance, we celebrate holidays like the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, ensuring that the experience reflects the specific cultural nuances of each location. We’re also exploring creative ideas, such as hosting a film festival in our bespoke theater, offering a unique experience for our owners. This commitment to providing exclusive and exceptional experiences is part of our legacy in hospitality, spanning 65 years. We see ongoing training, totaling over 200 hours per year, as fundamental to maintaining a consistent and exceptional service standard.

Our associates, referred to as hosts, undergo training in general Marriott International practices and brand-specific nuances. This ensures that each property, whether a Marriott, Ritz-Carlton, or J.W. Marriott, maintains a distinct identity. As we continue to pioneer in the branded residential business, we anticipate others following suit. Still, we relish the competition and remain dedicated to elevating the resident experience with each innovation.

How does working with global brands like Marriott improve the design, construction, and overall quality of projects like the Grand Marina Saigon?

Mahdi: Collaborating with Marriott has proven instrumental in enhancing various aspects of our projects. As a global leader, Marriott provides comprehensive guidelines that span the entire project lifecycle – from design conception to construction and final inspection.

The collaboration involves a meticulous selection process for partners and vendors. Key consultants in areas such as servicing, architecture, and IT are carefully chosen to align with Marriott’s standards. This ensures that the end product meets our high aspirations and adheres to Marriott’s stringent requirements.

One notable aspect of the collaboration is the emphasis on safety and community well-being. Marriott’s guidelines influence decisions on everything from appliance selection to finishes. For instance, high-standard appliances and finishes sourced globally contribute to the overall luxurious ambiance of the building.

Moreover, the collaboration extends beyond tangible elements. Marriott’s emphasis on operational efficiency has a positive impact on our workflow. The approval processes and collaboration with their experts contribute to streamlining operations and delivering a seamless experience.

John: Collaborating with Masterise has been a fulfilling experience. Our shared aim is to create a top-notch building that impresses the community and ensures premium residential sales. The partnership is particularly valuable during construction, where both Marriott and Masterise set high standards, ensuring consistent quality from contractors. This dynamic extends to the unit design, with Masterise providing local insights, while Marriott focuses on common spaces, achieving a balanced approach.

This blend of expertise ensures that our branded residences meet the expectations of both international standards and local preferences. The handover process has been successful, with residents expressing joy at experiencing a Marriott-like atmosphere.

We are excited about upcoming projects in Vietnam, such as the J.W. Marriott and Ritz-Carlton residences. These developments mark significant milestones in our expanding branded residences portfolio, showcasing our commitment to delivering excellence.

What are the future trends in branded residences, and how is Marriott staying ahead? Will these trends be seen in Vietnam?

John: Looking ahead, future trends in branded residence operations include a growing preference for standalone residences that offer dedicated amenities exclusively for owners. Smaller, intimate spaces are gaining popularity, as seen in the curated design of areas like theaters and lounges.

Additionally, a rising trend in wellness features is anticipated, catering to the desire for a healthier lifestyle among ultra-high-net-worth individuals. This includes cold plunges, ice baths, saunas, and steam rooms.

Finally, the integration of advanced technology, such as home automation and electronic door locks, is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the resident experience. Marriott is well-positioned to embrace these trends, ensuring a continued commitment to excellence in the rapidly evolving landscape of branded residences. This commitment may well be reflected in Grand Marina, Saigon, as well as future developments in Vietnam.