Why stay?

Just a 40-minute drive from Da Nang International Airport in central Vietnam, this design-lover’s hideaway occupies its own lush world on the seaward side of the forest-covered Son Tra Peninsula. Fans of architect and designer Bill Bensley will appreciate the resort’s whimsical look—when it opened in 2012, this was the most extensive hotel his Bangkok-based studio had ever built—but the setting is equally alluring: the resort cascades down a hillside to a glittering cove fringed by a 700-meter-long private beach.

The area

Surrounded by a 2,500-hectare nature reserve, there are no neighbors to speak of, unless you count the troops of macaques and gorgeous red-shanked doucs that inspired the resort’s monkey motifs; a resident naturalist is on hand to introduce guests to the area’s flora and fauna. The World Heritage–listed town of Hoi An is an hour’s drive to the south (there’s a free shuttle service from the resort), while two other UNESCO sites—My Son and the former imperial city of Hue—are within easy day-tripping distance.

InterContinental Danang descends down a hillside to a private golden-sand beach.

The feel

Given carte blanche by the owners (the Da Nang-based Sun Group), Bensley combined elements of Vietnamese vernacular architecture and his signature maximalist style, filling rooms and public spaces with bespoke artwork and artifacts. Fresh from a series of renovations, the resort is laid out across four different levels that start 100 meters above the beach, with a funicular railway on hand to get you from top to bottom.

Guest quarters

All rooms face the sea and come with their own balcony, where the sound of the waves greets you each morning. They occupy a series of hillside buildings that resemble whitewashed mansions with clay-tiled roofs and black trim, which serve as an elegant backdrop to the decor’s vibrant palette of colors and textures. Corner suites benefit from extra-large outdoor terraces, while penthouse suites come with kitchens, canopied beds, and rooftop pools. For extra privacy, there’s a selection of standalone villas ranging from one to four bedrooms; like the suites, they come with butler service and club lounge benefits.

Food and drink

The InterContinental Danang’s signature dining experience, La Maison 1888, is the creation of multi-Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, and between its ambience—the restaurant is designed like the home of a fictitious colonial French family, replete with period furnishings and mementos—and seasonal set menus of Vietnamese accented French cuisine, it could be a destination unto itself. (Another draw? Sommelier Jimmy Chan’s impressive wine collection). Situated at the highest level of the property, Citron is a standout too, with dishes from across Vietnam and alfresco dining booths shaped like inverted non la, the country’s iconic conical hat. Grilled meats and seafood are served beachside at Barefoot, while nearby L_O_N_G Bar, set under the main swimming pool, is a breezy space with huge day beds, punkah fans, and a menu of casual bites and adeptly crafted cocktails.

The treatment room of a Spa Lagoon villa at InterContinental Danang.

Wellness factor

Set on a serene lagoon, Mi Sol Spa explores the powers of vibrations and sound waves to deliver a deeply restorative experience. Guests can also join daily yoga and tai chi classes, or opt for a luxe mani-pedi at the resort’s Bastien Gonzalez studio.

Family matters

Younger guests will be kept well entertained at the Planet Trekkers kids’ club, where the activities encourage connecting with the destination via cultural workshops, arts and crafts, and outdoor playtime.

Sustainability cred

Initiatives include eliminating pollutants, protecting local wildlife from poaching, enacting responsible pest and invasive species management, and conserving key endangered species.

What else?

A jack of all trades, Bensley is a prolific painter, and his work can be purchased at the onsite Outsider Gallery. For movie buffs, the resort also has a banana-yellow cinema with daily showings.

Reviewed by Christopher P. Hill

danang.intercontinental.com
+84 236 393 8888
Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

Vietnam

Stay inspired with our DestinAsian newsletters