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Luxury travel inspiration from the Asia-Pacific region

DestinAsian

<h5><strong>Why stay?</strong></h5>
<p>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.<strong> </strong></p>
<h5><strong>The area</strong></h5>
<p>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.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-135585 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Beach.jpg" alt="InterContinental Danang descends down a hillside to a private golden-sand beach." width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Beach.jpg 1200w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Beach-300x200.jpg 300w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Beach-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Beach-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<h5><strong>The feel</strong></h5>
<p>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.</p>
<h5><strong>Guest quarters</strong></h5>
<p>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.</p>
<h5><strong>Food and drink</strong></h5>
<p>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 <em>non la</em>, 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.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-135590 size-full" src="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Spa-Lagoon-Villa-Treatment-Room-1.jpg" alt="The treatment room of a Spa Lagoon villa at InterContinental Danang." width="1200" height="800" srcset="https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Spa-Lagoon-Villa-Treatment-Room-1.jpg 1200w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Spa-Lagoon-Villa-Treatment-Room-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Spa-Lagoon-Villa-Treatment-Room-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://staging.destinasian.com/wp-content/uploads/InterContinental-Danang-Sun-Peninsula-Resort-Spa-Lagoon-Villa-Treatment-Room-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p>
<h5><strong>Wellness factor</strong></h5>
<p>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.</p>
<h5><strong>Family matters</strong></h5>
<p>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.</p>
<h5><strong>Sustainability cred</strong></h5>
<p>Initiatives include eliminating pollutants, protecting local wildlife from poaching, enacting responsible pest and invasive species management, and conserving key endangered species.</p>
<h5><strong>What else?</strong></h5>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Reviewed by <strong>Christopher P. Hill</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.danang.intercontinental.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">danang.intercontinental.com</a><br />
+84 236 393 8888<br />
<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/PJopTKM4QupmEskK7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang, Vietnam</a></p>


One of the infinity pools at InterContinental Danang’s Three-Bedroom Sun Peninsula Residence.

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

Vietnam