A Slice Of Paradise: Add InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort To Your Travel Bucket List
Designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, the whimsy, luxury resort is a true haven for nature and art lovers alike
On my last trip to Vietnam, I remember the infamous hustle and bustle of Hanoi, the eye-opening overnight train ride to Sapa, and the glorious paddy fields and views of Lai Châu. There was something pure and pristine about our Southeast Asian neighbour with much more to be explored, and I highly recommend it—after all, there are over 55 provinces and five municipalities. Recently, I added Da Nang to my list of Vietnam wonders with a luxurious stay at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. I now understand the hype surrounding this resort, and I concur.
Other than guest rooms and suites, the resort has pockets of villas offering seclusion and privacy. Photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Nestled in the heart of the lush Son Tra Nature Reserve, the only remaining coastal rainforest in Vietnam, the resort is accessible via a 20-minute car ride from Danang International Airport. “We’re near”, announced our driver, as our car ascended the mountain, greeted by the magnificent 67-metre Guan Yin statue on our left and the East Vietnam Sea on our right.
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Every corner and every detail of the resort's design is well-thought out—truly a treat for the senses. Photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Given free rein on all aspects of design, Bill Bensley and his team married traditional Vietnamese details, colonial French novelty, and of course, Bensley’s signature magic touch of whimsy. The result? A riot of colours, cheeky elements, and clever touches, all housed within the temple-inspired facade spanning 29 hectares, spilling down from mountain to sea across four levels: Heaven, Sky, Earth, and Sea. Each level houses various rooms, restaurants, and spaces, all of which are accessible via the Nam Tram. Otherwise one can opt for the scenic route and take a leisurely stroll instead—something I really enjoyed doing.
A quick way to travel through four levels of the resort: the adorable Nam Tram. Photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Ahead of my three-night stay at the resort, I requested a couple of trips around Da Nang in an attempt to squeeze more out of my experience, but was advised against it solely because of the endless amount of things to do within the resort itself. From morning yoga and kick-boxing sessions to cooking classes and nature discovery tours (where we managed to see a family of extremely shy and endangered red-shanked douc langurs, who call the vast resort grounds home), there was no shortage of activities to keep me entertained.
Expansive private beaches are at your disposal. Photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
For those looking for a free and easy agenda, the world (or rather, the resort) is your oyster. Soak up the views of the peninsula at the signature 50-metre-long adults-only pool, or hang out with the family in the tranquil Garden Pool with an adjacent kids' pool and jacuzzi overlooking the lawn and beach. You can also hit the beach for a game of volleyball or football, or try your hand at kayaking and windsurfing, available at the Water Sports Centre. Children under age 12 can have a fun-filled time at The Planet Trekkers, their fully-equipped in-house kids’ club with the most exciting facilities and activities, all supervised by trained professionals who will also oversee nap and snack time. Parents, are you intrigued yet?
Refresh and rejuvenate at the Mi Sol Spa. Photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
That’s not all. Enter the Mi Sol Spa, located a short scenic walk or 5-minute buggy ride away from the pool, which specialises in using tuning forks that allegedly aid healing and relaxation through vibrations and sounds. Each treatment begins with a tea ceremony using fresh herbs, followed by your treatment of choice, with vibrations from the tuning fork there to help enhance the flow of Qi.
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The newly launched Energy Zen Retreat is the answer for a day-long mindfulness experience. Photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Charmed but short on time? Opt for their Energy Zen Retreat, a day-long journey of mindful and soulful experiences planned for you by the wellness team which includes two well-considered meals, yoga, meditation, tai chi, forest bathing and a cheeky sunset boogie on the beach to wrap things up. Sounds like a pretty perfect weekend activity!
You'll be spoiled for choice with all the food options here, featuring four restaurants with various types of cuisines: La Maison 1888, Barefoot, Citron, and The Long Bar. With a menu helmed by Chef Pierre Gagnaire, the food at the famed La Maison 1888 is exceptional, while the ambience and decor is immaculate. While the main dining area is cozy yet private, the French restaurant houses four other private spaces and its own bar, Buffalo Bar, within its premises for an even more exclusive experience.
The best way to have a breezy, relaxed meal on the perfect lazy day is to dine at the resort’s beachfront restaurants: The Long Bar, and Barefoot. Cozy up with a book on their massive lounge seats as you snack on bar bites and sip on a cocktail during the day at The Long Bar before moving across the pool to Barefoot for a perfect sunset dinner on the beach with freshly-grilled seafood and meat as you watch the waves crashing against the shore.
While Citron is best known for its tables inspired by upside-down Vietnamese conical hats, the restaurant serves up authentic local dishes all day, and includes an expansive international selection for breakfast.
Sunset views from the Sun Peninsula Residences. Photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Featuring 84 guest rooms, 88 suites, 17 villas and residences all spaced out nicely across its grounds - with more than enough space in between - I somehow managed to find my own piece of tranquility and solitude at the vast resort, thanks to the help of the warmest and most attentive staff. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort—a beautiful escape I cannot wait to return to.