An exercise in designer detailing set within a nature reserve: we review the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula
Creative architecture inspired by local heritage.
Danang is a popular destination on the Vietnamese coast thanks to its proximity to beaches and the ancient town of Hoi An, and appropriately, there’s a wealth of hotels to suit all budgets and travellers. Those searching for something special, though, should explore the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula. We checked in to discover a sprawling, full-service beach resort that offers luxury and fun in one elegant package.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Review of InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula
Set on its own private bay, this massive property was created by renowned hotel designer Bill Bensley and his bold, unmistakable aesthetic is in every corner, blending seamlessly with creative architecture inspired by local heritage. Arriving in the lobby after a one-hour drive from the airport, we stepped into a breezy, black-and-white space that frames a postcard view of the area’s green mountains and azure ocean.
With his focus on sustainability – Bensley has carefully built this four-level resort across 39 hectares while respecting the contours of the mountain and lush jungle. Nature is everywhere at the resort, from the coconut palms and organic garden on the Sea level to the lush tropical gardens throughout the Heaven, Sky, and Earth levels, all connected by a funicular – called the Nam Tram – styled like a local boat.
Bensley explored Vietnam extensively while dreaming up the design for InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula, and his in-depth research shows in every feature of the resort. The main entrance is inspired by the architecture of Vietnam’s ancient temples, local elements like lotus flowers and yin-yang symbols can be found as motifs, and the colonial Indochine style quietly infuses rooms, public spaces, and the La Maison 1888 restaurant.
Monkeying around
Unique among the area’s resorts, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula is set within the Son Tra Nature Reserve, which features over 2,500 hectares of old forests, 1,000 plant species, and numerous types of birds, mammals, and other animals. In fact, the resort has a full-time zoologist on staff to monitor the environment and its many inhabitants.
You’ll encounter this majestic natural landscape from every point of the resort – even the guest rooms. Son Tra Peninsula is also known as Monkey Mountain and it’s common for guests to catch a glimpse of red doc langur monkeys lounging on their balconies (guests are always advised to keep doors and windows closed to avoid the monkeys getting into their rooms).
In honour of the cheeky natives, Bensley created numerous monkey-themed elements throughout the resort. There are monkey fountains and statues at the entrance to Citron restaurant, monkey sconces at the Club InterContinental lounge, and plenty of portraits and motifs everywhere you look. To protect the local monkey population, Bensley also designed around the mountain’s topography and created “monkey bridges” across some of the treetops so the animals could get around the resort without getting too close to guests.
Guests who want to take a deep dive into the resort’s natural surroundings can take a nature tour with one of the resident zoologists. Early one morning, I jumped on a buggy and zipped around the resort to learn about the fascinating local flora and fauna. The highlight came towards the end when we stopped in a quiet spot towards the back of the property, above the treeline, and encountered a family of red douc langur monkeys jumping around the low-slung vegetation.
Suite digs
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort boasts 189 rooms, suites, and villas, offering a wealth of accommodations for discerning guests. My Club Terrace Suite Panoramic Oceanview was a charming blend of local Vietnamese aesthetics and classic tongue-in-cheek Bensley style, one that pits bright colours against bold imagery, flowing curves against rigid geometry. But throughout, a sense of luxury and comfort prevailed.
In the bedroom, an oversized king bed dressed in crisp white linens sat under a Vietnamese-inspired lattice partition – the massive work desk sits on the other side – and on top of a plush, yellow-and-grey carpet depicting the local red douc langur monkeys. On the nightstands, the heavy brass lamps sported colourful shades that draw on local textiles and animals on the base.
Panoramic windows throughout the bedroom area offer sweeping views of the private bay and tranquil ocean below; walking through the sliding glass doors on one side and I stepped out onto a massive private balcony – though I’m warned that inquisitive local wildlife will invade the suite if the doors are left open.
Even the bathroom is as aesthetic as it is functional. The expansive, open-plan space features dark-panelled flooring, a textured white ceramic feature wall, and a brass-and-marble double vanity topped by heavy granite sinks. By the postcard windows – which also offer idyllic ocean views – there’s a walk-in rain-shower and separate custom stone bath. Even here, Bensley couldn’t restrain his penchant for the ludicrous – there’s a life-size ostrich statue by the bath and another monkey-themed carpet by the vanity.
As the name suggests, the suite comes with unfettered access to Club InterContinental, a serene space – once again with impeccable ocean views – where guests can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet with made-to-order mains like a classic Vietnamese pho, indulgent afternoon tea service, and an evening cocktail hour. Grab a spot on the al-fresco terrace for extra quiet and the ultimate photo op.
Decadent dining
Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula. The jewel in the resort’s culinary crown is undoubtedly La Maison 1888, Danang’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Set in a charming colonial Indochine house, the elegant restaurant serves exquisitely prepared French menus masterminded by three-Michelin-starred Parisian chef Christian Le Squer.
Our dinner here began with Champagne in the intimate yet exquisitely appointed Buffalo Bar. Later, we moved into a gorgeously old-world private dining room – with views into the kitchen – to feast on a curated menu of Dublin Bay langoustine, Japanese wild blackfin seabass with caviar, pistachio sorbet with Brittany blue lobster bisque, and spaghetti gratin with mushrooms, ham, and black truffle. Each dish was a resounding symphony of flavours and textures more creative than the last, and paired with the perfect wine. I’d recommend a visit to the award-winning wine cellar, which includes premium drops dating back to the 1970s.
During the day, Citron is the place to be, as much for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine as its Instagrammable dining pods that appear to float in the air. On the menu are favourites like Hanoi-style pho, Danang My Quang, and Saigon-style Banh Xeo, but you’ll want to book a pod for the Sunday Champagne brunch, which offers a dizzying international selection in a buffet presentation.
Guests here on a Saturday will also want to nab a table at Barefoot, the beach club-like restaurant on the waterfront where you can enjoy a decadent buffet full of grilled meats, fresh seafood, and other delicious bites with a soundtrack by a live band.
For casual eats and drinks, I thought the Long Bar was a fun spot, complete with colonial black-and-white décor where you can kick back on huge day beds under electric “punkah fans”. The menu here includes dishes like Banh Mi and Wagyu Beef Burgers as well as a host of creative, punchy cocktails served with style.
Full-service extras
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula is very much the kind of resort you could hole up in for the weekend. The private bay, which features a 700-metre sprawl of pristine white-sand beach lapped by water so clear I could see the tattoo on my ankle as I bobbed around in the surf, is ideal for whiling away an entire day. Friendly staff offer sunscreen (and aloe vera), as well as cooler bags with water and cold towels as they usher guests onto one of a handful of shaded day beds – they’ll even take orders for food and drinks to be enjoyed on the beach, and bring around cocktails – on the house – when it gets too hot.
Just a little way behind, above the Long Bar, is the adults-only 50-metre signature infinity pool – called the Long Pool – that offers panoramic views over the bay and a built-in Jacuzzi. There’s also a Garden Pool – appropriately fringed by plenty of greenery – and a kids’ pool for the littles. Next door, the well-appointed indoor-outdoor Soar gym is perfect for pre-breakfast workouts – though there are also classes like yoga and tai chi if that’s your preference.
Guests needing a little R’n’R should make a beeline for the Mi Sol Spa for restorative treatments (or perhaps a nail touch-up at the recently added Manicure Pedicure Studio). The spa is themed around musical tones and sound and vibrations infuse all treatments here. My experience began at the chic reception area where I checked in, before being ferried by buggy to the treatment rooms, which look like aircraft hangers nestled within lush foliage. Inside, I indulged in a 60-minute Blissful Marma massage that had me napping on the table and emerging fully restored.
Final thoughts
Though I wandered down to spend an evening in Hoi An, it would be tempting to stay in the sumptuous surroundings of Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula. The beautifully conceived resort has everything you could need for an idyllic getaway, from a delicious range of dining options and pristine beachfront to great wellness options – combined with friendly service and an unparalleled design concept by Bill Bensley, it’s no wonder I’m already planning a return as I drive away to the airport.
Learn more about the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula or Book through Booking.com
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