by Stacey Marcelo
With its sandy beaches, amazing local food scene, sunshine and proximity to Hong Kong, Danang is pretty much a no-brainer for those looking for a quick and easy beach getaway. For years I had heard about the family-friendly InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort and after my recent stay, I now understand the hype around the resort, and I concur.
Nestled along the coastal hills of Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula just 25 minutes away from Danang Airport, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort was hotel designer Bill Bensley's breakout project when it opened in 2012. There are lots of idiosyncrasies and quirks to this property, much of which takes its lead from Bensley's eclectic design which marries a riot of colour and a healthy splash of whimsy where traditional Vietnamese design is complemented by a cold colour palette of black and white with splashes of lemon, acid green and sunset orange. He recently returned to oversee a series of refurbishments to mark its 10th year.
The sprawling beachfront resort spills down from mountain to sea across four levels - Heaven, Sky, Earth, and Sea - linked by a funicular train, the Nam Tram, with carriages shaped like traditional basket boats, whisking guests to various parts of the property. Keep an eye out for cheeky macaques monkeys and red-shanked douc langurs on your ride down.
Rooms with views for days
With its sandy beaches, amazing local food scene, sunshine and proximity to Hong Kong, Danang is pretty much a no-brainer for those looking for a quick and easy beach getaway. For years I had heard about the family-friendly InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort and after my recent stay, I now understand the hype around the resort, and I concur.
Nestled along the coastal hills of Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula just 25 minutes away from Danang Airport, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort was hotel designer Bill Bensley's breakout project when it opened in 2012. There are lots of idiosyncrasies and quirks to this property, much of which takes its lead from Bensley's eclectic design which marries a riot of colour and a healthy splash of whimsy where traditional Vietnamese design is complemented by a cold colour palette of black and white with splashes of lemon, acid green and sunset orange. He recently returned to oversee a series of refurbishments to mark its 10th year.
The sprawling beachfront resort spills down from mountain to sea across four levels - Heaven, Sky, Earth, and Sea - linked by a funicular train, the Nam Tram, with carriages shaped like traditional basket boats, whisking guests to various parts of the property. Keep an eye out for cheeky macaques monkeys and red-shanked douc langurs on your ride down.
Rooms with views for days
The resort offers a variety of luxurious accommodation options suitable for all types of travellers whether you’re a family seeking adventure, a group of friends, or a couple wanting a romantic getaway.
Featuring 84 guest rooms, 88 suites, 17 villas and residences, each room boasts generous balconies with expansive views of the rain forest-covered hills and the sea. As soon as I stepped out on the balcony and saw the ocean view, I knew that was where I was going to do my morning meditation at sunrise.
Another highlight for me is their generously sized bathrooms with double sinks, rain showers, Acqua di Parma toiletries and signature bathtub. If hotel bathrooms are your thing, this will not disappoint.
The resort recently unveiled their new Four-Bedroom Pool Villas which offer 705 square metres of indoor and outdoor living space across two levels, with three separate swimming pools and plenty of room for up to 12 adults (or eight adults and eight children) to unwind together.
Guests staying in an elevated room category can enjoy their newly renovated club lounge which serves complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. While I loved their signature kombucha offering, the selection of canapes during cocktail hour was a little underwhelming.
Dining
Featuring 84 guest rooms, 88 suites, 17 villas and residences, each room boasts generous balconies with expansive views of the rain forest-covered hills and the sea. As soon as I stepped out on the balcony and saw the ocean view, I knew that was where I was going to do my morning meditation at sunrise.
Another highlight for me is their generously sized bathrooms with double sinks, rain showers, Acqua di Parma toiletries and signature bathtub. If hotel bathrooms are your thing, this will not disappoint.
The resort recently unveiled their new Four-Bedroom Pool Villas which offer 705 square metres of indoor and outdoor living space across two levels, with three separate swimming pools and plenty of room for up to 12 adults (or eight adults and eight children) to unwind together.
Guests staying in an elevated room category can enjoy their newly renovated club lounge which serves complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. While I loved their signature kombucha offering, the selection of canapes during cocktail hour was a little underwhelming.
Dining
You’ll be spoiled for choice with all the dining options here. La Maison 1888 is their beautifully designed French restaurant featuring seasonal menus by Chef Pierre Gagnaire. There is also a breezy outdoor terrace and adjoining Buffalo bar, perfect for pre-and post-dinner cocktails.
For those craving a good bowl of pho, head to Citron, where they serve up authentic Vietnamese cuisine with specialities from the North, Centre and South. For a truly Instagram-worthy shot, book one of the outdoor dining booths, shaped like an inverted nón-lá (the iconic Vietnamese conical hat) for the wow factor.
Barefoot is their casual beachfront restaurant specialising in grilled seafood and meats while you can kick back on an enormous day bed at The Long Bar and enjoy light snacks along with impressive cocktails.
Activities for the entire family
Barefoot is their casual beachfront restaurant specialising in grilled seafood and meats while you can kick back on an enormous day bed at The Long Bar and enjoy light snacks along with impressive cocktails.
Activities for the entire family
There is so much to do at the resort there is really no reason to leave.
Take a refreshing dip at one of three pools available, including an adults-only pool, where you can find your own slice of serenity. The beach is well decked out with sun loungers and plenty of complimentary watersports including a coracle, the traditional basket boats of the region, if you fancy a spin.
From the impressive selection of (mostly complimentary) daily activities available, I opted for the yoga class followed by a meditation session at their beachside yoga pavilion. It was such a luxury to experience yoga, meditation and breathwork to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore and gentle ocean breeze.
For some proper R&R head to the Mi Sol Spa. Every spa experience has been created to showcase rituals, incorporate restorative sounds and healing vibrations before and during your treatment.
The Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club will keep the kids aged 12 and under busy and entertained with a range of activities and games, all supervised by trained professional caregivers who also oversee nap and snack times. While teens can enjoy billiards, table tennis, badminton, beach volleyball and football. There’s even an in-house cinema for those who need a break from the sun.
Getting there
Hong Kong Express and Vietjet Air fly direct to Danang from Hong Kong in two hours. It’s then a 25-minute transfer to the resort.
Take a refreshing dip at one of three pools available, including an adults-only pool, where you can find your own slice of serenity. The beach is well decked out with sun loungers and plenty of complimentary watersports including a coracle, the traditional basket boats of the region, if you fancy a spin.
From the impressive selection of (mostly complimentary) daily activities available, I opted for the yoga class followed by a meditation session at their beachside yoga pavilion. It was such a luxury to experience yoga, meditation and breathwork to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore and gentle ocean breeze.
For some proper R&R head to the Mi Sol Spa. Every spa experience has been created to showcase rituals, incorporate restorative sounds and healing vibrations before and during your treatment.
The Planet Trekkers Kids’ Club will keep the kids aged 12 and under busy and entertained with a range of activities and games, all supervised by trained professional caregivers who also oversee nap and snack times. While teens can enjoy billiards, table tennis, badminton, beach volleyball and football. There’s even an in-house cinema for those who need a break from the sun.
Getting there
Hong Kong Express and Vietjet Air fly direct to Danang from Hong Kong in two hours. It’s then a 25-minute transfer to the resort.
This article is based on a complimentary one-night stay hosted by InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. No money has been paid for this review which is entirely based on the genuine opinion of its author.
About Stacey Marcelo
A global nomad through and through, Stacey has lived in many countries including the Philippines, Australia, Switzerland, France, Spain and has called Hong Kong home for the past 11 years.
She has a passion for wellness, travel, food and languages and has recently launched @wanderlusthongkong which gives you a peek of her life as a Hong Kong media girl. She currently contributes stories to various publications including Hong Kong Madame, Asia Family Traveller, The Hotel Journal & Destination Deluxe to name a few and works as a marketing consultant for local wellness brands.
