InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
"How did it strike you on arrival?Though just 30 minutes from the Da Nang airport, InterContinental’s flagship Vietnam property feels much farther away from the “real world.” Scattered amongst the lush hills of the Son Tra Peninsula nature reserve and down to the sandy shores of the East Sea, the resort—which opened in 2012—has become one of the top picks in the country for relaxing getaways. Nice. What’s the crowd like?While families tend to rule the resort, it's also a hit with couples and groups of friends, particularly those interested in cuisine and wellness. With all the space to spread out, it's usually not tough to avoid the kid zones when needed. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.From the ocean- or mountain-view rooms and suites to the penthouses and the multi-bedroom villas, the accommodations are awash in chic Modern Vietnamese style; think spindled wooden pillars that evoke traditional temple architecture, cut-out silhouettes reminiscent of paper lanterns, and arched walls framing the endless views. The cushy amenities include over-sized beds and tubs, rain showers, BOSE entertainment systems, and a balcony or terrace with outdoor seating in all categories, while higher levels are upgraded with private pools, complimentary soft mini-bars, in-room wine fridges, espresso machines, butler service and/or (depending on the room) access to the stocked Club lounge. Guests of all levels can relax in the resort’s dedicated lounge at Da Nang airport, while some rooms come with roundtrip airport transfers. Wi-Fi is included as well. Room service and food: Worth it?Dining is always a memorable experience here. Most renowned is La Maison 1888, an award-winning spot for French-influenced fine dining envisioned by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. At Citron, you can enjoy breakfast pho, afternoon tea, Sunday Champagne brunch, and gourmet dishes by noted Hanoi-based chef Anh Tuyet; book one of the private dining booths shaped like inverted conical hats that seem to float out over the sea. Casual bites are served beachside at Barefoot (sit with your toes in the sand under a thatched roof, or at tables resembling traditional fishing boats), while Buffalo Bar serves vintage bubbly and cigars in a private club atmosphere, and The L_O_N_G Bar is a trendy, design-forward space—complete with day beds—serving handcrafted cocktails (be sure to try the resort’s signature Lotus Cocktail.) Nearby, a low-rise Kids’ Bar serves mocktails and sweet treats to the younger set. Anything stand out about other services and features?Drop the little ones off at the Planet Trekkers kids’ club, where the activities encourage connecting with the destination via cultural workshops, arts and crafts, and outdoor playtime; there’s also a teen center. Adults can have their fun around the grown-ups-only infinity pool (there’s a garden pool for all ages), at daily activities like tai chi classes, and at the award-winning Harnn Heritage Spa, where the treatments range from holistic therapies to luxe mani-pedis created by French celebrity pedicurist Bastien Gonzalez. The whole gang can play together at the lounger-dotted private beach, which leads to the clear waters of a sheltered bay. Bottom line: Why are we booking here?It's a perfect pick for some beachside R&R while in Vietnam." - Sandra Ramani
