InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau & Monica Tindall
We’re at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam to write about La Maison 1888 – a beautiful restaurant with a menu curated by legendary chef Pierre Gagnaire. However, the resort is so special that I feel compelled to also give you a quick tour of the property.
First of all, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort wins with the airport transfer. Our host is easily visible within the crowd at arrivals with a nón lá (conical hat) and ao dai (the long tunic with a split up the side). We’re whisked off to the car park where our Mercedes Benz and chauffeur Hong awaits. There are neck cushions, headrests on the seats, cold water, chilled hand towels, and snacks, such as mints and cashews. There’s even an e-reader loaded with books and hotel info, WiFi, and we each have a screen in front of us. What for? For us to personalise the chair massage! Music is chilled beats – everything has been curated. We’re impressed.
The 35-minute trip from the airport to the hotel is just enough to explore the car, try out all the massage settings, and browse the resort brochure. It’s a pretty drive along a long strip of sandy white beach lined with palms, so do look up and out. The journey ends at the tip of the bay, in a densely forested headland, with the resort integrated amongst nature. The car ascends the windy, tree-lined entrance, making us feel worlds apart from the busy-ness below.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam
Everything here is STUNNING! The lobby is striking, with soaring ceilings, bold black-and-white lines, and a jungle of vibrant purple orchids brightening the monochrome space. And it just keeps on getting better.
The views, oh the views, are breathtaking. We’re at the top of the hill, so we look down over the jungle, a thick row of palms, a long strip of golden sandy beach, and out to the serene blue of the bay.
There’s more gasping when we check in at the Club Lounge. Tall, white-textured walls, loads of mirrors, and arched windows looking out to the views contrast with cerulean chairs and posies of orange orchids. We sip on the prettiest welcome drink ever—roselle with a tiny rosebud garnish—and can’t wait to see what more InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort holds.
Luxury Nature & Wellness Stay Danang
The resort is navigated with Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea levels. As you might imagine, they are each at a different elevation. There are buggies to take guests around, but the most popular mode of transport is the hill tram, which is in the shape of a boat running through the centre of the resort. If you’re a walker, you’ll also love the opportunities to stroll here. Besides the long stretch of pristine beach, the garden-lined paths that loop around the grounds are a fantastic workout. I got in a six-kilometre walk and didn’t repeat a path. The steps that side the hill tram are also excellent cardio.
If the temperature and humidity are too much for you, though, there’s a well-equipped gym and yoga studio with a multitude of classes you can join – yoga, boxing, pilates. There are also two pools, a family-friendly and adults-only pool, and, of course, that long strip of beach lined with chairs and umbrellas. If you have club lounge benefits, you can even get non-alcoholic beverages on the beach and by the adults’ pool. The Long Bar has games and a pool table, and then there are non-motorised water sports, too. Our visit is only a quick one, so we have limited time to explore, but I can imagine spending a week or more here and not being bored for a minute.
Lunch at Citron Restaurant
We manage lunch at Citron on the day of our arrival. The all-day-dining outlet offers several set menus with free-flow alcohol as well as an a la carte selection. The list is Vietnamese-dominant and divided into Southern, Central and Northern recipes. There’s also a small international section. Dishes are clearly marked as those that contain alcohol, dairy, nuts, pork, are gluten-free or vegetarian. (For all prices, add 000 and ++)
For starters, from Northern Vietnam, the Healthy Vegan Spring Rolls (VND 399) is a clean, refreshing beginning. The soft pink (beetroot-tinted perhaps?) rice paper is filled with tropical fruit, avocado and vegetables. There’s a sweet and tangy passion fruit sauce for dipping. From the Central part of the country, Coconut King Prawns (VND 555) are fried until golden with crispy coconut flakes and crunchy breadcrumbs. Here, too, it’s all about the sauce – a delicious sweet and sour fish blend.
We return to the North for the Royal Vietnamese “Sa Sung” Pho (VND 555). This iconic noodle soup comes with beef or chicken (we have chicken) that sits in the traditional royal seafood medicinal broth. As the noodles are made with rice, this is a gluten-free option. The last of our savoury dishes hails from the south, Crispy Vietnamese Pancakes with Pork and Prawns (VND 559). The pancakes are filled with the sliced proteins, and accompanied by rice paper and fresh organic greens. You’re meant to take a piece of rice paper and a little of everything, add a generous amount of peanut sauce, and you have a do-it-yourself roll.
The Citron Cake (VND 310) and Non-La (VND 359) are highly recommended for dessert. The restaurant’s namesake is a wonderful blend of lemon cream, lemon confit and coconut ice cream in the shape of a lemon. It’s tangy and refreshing. The latter is a firm fave amongst returning guests offering a slightly sweeter choice with lychee cream, pecan caramel and fresh mango.
We conclude with some specialty coffee. Citron has an entire page of curated creations, so we order two! Han Sen and his sweet tooth pick the Coconut Coffee (VND 188), which has layers of Vietnamese coffee, coconut cream, and dried coconut chips. I prefer something with more of a bitter finish, so the Orange Bliss (VND 188) is a good fit, with cold brew coffee and fresh orange juice topped up with soda. Both are so pretty! These are like digestives and desserts all in one glass.
As mentioned, we’re here to write about La Maison 1888, so that’s our evening meal. Find photos of the gorgeous restaurant, menu, prices, and a full write-up of our experience at La Maison 1888 here.
Resort Rooms – InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
We collapse into our room after a delicious six-course wine-paired menu at La Maison 1888, but we would love to spend a lot more time here. It’s spacious and has magnificent views over the sea. Giant mirrors make it appear even larger. The bedding is very comfortable, and the shower has instant hot water and high pressure. I wish I had more time to soak in the tub—it’s beautiful!
Breakfast at the Club Lounge
Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, but breakfast at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort’s club lounge is what dreams are made of.
A small continental buffet supports a full ala carte menu. The variety and quality stand out. Ten different types of fruit, nuts, cereals, yoghurt, a hot station, cheeses and pastries – oh, the pastries – are in the line-up. The a la carte menu is comprehensive and filled with Vietnamese and international recipes, from Vietnamese Pho and Korean Eggrolls to Lobster Omelettes and Honey Ginger Super Bowls. Beverages for me are oat milk lattes, house-brewed kombucha, green juices and fresh coconut water (and maybe a cheeky glass of bubbly, which is also included). All of that is on top of those magnificent views and the kind service.
Reasons to stay at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort: an absolutely stunning natural setting tucked away in a private bay and lush tropical headland; exceptional food and beverage; pristine beach; excellent club lounge; inspiring design property by Bill Bensley; a resort with character; lots of activities included such as yoga, boxing and fitness classes; incredibly comfortable beds; inspiring views.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Son Tra Peninsula, Danang, 550000 Vietnam
+84 236 393 8888
www.danang.intercontinental.com
@intercontinentaldanang
Link to InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort on Google Maps
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