With almost 40 hectares of meticulously preserved mountainside in the Son Tra Peninsula Nature Reserve overlooking Bia Bac Bay, the Da Nang Sun Peninsula is built vertically up a lush cliff.
High style design meets the mastery of a traditional Vietnamese temple here in what’s considered by many, a design masterpiece.
The resort is the work of famed American landscape architect, architect and interior designer Bill Bensley who can take credit for over 200 hospitality projects in 50 countries. Here, in Da Nang’s pristine coastal jungle. Bensley has undeniably created one of the most intimate places to hide away.
Cascading down four levels through a rainforest slope to a secluded private beach, the Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort sits in a beautiful garden setting with unobstructed views of the sparkling bay.
Residential villas linked to the resort’s stunning shoreline by a modern-day version of an old fashioned fernacular train play host to world leaders, celebrities and discerning travellers. Their private butlers cater to every whim serving breakfast, special afternoon teas and evening cocktails.
By day, activities include a hands on Vietnamese Cooking Class, heavenly afternoon tea or Sunday brunch at Citron, a bright, airy space soars 100 metres over the landscape on the resort’s highest level that combines Vietnamese motifs with bright colourful details. Of special note: look up at the ceiling in the buffet area, where each of the backlit panels features a pen-and-ink drawing of one of Vietnam’s many indigenous birds. Guests can soothe body and soul at Mi Sol Spa, spend time hiking or wandering along the hills spiral staircases taking in the powerful views.
Come evensong there are intimate stargazing niches in the most charming of spots, time at long bar with its fifty meters of cocktails, wine and light bites and fine French cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire at La Maison 1888. Most notable: The Gagnaire Grand Dessert …six desserts in one with traditional French pastries meeting classic local flavours in a visual and mouth pleasing masterpiece.
We’re off to Monkey Mountain
Monkey Mountain Da Nang is famous for stunning seaside mountains with high biodiversity and is vital to the red-shanked Douc Langur (Pygathrix nemaeus) population. The Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort is one of the few resorts that has a full-time Zoologist. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is the highlight of the eco-wildlife tour. This is also a destination for bird watchers. With over 100 bird species. Including the Blue Rock Thrush, Green-eared Barbet, Racket-tailed Treepie, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Crimson Sunbird, Olive Back Sunbird, Black-throated Laughingthrush, White-crested Laughingthrush, Laced Woodpecker, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Shrika, White bellied Eagle, Lesser Fish to name a few.
