This perfect Asian resort is heaven, if you can afford it

The hotel

InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam

Soaring views from the clever Bill Bensley-designed “Non-La” (Vietnamese hat) tables at Citron Restaurant.

Check-in

We’ve arrived at Heaven. And no, I’m not being hyperbolic. The Intercontinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort’s stately entrance – also the highest point of the resort, if you see where I’m going – is named Heaven. Things drop off sharply from here (don’t panic, there is no “Hell”). The property’s extreme gradient requires use of a 130-metre-long cable car, the “Nam Tram”. The funicular resembles a traditional basket boat, and ferries guests across four levels, broken up into Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea. A recent refurbishment has seen the launch of the Mi Sol Spa, new outrageously beautiful four-bedroom villas, and an upgraded club lounge.

All luxury villas offer privacy and seclusion.

The look

There is a lot of ground to cover here. The 189-room resort cascades down the wild jungle-blanketed slopes of Son Tra Mountain, commonly Monkey Mountain, part of a pristine nature reserve with a stress-melting turquoise East Sea aspect. The resort’s lush gardens are tended to by 150 staff who we’re told spend most days just ferociously “cutting things back”. Its 700-metre private white sand beach, Bai Bac Bay – exclusive to guests – gets so hot during the day you need sandals just to sprint from sunbed to water.

That’s all to say the location alone could fill rooms, but the resort – dreamt up by American architect and interiors guru Bill Bensley – is a masterpiece of Wes Anderson-level proportions. No nook or cranny is left blank in this ambitious French- and Vietnamese-inspired design undertaking. The blizzard of artworks, lavish materials, imposing spaces, ornate finishes and region-inspired custom furniture are all calling cards of the eccentric designer, who’s clocked up impressive hotel design credits across the world, including the Capella Hanoi. Quirky details like the “non-la” (Vietnamese hat) tables at Citron Restaurant are par for the course.

The room

Epic sunset views from the Sun Peninsula Residences.

Our two-bedroom Sun Peninsula Residence Villa is spread across 800 square metres, and features two grand pavilions, each with its own large infinity pool – one with a communal living area, butler’s kitchen and chic living room. Bedrooms feature large walk-in robes, luxe amenities and deep tubs. It’s palatial.

Bensley’s touch is everywhere; in the bedrooms, a custom mock leopard safari rug stands out among several quirky furnishings and artworks, including a procession of brass birds that line one wall, only detectable if you happen to look up. Rare red-shanked douc monkeys patrol the villa, providing plenty of entertainment as you cool off in the pool, and those balcony views are pure sunset fantasies.

Food + drink

La Maison 1888 is the resort’s upmarket French restaurant.

Take your pick of five eye-catching onsite restaurants, from a beachside grill and loungy open-air cocktail bar (Barefoot and Long Bar), to a coveted French fine diner helmed by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire (La Maison 1888). The latter is exceptional; a steady procession of artful dishes and matching wines, building to a crescendo of Kogoshima beef, lightly smoked and served with onion fondue and a drum-shaped timbale of comte macaroni.

As a villa guest, we can also access the swish Club InterContinental Club Lounge, with daily breakfast, afternoon tea, sundowners and canapes. Breakfast is a highlight, with made-to-order lobster omelette, pho and extensive buffet options.

Lounging around at beachside haunt, Long Bar.

Out + about

The property is close, though not within walking distance, to many of Central Vietnam’s most captivating attractions, including the famed 67-metre Lady Buddha, Da Nang City, and Hoi An Ancient Town, with complimentary daily shuttles to the latter. Beeline to Banh mi Phuong for Hoi An’s famous crusty pork rolls, or linger after-dark for Klook’s Hoi An Secret Cocktail Experience ($78; klook.com/en-AU), where you’ll uncover the neighbourhood’s best hidden drinking spots and learn to make your own pho-inspired cocktail.

The new Bill Bensley-designed four bedroom villa.

The verdict

With whimsical more-is-more design, and a level of luxury and service to rival the world’s best hotels, this is a stay that lives up to its premium price tag.

The essentials

Intercontinental Da Nang, Tho Quang, Hai Chau District, Da Nang. Rooms from $US450 ($680) a night; a two-bedroom Sun Peninsula Villa from $US3100 ($4690) a night, not including taxes and service charges. Phone: [phone]. Wheelchair accessible rooms available; braille on lifts and in public areas. See danang.intercontinental.com

The score out of five

★★★★★

Seven-hundred metres of bone-white beach, exclusive to guests.Credit: Suppied

Highlight
Villa guests are assigned a dedicated host, on hand to buggy you across the grounds, and assist with reservations, tours and requests.

Lowlight
Only after departing do we learn the resort has its own karaoke lounge. Devastated.

The writer stayed as a guest of Intercontinental Da Nang, with flight support from Vietjet. See danang.intercontinental.com; vietjetair.com