When Bill Gates, one of the world’s wealthiest and most influential figures, chooses a getaway destination, you can expect nothing less than extraordinary. This time, his selection was the serene and luxurious InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, nestled in Vietnam’s scenic Son Tra Nature Reserve. This exclusive retreat is where Bill and his girlfriend Paula Hurd indulged in a staggering $30,000 per night experience, demonstrating that his taste for the finer things in life certainly extends to his leisure activities.
Located about 30 minutes up a winding hill from the bustling streets of Da Nang, the InterContinental Danang is more than just a hotel; it’s a veritable palace of modern luxury infused with traditional Vietnamese elements. Designed by the acclaimed American architect Bill Bensley, the resort is a masterpiece that blends seamlessly into the lush greenery of the surrounding tropical forest, descending gracefully to a secluded, palm-fringed golden beach. Unlike the more tourist-heavy Hoi An, its proximity ensures tranquility, with fewer visitors and an intimate connection with nature.
Opulent Accommodations
The resort boasts 189 exquisitely designed rooms and suites, each promising privacy and exclusivity. Bill Gates’ choice of the top-tier accommodations included hiring three opulent three-bedroom villas, each at $10,000 a night located at the far end of the resort for added privacy. These villas are the epitome of luxury, featuring dark teak furnishings and sprawling balconies that offer panoramic views of the East Sea. Each come with their own private infinity pool and a private butler to cater to every need.
Culinary Delights
Dining at the InterContinental Danang is an adventure in itself. The Citron restaurant offers an expansive buffet that showcases a fusion of Western, Eastern, and local Vietnamese flavors. Local dishes, such as the bánh cuốn, are particularly celebrated. These delicate sheets of fermented rice batter filled with minced pork and wood-ear mushrooms, served with a tangy dipping sauce, are a must-try. The Barefoot restaurant close to the beach offers an incredibly luxurious menu like the Wagyu tenderloin, the biggest oysters you’ve ever seen, or the crazily opulent seafood platter.
For those lucky enough to book a villa, they also have complimentary access to the Club InterContinental Lounge is an exclusive privilege reserved for guests staying in Club Rooms, Suites, Penthouses, and Villas. It provides a sanctuary where they can enjoy a host of bespoke amenities from early morning until late at night including incredible breakfasts serving up impressive meals like crab omelette or wagyu tartare. From 5.30pm guests are treated to cocktails and free-flowing wine, plus exquisite canapes.
The resort is equipped with two swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, and a cinema for relaxation and entertainment. The Mi Sol Spa offers a tranquil escape with its cocoon-like treatment pods scattered around a peaceful lagoon. Guests can explore the bay in traditional coracle basket boats or engage in water sports on the beach. The beach is meticulously combed every hour to ensure the sand stays even and perfectly smooth. There are also plenty of activities such as yoga, HIIT classes, shore fishing, paddle boarding, or even kite sailing to keep the guests amused.
Family-Friendly Destination
The extensive kids’ club ensures that younger guests are entertained, making it a family-friendly destination as well. The resort’s beach is perfect for sunbathing or engaging in water sports, and guests can explore the bay in traditional coracle basket boats. The beach is meticulously combed every hour to ensure the sand stays even and perfectly smooth. Guests are promptly treated to cool water and towels as soon as they rest on one of their luxe beach beds.
The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort offers a truly magnificent experience for those seeking unparalleled luxury and exclusivity in Vietnam. With its stunning design, opulent accommodations, exquisite dining options, and a wide range of activities and amenities, it’s no wonder that Bill Gates chose this exceptional retreat for his getaway.
Leave a Reply