In recent years, and for the first time in its history, Vietnam has become known around the world for luxury travel thanks to a number of outstanding five-star resorts, all of which are located in breathtaking locations.

The beginning of luxury hotel design   

In the 15th century, King Louis of France apparently asked the famous architect Louis-François Trouard to design a lavish hotel near the boulevard of Champs-Élysées in Paris. The king envisioned that the hotel would be where travelling aristocrats and nobility would sojourn when staying in the French capital.  

Trouard would go on to design Hotel de Crillon – a sumptuous 200-room accommodation, built in the neoclassical style, which overlooks the Palace de la Concorde. Just as the King had predicted, the hotel was soon welcoming travelling nobility, who relished the luxuriant interiors and opulent design. Even Queen Marie-Antoinette liked to visit the hotel, which is still one of Paris’ most famous accommodations.

Over the centuries, countless more luxury resorts have been built all around the world to accommodate the world’s upper classes and billionaires. When staying in Dubai, they book into the 7-star Burj Al Arab. In the Maldives, they might choose Soneva Fushi Resort. In Hawaii, where else but the Four Seasons Maui? All of the world’s spectacular resorts are always located in unique locations but they also become iconic symbols of the destinations. And now, thanks to a number of world-class luxury resorts, there is a new destination catching their attention.

The height of luxury in Vietnam

Not so many years ago, not many industry insiders would have believed that Vietnamese resorts could compete with the world’s leading luxury accommodations. Yet in recent years Vietnamese resorts have scooped some of the biggest prizes at prestigious award ceremonies, such as the World Travel Awards (WTA) and World Luxury Hotel Awards (WLHA).

The resorts that landed these prizes were created under the vision of Sun Group, Vietnam’s premier developer of luxury resorts, real estate projects, and strategic infrastructure. Sun Group has always believed that Vietnam with its stunning natural beauty has incredible potential for luxury tourism. Over the last decade, the developer has set out to create luxury resort experiences that would change the perception of Vietnam.

Now, in just a few short years, Vietnam’s leading luxury resorts have indeed been turning heads all around the world. Since 2014, billionaires, world leaders and celebrities have been flying to Danang International Airport to stay at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, which is nestled on the stunning Son Tra Peninsula.

For four consecutive years (2014-2017), the resort was named “World’s leading luxury resort" at the World Travel Awards (often described as the “Oscar of world tourism). The resort has also won dozens more awards for its various exceptional services from the world-class spa to the exquisite La Maison 1888. Voted Asia’s Leading Fine-Dining Hotel Restaurant at WTA 2019, the Michelin-star chef at Pierre Gagnaire has created a truly wonderful menu that guests can enjoy while sitting in a sumptuous setting.

It has also been recognized for great efforts to protect the unique bio-diversity of Son Tra Peninsula, which is home to several protected primates and rare birdlife. The resort even runs short workshops to introduce the island’s wildlife to interested guests and to explain how the resort strives to best protect the environment. Thanks its eco-friendly initiatives, the resort has been honoured as "Asia's Leading Green Resort" for two consecutive years.

The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has also become an iconic symbol of Central Vietnam. To achieve this, Sun Group turned to the renowned architect Bill Bensley, who dreamed up the most spectacular vision for the design, while also imbuing the resort with the identity and charm of Vietnamese culture in every small detail.

In recent years, the world’s elite travelers have also been jetting to Phu Quoc Island to discover another luxury resort developed by Sun Group, namely JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, which was ranked sixth on a list of the top 100 best resorts in the world compiled by Travel + Leisure. It was also honored by the World Travel Awards 2019 as "Asia’s Leading Luxury Resort and Spa” and “Vietnam’s Leading Resort”.

As with InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Sun Group turned to Bill Bensley to create a unique design for JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, which is located on a breathtaking beach on the southern coast of Phu Quoc Island. Bensley dreamed up a fictional late-19th-century university to inspire the design and layout of the resort. Guests sojourning at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay will easily believe they have slipped into their own fantasy world as they enjoy superlative services in this enchanting resort.

Elsewhere, Sun Group have created more luxury resorts such as Hotel De La Coupole – Mgallery, which has transformed the mountainous town of Sapa in northern Vietnam with its spectacular design. Meanwhile, Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, also located in southern Phu Quoc, offers guests sublime five-star services in a unique setting where you can watch the sunrise and sunset from the very same spot.

It is undeniable that these resorts have collectively redefined the concept of luxury tourism in Vietnam. Now, when luxury travelers discuss options for their next getaway, they are now choosing Vietnam.