Latest news with #BillBensley
South China Morning Post
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Coastal luxury and fine dining at Vietnam's InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Our trip to Da Nang begins with a touch of drama. We narrowly avoid storm-induced delays as we depart Hong Kong, but when we touch down the sun is shining and a gentle breeze sweeps over the seaside Vietnamese town – a stark contrast to the torrent we left behind. We're spending the weekend at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, and apparently we couldn't have arrived soon enough. Villas at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort offer privacy and seclusion. Photo: Handout Stepping out of the airport, we settle into the cushy Mercedes-Benz sent to pick us up. The drive to the resort is a quick half-hour, with scenes of buzzing streetside cafes and shops, and of tourists ambling from their hotels to the nearby beach, melting away to a view of the city skyline as we wind up Son Tra Mountain, then to nothing but the greenery of the Son Tra Nature Reserve. Chain-link fences bedecked with cheeky monkey decorations greet us as we approach the resort's entrance. Advertisement Guests of the resort can enjoy tours of the surrounding Son Tra Nature Reserve. Photo: Handout Fans of The White Lotus might experience a certain amount of deja vu as they step into the resort. A decade and a half ago, before the property opened, this was all just rainforest. Now, if the architecture, interior design and landscaping have a sense of familiarity, it could be because they're by Bill Bensley – the mastermind behind the Four Seasons Koh Samui, aka the IRL Thai hotel from season three of the hit TV show. He even worked on the two properties at around the same time. Black and white – referencing the concept of yin and yang – is the main colour palette, with bright splashes adding a sense of the playful and contemporary. Local inspiration abounds, from the entrance through to the property's six restaurants and 189 rooms, suites and villas. The entrance is styled after quintessential Vietnamese temples, while Michelin-starred La Maison 1888 is French colonial, and the beachside Barefoot restaurant emulates a traditional local fishing hut with its wooden structure and thatched roof. Terrace suites at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort offer ample living space. Photo: Handout The resort sprawls across 39 hectares within the nature reserve, with each of the four levels that cascade down the hillside to the beach accessible by the Nam Tram, the property's cable car. Big spenders can look to the villas, which come with several bedrooms, larger dining spaces and private plunge pools. We check in to one of the club terrace suites, and are immediately blown away by the panorama of rolling hills and the South China Sea. Every room on the property boasts such a view, in fact, as well as its own outdoor terrace with dining area. But the best vantage point is a seat at one of Citron restaurant's coveted outdoor booths. Shaped like inverted versions of Vietnam's iconic non la conical hats, the booths offer uninterrupted views of the bay, making you feel as though you're floating on air. Panoramic views from the non la-inspired tables at Citron restaurant. Photo: Handout At Citron, the resort's Vietnamese restaurant, guests can enjoy central Vietnamese favourites, from Hue beef noodle soup to ca phe muoi: coffee featuring a decadent, salted cream top. Citron also serves up a daily buffet breakfast and a Sunday champagne brunch. Barefoot, meanwhile, offers grilled seafood, meats and vegetarian options right on the beach, while French fine dining features at La Maison 1888. The beachside Long Bar and classy Buffalo Bar, located next to La Maison 1888, round out the food and drink offerings.
Korea Herald
03-07-2025
- Korea Herald
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Unlocks a Season of Discovery with New Summer Offer
PHU QUOC, Vietnam, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- There's a certain kind of magic in Phu Quoc – Vietnam's most celebrated island: golden mornings, long sun-drenched afternoons and the luxury of time spent together. This season, JW Marriott Phu Quoc invites travelers to the island's serene southern coast with Summer Retreat, an exclusive package designed for families, foodies and seekers of inspired escapes. Located along the prime stretch of Khem Beach, one of the world's most private and beautiful beaches, JW Marriott Phu Quoc isn 't just another beach res ort. Dreamed up by the legendary Bill Bensley, this fantastical beachfront property takes the form of a whimsical 19th-century academy: Lamarck University , setting it apart among numerous prestigious resorts. 'Summer Retreat' Offer As one of the rare resorts to incorporate storytelling art into its design, JW Marriott Phu Quoc stands as one of the world's most iconic works by the renowned Bill Bensley. From the grand facades to the handpicked curios inside, the resort reads like a novel you can walk through. Nowhere is that more true than the Turquoise Suite, inspired by the calm waters that lap just beyond your balcony. Designed in soothing tones of seafoam and pearl, this suite offers uninterrupted views of the bay, with a generous balcony that stretches from bedroom to living area — the perfect perch for your morning coffee, sunrise included. Private pool and garden upgrades are also available. With the exclusive 'Summer Retreat' offer , the resort welcomes guests with attractive privileges, including daily complimentary lunch or dinner, a variety of entertainment activities, and the Family by JW kit for families traveling with children. Art on the plate by a Michelin Master Hiding behind a pink façade and wrapped in Belle Époque glamour, Pink Pearl by Olivier E. is the resort's crown jewel. Once the seaside villa of Madame Pearl Collins, the mansion is now a stage for celebrated chef Olivier Elzer , who brings with him the weight of 30 Michelin Stars from kitchens across the globe. Here, guests are served with a menu that weaves together coastal French classics, local ingredients, and seasonal vegetables from the island. Sundays are reserved for the Pink Pearl Brunch, inspired by finest Riviera dishes , DJ sets and free-flowing good cheer — a little Gatsby, a little Mediterranean summer. While the adults may lose themselves in design details and long lunches, the little ones have adventures of their own. With the unique storytelling design, JW Marriott Phu Quoc is not just perfect for families but also awakens the nature - born curiosity in any child. True to the spirit of Family by JW, the resort's children's programs are anything but ordinary. From craft workshops to traditional Vietnamese games, the resort's Kid Club invites young guests to explore, imagine, and play in a world built just for them. Famous for its breathtaking sunrise views, the resort is just a 10 minutes ride by double decker bus from Sunset Town – renowned as the "best place to enjoy the sunset in Vietnam". This vibrant complex is also home to unique attractions such as the Kiss Bridge, "Kiss of the Sea" show, the world's longest sea-crossing Cable Car, and Aquatopia Water Park. Guests staying at JW Marriott Phu Quoc enjoy complimentary tickets to the Kiss of the Sea show , Kiss Bridge , along with unlimited cable car access to Sun World Hon Thom when purchasing a one-way ticket.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Unlocks a Season of Discovery with New Summer Offer
PHU QUOC, Vietnam, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- There's a certain kind of magic in Phu Quoc – Vietnam's most celebrated island: golden mornings, long sun-drenched afternoons and the luxury of time spent together. This season, JW Marriott Phu Quoc invites travelers to the island's serene southern coast with Summer Retreat, an exclusive package designed for families, foodies and seekers of inspired escapes. Located along the prime stretch of Khem Beach, one of the world's most private and beautiful beaches, JW Marriott Phu Quoc isn't just another beach resort. Dreamed up by the legendary Bill Bensley, this fantastical beachfront property takes the form of a whimsical 19th-century academy: Lamarck University, setting it apart among numerous prestigious resorts. 'Summer Retreat' Offer As one of the rare resorts to incorporate storytelling art into its design, JW Marriott Phu Quoc stands as one of the world's most iconic works by the renowned Bill Bensley. From the grand facades to the handpicked curios inside, the resort reads like a novel you can walk through. Nowhere is that more true than the Turquoise Suite, inspired by the calm waters that lap just beyond your balcony. Designed in soothing tones of seafoam and pearl, this suite offers uninterrupted views of the bay, with a generous balcony that stretches from bedroom to living area — the perfect perch for your morning coffee, sunrise included. Private pool and garden upgrades are also available. With the exclusive 'Summer Retreat' offer, the resort welcomes guests with attractive privileges, including daily complimentary lunch or dinner, a variety of entertainment activities, and the Family by JW kit for families traveling with children. Art on the plate by a Michelin Master Hiding behind a pink façade and wrapped in Belle Époque glamour, Pink Pearl by Olivier E. is the resort's crown jewel. Once the seaside villa of Madame Pearl Collins, the mansion is now a stage for celebrated chef Olivier Elzer, who brings with him the weight of 30 Michelin Stars from kitchens across the globe. Here, guests are served with a menu that weaves together coastal French classics, local ingredients, and seasonal vegetables from the island. Sundays are reserved for the Pink Pearl Brunch, inspired by finest Riviera dishes, DJ sets and free-flowing good cheer — a little Gatsby, a little Mediterranean summer. Reconnect for meaningful moments with family While the adults may lose themselves in design details and long lunches, the little ones have adventures of their own. With the unique storytelling design, JW Marriott Phu Quoc is not just perfect for families but also awakens the nature-born curiosity in any child. True to the spirit of Family by JW, the resort's children's programs are anything but ordinary. From craft workshops to traditional Vietnamese games, the resort's Kid Club invites young guests to explore, imagine, and play in a world built just for them. Famous for its breathtaking sunrise views, the resort is just a 10 minutes ride by double decker bus from Sunset Town – renowned as the "best place to enjoy the sunset in Vietnam". This vibrant complex is also home to unique attractions such as the Kiss Bridge, "Kiss of the Sea" show, the world's longest sea-crossing Cable Car, and Aquatopia Water Park. Guests staying at JW Marriott Phu Quoc enjoy complimentary tickets to the Kiss of the Sea show, Kiss Bridge, along with unlimited cable car access to Sun World Hon Thom when purchasing a one-way ticket. MEDIA CONTACT:Vinh DinhMarketing & Communications DirectorJW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & 29 7377 9999 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNA
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Must-see sights, street food tours and fine dining: How to spend 72 hours in Da Nang, Vietnam
The late, great chef, traveller and raconteur Anthony Bourdain loved Vietnam like few other destinations. He filmed eight programmes there and memorably said of the country: 'Vietnam. It grabs you and doesn't let go. Once you love it, you love it forever.' It's impossible to disagree with his much-missed wisdom and a 72-hour hop to the central coastal city of Da Nang, the country's third largest just a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Singapore, showcases how Vietnam blends food, culture, landscapes and history to such dazzling effect. WHERE TO STAY During the Vietnam War – or the American War, as locals understandably call it – Son Tra Mountain was known as Monkey Mountain thanks to residents including red-shanked douc langurs. Today these beautiful primates, who look like they're wearing knee-high red socks, enjoy the peaceful surrounds of their mountainside nature reserve that is also home to one of southeast Asia's most spectacular resorts, Intercontinental DaNang Sun Peninsula Resort. It's the only resort in Vietnam with its own funicular tram. The Nam Tram lets guests glide effortlessly from the perfect curving arc of a private beach up to the elegant, expansive main building with all the hallmarks of starchitect Bill Bensley's quirky design motifs blending Vietnamese and French colonial era influences. If the resort has shades of the most recent series of White Lotus, that's because Bensley also designed the hillside Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, which features in the show, along very similar lines. Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea are the four levels across 39 hectares, home to 189 expansive rooms, villas and suites with gorgeous sea views and colourful interiors. There are several large infinity pools, including one which is adults-only, a sublime spa, nature walks and other experiences to keep guests of all ages entertained. STREET FOOD A brilliant way to get a real feel for Da Nang comes with a small group guided food tour led by bilingual young Vietnamese who are thrilled to share their region's dishes with international visitors. The excellent Helen from @danangcuisine led ours, taking us to four spots serving up local classics, starting with the iconic Da Nang noodle dish, mi quang. The genius comes in the layers of textures and flavours as fresh greens, banana blossom, herbs, rice noodles and shrimp all vie for your palate's attention in a slow-boiled broth made of pork, beef, fish and chicken bones, finished with turmeric. You're not done yet, however, as a squeeze of lime for acidity, the optional zing of coriander and crunchy peanuts and rice crackers complete the sensory journey. Banh xeo was the other standout in the two-and-a-half-hour tour, enjoyed at what many consider the city's best, Banh Xeo Ba Duong. Savoury crispy pancakes – the Vietnamese name comes from the sizzle or "xeo" as they cook – are layered in rice paper with options including smoky grilled pork skewers and fresh herbs. Then dunk them in an addictive brown sauce made from pig liver, peanuts, chili, garlic, shrimp paste and more. There are, naturally, countless other places to choose from for local dishes at scarcely believable prices, so the tried and trusted mantra of simply looking where there are plenty of customers invariably does the trick. EXPERIENCES AND EXCURSIONS Da Nang is a large port city with an impressive tree lined boulevard along its substantial main beach, My Khe, which offers dozens of places to kick back, chill, or eat and drink. As with so many destinations, simply getting lost amongst the maze of streets is a huge draw, watching daily life and the quirks of local culture play out. Dragon Bridge in the centre of the city is unmissable, especially when illuminated at night, and also allows for a visit to Son Tra Da Nang Night Market which features street food and trinket vendors. Another bridge, Golden Bridge, has also become a hugely popular draw, thanks to a 500m span seemingly held aloft by two vast stone hands. Sitting west of Da Nang, it's a slightly surreal experience as it lies within an amusement park called Ba Na Hills which also features the world's longest cable car, amongst many other attractions. Above all, no visit to Da Nang is complete without heading 35 minutes down the coast to the ancient merchant town of Hoi An. It's rightly one of central Vietnam's most iconic sights and well worth a day of your time to explore its beguiling lantern-filled laneways, waterways, seventeenth century Japanese bridge, pagodas and French colonial mansions. SHOPPING Hoi An is where you'll want to indulge in retail therapy as it's especially well known for dozens of tailors offering off-the-rail or bespoke garments which are usually turned around and ready to pick up in less than 24 hours. They're happy to make copies of your favourite designs, or let you craft your own from seemingly endless swathes of materials. I avoided the main tourist heart of Hoi An, instead choosing a random shop called Simon the Tailor a couple of doors down from one of the town's most famous banh mi vendors, The Banh Mi Queen. The young team helped me choose a cut, fabric and finishes, and less than 24 hours later I had a beautifully tailored blazer delivered to my hotel, all for under US$70 (S$90). Galleries also abound, offering works of vastly differing quality, but there's sure to be something for every taste and price point. Lanterns and lights are another very popular draw, while for foodies a jar of Tuong Ot sticky chilli jam, unique to Hoi An, is a must. It's the perfect addition to the beloved local noodle dish, cao lau, of smoky pork and noodles, fresh herbs and bean sprouts. FINE DINING Dining in Vietnam simply doesn't get any finer than at the one-starred Maison 1888 at Intercontinental DaNang Sun Peninsula Resort. That's the case now more than ever as culinary legend Christian le Squer, from the three Michelin-starred Le Cinq in Paris, oversees the tasting menus which are beautifully crafted by Chef Florian Stein and his team. Stunning French dishes with Vietnamese accents included Japanese turbot cooked in brown butter, with grated pear. Gnocchi with saffron, black olives and basil broth was also sublime, especially paired with a Laurent Perrier Grande Cuvee from one of the country's finest wine cellars, awarded by Wine Spectator and led by a seriously impressive young Vietnamese sommelier, Toan Nguyen. Other high-end dining options include classic French with a seafood emphasis at Cabanon Palace, Cantonese at The Golden Dragon and Italian with Vietnamese twists at Si Dining. Then for those seeking Japanese, the brand new Tingara from Japanese chef Junichi Yoshida features a circular dining space overlooking the ocean, home to flawless teppanyaki and sushi omakase, paired with an enviable sake collection. GENERAL ADVICE Da Nang's climate ranges from a low of around 18 degrees Celsius in January to highs of 35 degrees Celsius in the peak of a sweltering summer. The dry season runs from January to August, while the wet season extends from September to December, with heaviest rainfall typically in October and November. Getting around is easiest via Grab which offers very reasonable fares, but if you're feeling more adventurous, rent a moped from a reputable company – and ensure you have good insurance.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Japan Welcomes a New Era of Ethical Luxury: FURA Launches Hospitality Fund Featuring Shinta Mani and Bill Bensley
TOKYO, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A fresh wave of Southeast Asian investment arrived in Japan, redefining regional engagement through elegance and purpose. FURA Investment Holdings, in collaboration with HMD Asia, officially launched the FURA Hospitality Fund at a landmark investor showcase in Tokyo. The event, titled "FURA x Shinta Mani: Investing in Iconic Hospitality with Purpose," was held alongside the official visit of Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet—highlighting Cambodia's ambition to lead in ethical, design-led investment opportunities. Design-Driven Investment with PurposeThe FURA Hospitality Fund focuses on globally benchmarked hospitality assets developed under the acclaimed Shinta Mani brand, guided by the internationally renowned designer Bill Bensley. Known for his bold, sustainable, and storytelling-driven architecture, Bensley has transformed the perception of luxury hospitality in Asia and beyond. His creative vision lies at the heart of the fund's appeal, offering investors a rare opportunity to back world-class design with purpose. "This isn't about chasing emerging markets. It's about investing in globally admired hospitality projects that reflect beauty, sustainability, and purpose," said Mr. Hiro, CEO of FURA Japan. Event Highlights Reflecting Cambodia's Investment StrengthsHeld at a prestigious venue in Tokyo, the event brought together investors, thought leaders, and cultural ambassadors. Key segments included: Khmer drumming and traditional rituals to welcome guests An official launch and welcome by FURA Japan Presentations of FURA, Cambodian tourism, and the Shinta Mani brand A video showcase of HMD Asia's hospitality assets Speaking at the event, Mr. Sokoun Chanpreda, founder of HMD Asia, shared an open invitation: "Please come to see and experience Cambodia for yourself - the culture, the creativity, the hospitality and the spirit that shape our HMD Asia properties." The showcase concluded with a relaxed networking session, allowing investors to engage directly with the fund's creators and strategic partners. Strong Turnout from Japan's Investment CommunityThe event hosted 65 attendees, including representatives from 14 publicly listed and leading companies, 15 investment firms, and 24 individual investors. Company names are withheld for confidentiality. Investing in a Sophisticated, Ethical FutureFURA's platform offers Japanese investors access to curated global assets, beginning with Cambodia's most iconic and ethically built hospitality ventures. With strong government support and visionary partners like Bill Bensley and HMD Asia, the fund is positioned to deliver legacy investments rooted in purpose and performance. To inquire, please contact: FURA JAPAN Co. Persons: Aga, FukumuroTEL: 03-6313-2416 (main), 080-3445-7372 (Aga), 090-5393-0933 (Fukumuro)EMAIL: hiro@ (Aga) / takumi@ (Fukumuro) About Fura Investment HoldingsFURA Investment Holdings is a global investment firm focused on long-term growth and lasting impact. With strategic investments in real estate, finance, agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable development, we connect capital with opportunity to drive economic progress. Headquartered in Singapore, we work alongside international partners to create value that endures across generations. Guided by transparency and responsibility, we invest in ventures that not only generate strong returns but also contribute to sustainable prosperity. At FURA, we don't just invest—we cultivate legacies that redefine the future. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE FURA Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
