The forested slopes and long, sandy beaches of Danang’s Son Tra Peninsula provide the setting for the just-opened InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort (Bai Bac; 84-511/393-8888; ichotelsgroup.com; doubles from US$220). The hillside property’s 168 rooms, two dozen suites, and five beachfront pool villas make an elegant addition to Vietnam’s central coast, with ebony-hued woodwork, stone tubs, and a sleek black-and-white palette accented with splashes of celadon green. Apart from stunning views of the South China Sea—or rather, the East Sea, as the Vietnamese prefer it—on-site diversions include riding the resort’s funicular and dining at La Maison 1888, an haute-French restaurant with a menu by legendary chef Michel Roux.  For those looking for a heritage-centric outing, the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Hoi An is just an hour’s drive away.  –Anita Surewicz

Originally appeared in the June/July 2012 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“A Place In The Sun”)