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CNA
12 hours ago
- 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
Irish Examiner
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
How to get 'The White Lotus' look in your home interiors
As HBO's The White Lotus streams on Sky for a third season, the covetable décor co-stars with the cast. The social satire returns to our screens with the usual unfulfilled, jaded and entitled guests staying at a holiday resort, but the role played by the set design sometimes almost eclipses the action and always gets the trendsters talking up the looks. After lush tropical Hawaiian scenes in season one, and the dramatic, maximalist Sicilian location of season two, the action unfolds again in five-star surroundings, this time on a Thai island, with set design far from the maximalism of series one, which, incidentally, caused a surge of interest in the Sicilian ceramic vases known as testa di moro, with Etsy reporting a 20% increase in searches. Season three is at the Four Seasons, Koh Samui, where sleek sofas sit comfortably with traditional Thai cabinetry, and modern mattresses are happy bedfellows with four-posters draped in silk sheers. Bill Bensley, architect and interior designer of the hotel when it was built 25 years ago, described the vibe as, ''Thai vernacular set in a tamed jungle'. Production designer Christina Onori adds in textures, heritage woods and botanical prints for a mix of sophistication and relaxed boho. Think handcrafted, or the look of it, with rattan, ceramic lamps and painted shades. Lounging around There's a whole lot of lying around doing absolutely nothing across the episodes, but not like the start of a fortnight in Spain lying prone on a sun lounger to combat work fatigue. This is lounging as a lifestyle with requisite linen-upholstered daybeds and rattan sofas. The Aruba garden corner sofa, footstool, side and coffee tables set; €1,599, EZ Living Interiors. Get the look: Outdoor furniture which looks like it would be equally at home indoors is what you're aiming for. Get yourself an entire outdoor set with the Aruba corner sofa, footstool, and coffee and side tables; €1,599, EZ Living Interiors. Spring for the taupe Rafa long chair in teak, with its daybed design; €4,400, The Pavilion Garden Centre. Bring nature in In the era of bifold doors, we're loving spaces flowing between inside and out. Of course, we don't have summers of perpetual sun, but we excel at making the most of a few sunny hours and can achieve boutique hotel-style patios with textiles. The Edit's neutral cushions are high on texture with an artisan feel to help layer a summer look; from €28, Penneys. Get the look: Carolyn Donnelly's Eclectic collection has stripe and boxy blue and green cushions; €20, Dunnes Stores, or there's The Edit range of warm neutrals suggesting artisan handmade and a more elevated offering than we're used to from Penneys; from €28. Monkeys and murals Never fast-forward the opening credits, or you'll miss dramatic murals hinting at location and the ensuing drama. Monkeys feature, drawn and real, silently observing guest shenanigans from the trees. Add the theme to the décor without actually acquiring a new pet. Get the look: Try a sitting, standing or hanging monkey lamp; €285, or the Valuelights version in gold metallic; €45, B&Q. Make a bigger statement with an exotic addition to the bathroom with the Monkey Sanctuary wallpaper mural by Sir Edward, made to size; €49 per metre square, Colour chart Orange surprises in an otherwise muted palette, popping up in art, fabric and parasols. Its association with Buddhism and the quest for spiritual enlightenment might be lost on characters whose only quest is the next spa treatment, but it does bring cheeriness with it. A version of orange which has something in common with on-trend warm neutrals can introduce the colour with subtlety, like the Harvest Moon paint by Benjamin Moore; from €29, Albany. Get the look: For underfoot, the Fading World Medallion rug is a subtle touch; from €189, unless you go all in with Farrow & Ball's Drag wallpaper in uncharacteristically bright orange; €119.30, or tone things down with Benjamin Moore's Desert Moon paint in a nice flat version; from €29, Spoiler alert Look away now if you haven't watched the series yet, as we can't talk about The White Lotus without speaking of Tanya McQuoid-Hunt, played by Jennifer Coolidge. She's conspicuous by her absence this season thanks to her ex Greg, who is lying low at the resort, living on her money while staying out of the reach of the Italian police who want him in connection with her murder. Get the look: Pay homage to the character with the Tanya McQuoid-Hunt Legends Never Die poster; €18.35, and maybe add in another print: I Don't Even Have My Lorazepam, I'm Going to Have to Drink Myself To Sleep; €27.67, the latter based on a standout line delivered by Victoria, matriarch of the visiting dysfunctional Ratliff family, which despite all indications, actually leave the resort alive. Read More Jennifer Sheahan: How to use paint and pattern to transform any room
Tatler Asia
29-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
Home tour: A modern tropical Kuala Lumpur home with sculptural staircases and a four-storey climbing wall
Modern tropical Above Red perforated screens filter sunlight into this entrepreneur's reimagined split-level sanctuary Above The open terrace extends the living space into Bukit Damansara's lush surroundings A prime concern was that this project should embody the following key features of modern tropical architecture: the integration of the building into the landscape, the utilisation of locally-sourced materials, and the implementation of both passive cooling and natural ventilation. The distinctive red screen of the façade played a large part in ensuring that the house was attuned to the local climate while also projecting a modern aesthetic. Don't miss: Y2K aesthetic revival: Decoding the millennium design trend making a comeback Above An airy living room opens to the sculptural courtyard, where natural light cascades down from the skylight One of the main challenges with this particular site was its west-facing orientation; the architects had to find a way to mitigate the harsh glare of the afternoon sun. A happy solution was found in the double façade, whose perforated metal allows natural light to filter through without excessive heat gain. At the same time, there is a cooling effect due to the air gap between the screen and the interior walls. The intentionally small diameter of the screen's punched holes creates a dynamic visual effect while also ensuring privacy. Tan explains: 'When viewed up close or from a dimly lit interior, it remains see-through, but from a distance and under bright daylight, it appears as a simple red box.' Read more: 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture Above Minimalist elegance defines the dining area, where clean lines and natural light create a serene gathering space The structural framework of the original 5000 sq ft house was preserved in its entirety. This was in line with OTCQ's ethos of sustainability since it minimised the need for demolition and reduced material waste. The team also made an effort to use locally sourced materials that matched the original design intention, hence the loose granite gravel and the clay bricks and tiles. It was the interior layout that was changed the most; in particular, the architectural geometry was simplified and rationalised. The flow of movement and air benefited from the resulting open plan of the ground floor: there is now a straightforward ease of access from the foyer to the living room and then to the dining. See also: Bill Bensley: Eco-luxury hotels' design rebel Inner strength Above The striking central staircase doubles as a functional art piece, complemented by a rock-climbing wall The indoor courtyard has to be the most striking part of the whole design. As Tan points out, it 'serves as both the functional and experiential centrepiece'. The idea for this space emerged from the constraints imposed by the central staircase: rather than working around or fighting against this structural element, the design team resolved to celebrate it. Don't miss: Private islands and wealth: How 6 tech and business leaders built their secluded domains Above OTCQ Architects preserved the entire structural framework of this home while transforming its heart into a light-filled courtyard Above The custom rock climbing wall soars dramatically through all four stories of the home's central courtyard They removed the staircase walls and introduced a skylight, thus allowing an unimpeded flood of natural light into the formerly gloomy stairwell. By opening up this four-storey vertical space, they were able to create natural ventilation, allowing hot air to rise and escape. The addition of the rock-climbing feature not only draws attention to the height of the interior volume but also imparts a sense of dynamism and activity. Read more: Le Creuset at 100: How enamelled cast iron cookware conquered culinary culture Above A carefully positioned tree and white pebble landscaping bring natural elements into the interior Above The custom rock climbing wall soars dramatically through all four stories of the home's central courtyard Besides its airy verticality, the indoor courtyard functions on the horizontal plane as well. Tan explains that 'the courtyard strengthens spatial connections, fostering a sense of openness and interaction between spaces'. One important element that ties together the horizontal spaces is the linking bridge. According to Tan, 'the bridge is particularly impactful given the original split-level design, as it seamlessly unites different areas of the house'. See also: Inside the world's most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections Above Light and shadow dance through the geometric breeze blocks, creating ever-changing patterns Above The sleek wooden sauna offers a tranquil retreat on the second floor, complementing the home's wellness-focused design philosophy The staircase itself was conceived of as a work of art. Custom-made handrails ascend skywards before unfurling near the ceiling in the shape of a blossoming flower. Tan notes how this 'adds a sense of movement and fluidity'. The railing was meticulously crafted using metal rods of varying diameters. Metal was chosen for its durability, allowing for the creation of fine, intricate curves while maintaining structural strength. Of course, the texture of the metal, along with its distinctive maroon hue, links the interior with the screen of the façade. Tan points out proudly how this sculptural staircase is 'a central feature that is not only visually striking but also deeply functional.' NOW READ Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts Home tour: A nature-inspired lakefront retreat in Canada blends quiet luxury with seasonal beauty 11 exclusive Bali villas from Aman's limited collection of Indonesian residences Credits Best of Tatler Asia video highlights Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
Skift
28-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
First Creative Details Emerge for Vietnam's New 'Resort in the Sky' Airline
Putting Bill Bensley at the creative helm is a bold statement of intent for Sun PhuQuoc Airways, but turning a lifestyle concept into a viable airline remains a challenging task. A new Vietnamese airline is hoping to take flight by the end of the year: Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) will be operated by a subsidiary of local real estate and hospitality developer Sun Group. Much is still unknown about the venture, which intends to operate a hub-and-spoke network from Phu Quoc island in southern Vietnam. But attendees at the Skift Asia Forum in Bangkok this month heard some exclusive details from Bill Bensley, creative director of Bensley Design Studios. 'We're going to build – within three years – this 40-fleet airline,' Bensley told Skift CEO and co-founder, Rafat Ali. 'They want it to be very, very high-end … with half the plane in executive class and first class.' Bensley spoke of his love for Vietnam and explained how this will manifest itself on the aircraft: 'I've identified about 35 of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam. These parts [will] then be painted full-body on the plane. Instead of a stripe across or a swish, the entire image of these 35 places are painted on the outside of the plane.' Bensley said this imagery will 'carry through' into the aircraft. He will take a creative lead on numerous passenger-facing elements such as uniforms and menus. 'It's the whole deal, the whole imaging,' he added. Bensley previously worked with the Sun Group on seven hotels in the region. Watch Bill Bensley in Conversation with Rafat Ali at the Skift Asia Forum 2025: RECORDED MAY 2025. The investment case for the new carrier has received the green light from Vietnam's prime minister. Despite the ambitious timeline, there are no details about how SPA will source its aircraft. The Sun Group already operates a private jet business in Vietnam, however these planes are much smaller than those that will be needed for the new airline. A statement from Sun Group said that along with domestic routes, it is considering international destinations, including Japan, South Korea, and China. The company is using the term 'resort airline' to describe its vision: 'This innovative model combines transportation and tourism, where each flight is not merely a means of getting from one place to another but the beginning of a vacation, starting the moment passengers step on board and journey through the skies,' said a company statement. The wider ambition is to 'transform every aircraft into a resort in the sky,' with amenities and services designed to create a sense of leisure and relaxation. Sun Group already has a significant footprint in Phu Quoc through its hospitality and leisure portfolio. The company says it will package flights with these existing products. A First-Time Project Established as a go-to name for hotel, landscape, and interior designs, the world of aviation is new to Bensley and his team. 'It's a totally new thing for me. First time ever, but that's the thing that I like to do... We are asked to do a new project about once a day, so it's a great honor to be able to be very choosy about what we do,' he told the Skift Asia Forum. Vietnam's Golden Visa Ambition to 23-Million Tourist Target More Chinese tourists are now choosing Vietnam over Thailand. Smart visa policies could help keep it that way. The easier it is to get in, the more likely travelers, and their wallets, will follow. Read More If realized, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will join Vietnam's five other major airlines. As well as flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, these include low-cost operators Vietjet Air and Pacific Airlines. An initial investment of 2.5 trillion Vietnamese dong ($96m) has been allotted to the project. An undertaking of SPA's scale will require a figure many times higher, however additional sources of capital are currently unclear. Major airlines already serving Phu Quoc include AirAsia, China Eastern, Korean Air, and Scoot. Skift analysis of data from Cirium Diio suggests around 25 carriers fly to the island, although some of these are only on a seasonal or charter basis. What am I looking at? The performance of airline sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets including network carriers, low-cost carriers, and other related companies. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more airlines sector financial performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.
