In Conversation: Jesper Bach Larsen, Opening General Manager of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort & Residences

Set against the extraordinary backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort & Residences has quickly established itself as a defining destination in northern Vietnam. Celebrated for its immersive design narrative and sensitive integration with the natural environment, the resort offers a contemporary interpretation of Halong Bay’s timeless serenity. Jesper Bach Larsen, Opening General Manager of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort & Residences, shares insights into the philosophy behind the property – creating a place where the architecture, natural environment, and guest experience converge to create a deeply restorative and culturally grounded journey.

Congratulations on the launch of the first international luxury resort brand in Halong Bay. How do you feel about interacting with the property on a daily basis?

Halong Bay is all about calmness and serenity, and that is exactly what we aim to reflect throughout the hotel. It is a place designed for restoration, grounded in a sense of quietness. Every material and spatial decision has been made to soften the noise of daily life and encourage a feeling of calm. What makes it particularly special is how the experience of the bay continues seamlessly into the hotel. There is a natural continuity, where the emotional quality of the landscape is carried through the entire guest journey. 

Which is your favorite element of the design? 

The integral part of the design is the view itself. The entire resort has been carefully planned to maximize views of Halong Bay from nearly every vantage point. Alongside this, the material palette and colors draw directly from the surroundings—the blues of the ocean, the warmth of the sun, and the greys of the stone formations. These elements are subtly reflected throughout the architecture, reinforcing a constant visual connection to the bay. 

How do you want guests to react when they first arrive at the location?

An immediate sense of awe when guests arrive, where they enter through grand doors inspired by the rising karst formations of the bay, which lead into a lobby that feels both contemporary and culturally expressive. Beyond that, the view of Halong Bay unfolds. It is intended to be a defining moment, a sense of anticipation and wonder, almost as if the landscape itself is welcoming you into the property. 

How important is the visual and sensorial journey as guests explore the architecture and design?

It is absolutely central to the experience. The design is intended to evoke emotion and guide guests throughout their stay. We want people to feel curious, connected, and inspired as they move through the spaces. This is achieved through a layered sensory narrative—through materials, textures, light, and spatial progression. It is not only about how the hotel looks, but how it feels at every moment. 

What are the restorative qualities of being immersed in the natural environment here?

There is a profound sense of calm that comes from being surrounded by Halong Bay. That stillness is echoed throughout the property, creating an environment where guests can truly disconnect and recharge. Spaces such as the spa, designed as a sunken garden or hidden lagoon, intensify this feeling—enveloping guests in quietness and a sense of retreat that is deeply connected to nature. 

What does sustainable design mean to InterContinental?

Sustainability goes far beyond performative technology. It encompasses local sourcing, material choices, and the preservation of culture and environment. Throughout the resort, elements such as green roofs, natural stone, and thoughtful landscaping not only enhance the aesthetic but also contribute to reduced energy usage and environmental impact. These principles are integral to IHG’s broader sustainability commitments, and increasingly, they are valued by guests as part of a more conscious travel experience.

Halong Bay is cherished for its incredible landscape. Can you explain the integration of the property within the wider context? 

The approach has always been to preserve as much of the natural environment as possible. For example, the villas are designed with minimal footprints to maintain the surrounding gardens. The architecture draws heavily from the verticality of Halong Bay’s karst formations, seen in elements like the residential tower, which rises like a freestanding karst. Across the resort, materials such as large stonework reinforce this connection. 

Everything within the resort is conceived as a reflection of the bay. From the spatial organization to the architectural forms, there is a deliberate effort to mirror the surrounding landscape. This continuous dialogue between the built environment and nature creates a sense that the resort is not separate from Halong Bay, but an extension of it. 

Can you share the experience with working with WATG?

WATG has a strong reputation in delivering global luxury properties, combined with a deep sensitivity to local culture. The process was a highly collaborative creative journey where we worked together to align the brand vision with the DNA of the destination. This approach ensured that the final outcome is not only visually striking, but also meaningful and authentic. The result is a property that tells a cohesive story—one that captures the essence of Halong Bay, Vietnam, and its cultural heritage, while delivering a truly immersive guest experience.