At IMEX Frankfurt 2025, Travel and Tour World sat down with Bastien Pucheu, Area Director of Commercial, Regent Phu Quoc, InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, set to debut in July 2025. With deep expertise in the ultra-luxury segment, Bastien shared insights into the brand’s strategic expansion in Vietnam’s most iconic coastal destinations.

Located in the heart of Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the InterContinental Halong Bay Resort promises an immersive and culturally rich guest experience. Designed by the renowned firm WATG, the resort’s architecture reflects the legendary “Descending Dragon” myth, with landscapes and interiors inspired by the bay’s dramatic rock formations and traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship—especially in spaces like the lobby, which echoes the design of bamboo boats and woven baskets.

Culinary experiences are a highlight, with Marina Bay focusing on fresh seafood, Ro delivering modern Japanese cuisine, and Yun celebrating authentic Cantonese and Chinese flavors. The resort’s spa, developed in collaboration with a British luxury beauty brand and an Australian clean beauty label, offers panoramic bay views and holistic wellness treatments. Families are also catered to with a dynamic Planet Explorer Kids’ Club and a variety of personalized recreational services.

For the MICE segment, the property features a grand ballroom with a 1,000-seat capacity, tech-enabled meeting rooms, and expansive outdoor venues overlooking the bay—ideal for high-profile events, conferences, and celebrations.

Guests can look forward to specially curated opening packages tailored for romance, wellness, and business travel. In line with IHG’s brand philosophy, the resort also aims to engage with the local community through authentic concierge experiences, including cultural interactions with Alon Bay’s fishing families.

Bastien concluded with a vision to embed Vietnamese heritage and hospitality in every touchpoint, promising transformative, place-connected luxury for global travelers.

Could you please introduce yourself?

I am Bastin Pucheu, the Area Commercial Director for Free Properties in Vietnam and Regent Phu Quoc, specializing in the ultra-luxury segment. One of our exciting new projects is the InterContinental Alon Bay, set to open in mid-July. This resort is located in Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam, and is ideally designed for families and discerning travelers seeking a luxurious and culturally rich experience.

How does the resort’s design reflect the local culture and natural beauty of Alon Bay?

We partnered with a design firm called WATG (an internationally renowned architecture and design company) to create a resort that truly embodies the spirit of Hạ Long Bay. The area is famous for its legendary “Descending Dragon” myth, symbolized by the unique rock formations scattered along the bay. These natural rock formations are a major source of inspiration and serve as the centerpiece of the hotel’s design and landscape.

Inside the resort, the interiors draw heavily on Vietnamese cultural heritage. For instance, the lobby is inspired by traditional Vietnamese bamboo boats and woven baskets, giving guests an authentic sense of place through local craftsmanship and artistry.

What types of dining experiences will the resort offer?

Guests can expect a multi-sensory culinary journey. The resort’s Marina Bay restaurant will focus on fresh seafood and seasonal flavors inspired by the bay. Additionally, there will be “Ro,” a restaurant serving unique Japanese cuisine, alongside “Yun,” which specializes in traditional Chinese and Cantonese dishes. This variety caters to diverse palates and offers authentic Asian culinary experiences.

How does the resort cater to wellness and family-friendly experiences?

For the spa, we are collaborating with a luxury British beauty brand, and an Australian clean beauty brand. The spa’s design also takes inspiration from the rocks of Ha Long Bay, complementing the natural surroundings. It will overlook the bay and feature state-of-the-art wellness equipment to offer guests modern and holistic treatments.

Families will appreciate the Planet Explorer kids’ club, which offers a broad range of activities designed for children and teenagers. The resort provides personalized wellness and recreational services tailored to guests of all ages, ensuring a comfortable and engaging environment for families.

What facilities are available for meetings and events?

The resort boasts fully equipped meeting rooms with the latest technology. The main ballroom can seat up to 1,000 people in theater-style arrangement. There are also multiple outdoor spaces including a lawn overlooking Alon Bay and several terraces ideal for coffee breaks, exhibitions, and product presentations. The spectacular UNESCO World Heritage backdrop makes it a memorable venue for corporate and social events.

What kind of opening offers and packages will you provide to guests?

We have designed various opening packages tailored to different traveler segments — whether romantic couples, wellness seekers, or business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups. Each package includes added-value benefits aimed at providing unique and memorable experiences suited to the specific needs of our guests.

What are the resort’s future plans and community engagement strategies?

As the opening approaches, we are finalizing exclusive concierge services that highlight the local culture and community. For example, guests will have the chance to engage with local fishermen from Alon Bay, an integral part of the region’s cultural fabric. We also aim to offer off-the-beaten-path excursions and authentic experiences that celebrate the destination’s natural beauty and heritage.

Our mission is to ensure that everything we do reflects the essence of Vietnam and creates meaningful connections between guests and the surroundings.

The post InterContinental Halong Bay Set to Redefine Luxury Hospitality in Vietnam with Cultural Immersion and Bespoke Experiences, Says Bastien Pucheu at IMEX Frankfurt 2025 appeared first on Travel And Tour World.