the five-star beachside sanctuary that opened in July 2025, has announced the appointment of Grant Thompson as its new General Manager. As the only internationally branded luxury resort overlooking Halong Bay, the hotel offers a more stay-led way to experience the destination, beyond traditional itineraries.
A hospitality expert with more than 35 years of experience across Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, Grant brings a truly global perspective and an exceptional track record to the hotel. Previous managerial roles with luxury brands such as Sofitel, The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW), and Wanda Hotels & Resorts have shaped Grant’s leadership style, which is defined by clarity, operational strength, and a deep commitment to creating memorable moments. During his five-and-a-half-year spell with Wanda, he successfully opened six five-star hotels.
Having joined IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2018, he guided InterContinental Changsha to multiple awards before being appointed GM of InterContinental Beijing Beichen in 2023, where he achieved the highest guest satisfaction ranking within the Greater China region and led the hotel to its highest KPI performance in 17 years. Now, Grant’s expertise will help to shape the future of InterContinental Halong Bay Resort as it transitions into its next exciting chapter.
Under Grant’s proactive leadership, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort positions itself as the new leading luxury resort offering an alternative to discover Halong Bay. He will focus on enhancing every aspect of the guest journey – from pre-arrival to post-departure – in line with his own personal vision and InterContinental’s unparalleled brand standards. Working side-by-side with the hotel’s team, he will craft refined experiences that offer a deep connection with the true essence of this UNESCO World
Heritage-listed natural wonder.
One of the world’s most iconic seascapes, Halong Bay is an extraordinary marine labyrinth where more than 1,000 islands and islets rise from the azure sea. Easily accessible from Van Don International Airport or via a new expressway from Hanoi, this idyllic destination has provided a spectacular backdrop for many movies, including “Pan” and “Kong: Skull Island.” This makes it highly attractive for leisure travellers and event planners from around the world, who are now flocking to the bay in ever-increasing numbers. Halong Bay welcomed 8.2 million¹ visitors in 2025, and it is poised to grow from strength to strength in the coming years, as affluent domestic and international explorers seek one-of-a-kind escapes.
Awaiting them will be InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, a stunning seafront retreat which is nestled on a sandy beach and envelops guests in an ambience of natural luxury. Newly opened in July 2025, this landmark hotel features 275 stylish rooms, suites and villas with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the bay, an exclusive Club InterContinental Lounge, six eclectic restaurants including a 10th floor rooftop bar, three swimming pools (two outdoor pools and an indoor infinity pool at the Club InterContinental Lounge), the Hidden Lagoon Spa, yoga area, fitness centre, cinema room, and the Planet Trekkers children’s activity centre and play areas. Meeting planners can take advantage of more than 4,500 square metres of indoor and outdoor event space, including the 1,081-square metre Tonkin Ballroom and a sea-facing lawn and terrace.
With its prime location and world-class amenities for business and leisure, InterContinental Halong Bay Resort sets the stage for truly unforgettable occasions. With Grant Thompson at the helm, this five-star resort will ensure that travellers to Halong Bay enjoy truly immersive stays that blend warm and authentic Vietnamese hospitality with global excellence.
