On the southern tip of Hainan Island lies a popular beachfront holiday destination. Sanya boasts of year-round sunshine with over 300 days of sun a year.
Unlike other destinations in China, Sanya showcases cultural history from its minority inhabitants and from Southeast Asia.
The sandy coral beaches, clear waters, and summery breeze attract tourists from Mainland China, Asia, and Europe. Just a short hour’s flight from Hong Kong, it is a perfect getaway for expats looking to escape the metropolis.
Mandarin Oriental, Sanya
For a luxuriously exclusive tropical getaway in Sanya, the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is for you
The Resort
Opened in 2009, the resort defines Mandarin Oriental hospitality in a beach chic and natural setting.
Twelve acres, inclusive of a secluded beach, span over a kilometer of Coral Bay with stunning views of the South China Sea from sunrise to sunset.
The lush green setting enhances the exclusivity and retreat-like environment for a most peaceful vacation.
The Design
The landscaping commands the first impressions of the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya.
Landscape architect Bill Bensley, who is known for his high-end lifestyle resort designs, beautifully adapted the Sanya property to the lush beachfront setting, including the characteristics and cultures of the land.
The design incorporates tropical wood, local volcanic rocks, and water features which provide harmony and elegance, while the use of slate gray roof tiles pay homage to the local Chinese houses of Hainan Island.
The low-rise buildings and elevation of the property privilege every guest to have a room with a view of the natural surroundings.
The same design company, LTW Design Works, who renovated and refurbished the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong in 2009 also created the interior design for the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya in the same year.
The look ties together clean, contemporary innovation alongside the cultural history of Hainan, with notable touches of artwork from the indigenous groups.
The spacious, private luxury resort is a true retreat with relaxation both indoors and out.
The Guests
Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is for everyone.
Couples seeking a private, luxurious getaway. Families looking to spend time together under the sun. Friends wanting a fun beach trip. Wedding parties for that special day in a gorgeous setting. Company retreats to completely leave the office space.
Truly for everyone.
How to Get There
Flights to Sanya operate daily from Mainland China, Hong Kong, destinations in Asia (e.g., Japan, Singapore, etc), and Amsterdam. As it is a city in China, visas are similarly required for certain passports.
Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is about a 45-minute drive from the airport. Guests can arrange through the Reservations Department for Airport Transfer service. Your driver will escort you after immigration and customs to a clean, air-conditioned car complete with bottled water and a refreshingly cold towel.
The Next Posts
The next five posts will contain a series highlighting more from Mandarin Oriental, Sanya. Features will cover:
5. Fresh – MO Sanya’s signature beachfront restaurant
Welcome to Mandarin Oriental, Sanya where every view is breathtaking. The property’s 12 hectares of land along the Coral Bay boasts of stunning sights of the South China SeaWhether you are in your room, suite, or villas or in one of the 9 restaurants and bars, you will bask in the warm breeze of Sanya’s year-round sunny climate – in fact, Sanya claims to have over 300 days of sunshine a yearThe hotel’s property sits directly on the beach for private access exclusively for guests. Throughout the hotel, guests have sun lounging options along the beachside across the span of the property or by any of the 3 poolsSunset over Sanya. Stopping to enjoy the sunset is a requisite when staying at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya. Guests can enjoy the changing colors of the sky by the beach, along the property’s walkways, on the balconies of their rooms, or at the Sunset BarFun for all ages. The hotel caters to couples and families. Couples have their privacy and luxury, and families are spoiled with endless activities. The water slide in one of the three pools is a splashing highlightThe three hotel pools are categorized for families and children, all ages, and for adults only. The children’s area is landscaped with sand for a small manmade beach for the kids to build sand castles by the pool’s shallow entranceThe lush landscaped greenery and the hillside backdrop enhance the sights of the exclusive tropical retreat. Every step around the property guests can find a sense of tranquility and serenity amidst the natural beautyLounges and jets are strategically placed in the pools, furthering the relaxation and enjoyment. There are also pool bars and restaurants to enjoy a meal by the water with staff bringing your drinks and food to your chosen sun loungerAnd if you really don’t want to leave to water, swim over to the bar in the pool. Perfect for an afternoon refresher and hydration after hours under the heat and sun. The bar caters to families with non-alcoholic choices as wellExploring the property by ground and by water is an adventure in and of itself. With every turn of your head, you will find another path to discover more beautiful hideaways around the propertyThe South China Sea, the pools, the hillside, the mountains, the palms, and on and on. The natural beauty of Sanya is the star at this Mandarin Oriental property which is extensively well-maintained every dayThe property is built along the Coral Bay beach up to the hillside. The design of the hotel utilizes the multi-leveled land in a way that respects and highlights nature through inclined walkways and steps up the propertyThe lobby and reception welcome guests to the tropical retreat with a beautiful use of wood and stone highlighted by the high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling doors and windows. Natural light draws in the year-round sunshineRelaxation and enjoyment are found in every facility of the property from the restaurants and bars to the spa village and recreation center. There are multiple bars throughout the hotel, both indoors, outdoors, by the pool, and in the poolBe one with nature. The second floor of the recreation center sports the fitness center, complete with a room for yoga. Above the fitness center are two outdoor, full-sized tennis courtsThe fitness center is well-equipped with cardio and strength machines for guests to choose their preferred method of working out. There are also classes and private fitness instructors which you can hire to assist you with your trainingThe first floor of the recreation center houses an extensive entertainment area for guests of all ages. From a mahjong room to this billiard room, an outdoor table tennis area, and indoor children’s play center, and an outdoor children’s areaGuests can also play with the range of video games in the recreation center. Alternatively, if you wish to stay in your room, you can also come to the recreation center to rent DVDs to watch in your room. Something for everyone for every mood
Disclaimer: This stay was graciously hosted by Mandarin Oriental, Sanya. All opinions, as always, are my own. This article contains affiliate links to hotel booking sites. With no additional cost to you, your bookings earn me a commission if you click on the links via my website – Thank you!
