 After several years of concentrate beachside development – and the planting of copious new palm trees – Hainan Island's tourism industry now has a plethora of international brand resort hotels. These include properties by Sheraton, which hosted the Miss World competition, Hilton and Marriott.
Now, as hotel occupancies rise, flight frequencies increase and Hainan's popularity as a beach getaway continues to grow, hoteliers are moving their operations upscale. The so-called 'Hawaii of China' is readily embracing the luxe lifestyle.
Earlier this year, Ritz Carlton brought what it calls, "the first true luxury resort hotel to China," located in Sanya, and referred to Hainan Island as: "the next tourist hot-spot Asian destination." The hotel's 450 rooms include 33 pool villas, each with their own private butlers, and 21 luxury suites.
Last week, Banyan Tree aimed to trump Hainan's deluxe quotient, by opening what it calls: "the first luxury all-pool villa resort in China," at Luhuitou Bay. Boasting "61 lavish pool villas nestled in the tropical lagoon landscape of the enchanting resort," it features a spa and hydrotherapy centre, signature dining and extensive conference facilities. Meanwhile, Mandarin Oriental is waiting in the wings with a new resort slated to open later this year, with Fairmont and InterContinental are among those already signed up to open in the near future.
Now, as the hotel chains jostle for position, the boutique sector seems poised to pounce. The Preferred Boutique collection, self-assigned as "the premier brand for intimate hotels and resorts," has officially opened its first member property in Sanya – Aegean Conifer Suites Resort Sanya. Soft opened in February, Aegean Conifer Suites Resort Sanya is: "a contemporary all-suite resort … designed with a combination of Southeast Asia and Mediterranean-style." Among its facilities, each of the 130 suites offers a fully-serviced kitchen and a jacuzzi on a private balcony.
Last update : Tuesday, 03 June 2008
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