Atlantis Sanya
Sanya, China
Haitang
Vibe
A towering sail-shaped beacon rises above Haitang Bay, where lobby glass opens like gills toward a massive marine lagoon.
“Aquatic dreamscape spectacle”
A 200,000-square-meter waterpark, clear tube slides through shark tanks, and the massive 86,000-animal Ambassador Lagoon aquarium.
Imperial Club lounge privileges, dedicated concierge assistance, and private furnished balconies overlooking the South China Sea.
A 52-story sail-shaped tower by HOK featuring wave-rippled glass facades and two-story submerged underwater suites.
On Haitang Bay facing the South China Sea, twenty minutes north of Yalong Bay.
“China's only Atlantis resort extends across 130 acres of Haitang Bay, its 52-story tower shaped like a sail…”
Rooms
Neptune and Poseidon Underwater Suites feature floor-to-ceiling glass submerged in the aquarium, while upper rooms open to private sea-view balconies.
“The luxury resort leans heavily on sea-inspired imagery throughout, with design materials (silver leaf, mother of pearl) meant to glisten like water...”
Wellness
Dead Sea mineral wraps at the AHAVA Spa balance days spent among freshwater swimming pools, lazy rivers, and twisting water slides.
“Dominated by a 742-foot-tall tower, the resort is spread out across 806 acres and encompasses 1,314 guest rooms…”
Backstory
Built along the South China Sea in 2018, the megaresort reimagined the lost city myth into an interactive, water-wrapped coastal playground.
Eat & drink
Ossiano serves seafood pasta beside aquarium glass, while other dining spans British gastropub fare, Cantonese dishes, and poolside tiki cocktails.
The neighborhood
Set along the sandy coastline of Haitang Bay, the resort looks out toward Wuzhizhou Island and the warm South China Sea.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.