Yalong Bay Sanya, China
Opened
2023
Price
$$$
Rated for
Resort Design LuxeOutside the door
The house
IHGDesign-led family resort
It runs as a design-minded family resort, where quiet lakeside tea ceremonies sit beside an expansive children's adventure park.
What it’s good at
Listed
Contemporary interiors accented with traditional Li brocade patterns and warm timber lattice screens.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
this hotel is aimed at a design-friendly audience with an appreciation for contemporary Chinese art.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Longtan Lake borders the grounds, and the beaches of Yalong Bay are minutes away.
The rooms
Lattice screens and Li brocade patterns line the rooms, and select villas have private saunas and soaking tubs.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 800-square-meter Cloud Pool sits on the third-floor terrace, looking out over Longtan Lake toward the bay.
The spa & gym
Restaurant
CAI FENG LOU
The restaurant serves Cantonese and Hainan dishes in dining rooms decorated with Li brocade screens and red cloud installations.
At the table
Buffets at Xianyan open onto an expansive terrace, and Star Kitchen welcomes families under an illuminated whale mural.
How it began
Owner Sunup Group demolished its original 2003 African-castle hotel on this site, replacing it with the new resort in 2023.
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.