Sanya, ChinaDadonghai
JW Marriott Hotel Sanya Dadonghai Bay
Subtropical coastal resort
Dadonghai Sanya, China
Renovated
2018
Price
$$$
Rated for
Luxe Resort WellnessOutside the door
The house
MarriottSubtropical coastal resort
Twin wings curve along the water, where open seaside lawns meet a protected marine coral reserve.
What it’s good at
Notable
Oceanfront lounge terraces look over the bay during afternoon tea and evening cocktails.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
This 435-room resort divides its East and West towers along the edge of the Maritime Coral Reefs Natural Reserve, a rare instance of a protected marine zone bordering a beach hotel directly.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Luhuitou Mountain rises directly behind the property, and downtown Sanya is a short drive around the bay.
The rooms
Ocean-facing rooms look out across Dadonghai Bay, while inland categories face forested mountain slopes.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An infinity-edge pool sits among tropical gardens, flanked by cushioned loungers looking toward the bay.
The gym
Treadmills and weight benches sit before floor-to-ceiling glass looking straight out across the ocean.
At the table
Smoki Moto grills Korean teppanyaki by the bay, and JW Market bakes Hong Kong pastries behind glass.
Sanya
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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.