Mandarin Oriental, Sanya
Sanya, China
Jiyang
Vibe
Low-rise stone buildings and open-air pavilions fan across thirty lush acres along a protected coral reef coastline.
“Coral Bay showpiece”
Dedicated butler service across cliff villas, private plunge pools in beachfront pavilions, and refined Mandarin hospitality.
A secluded Spa Village offering Traditional Chinese Medicine consultations and Tai Chi sessions with a Shaolin master.
Thirty acres of landscaped gardens featuring three outdoor pools, tennis courts, and protected coral reef snorkeling.
Along Coral Bay in Sanya, set across thirty acres of tropical gardens fronting a protected coastline.
“The accommodations are woven into the landscape amid the palms — the rooms and suites in low buildings with balconies, the villas and pavilions in freestanding stone buildings.”
Rooms
Volcanic rock and indigenous Li and Miao textile patterns accent the interiors, each opening onto private balconies or terraces.
“Stretching across one of the best beaches on Hainan Island — a tropical getaway in southern China — Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is a sanctuary of peace.”
Wellness
The secluded spa village features hydrotherapy suites and outdoor treatment pavilions, alongside morning Tai Chi led by a Shaolin master.
“It has a huge open space with a stunning view of Dadong Bay; it really is the best place in town for sundowners.”
Backstory
Opened in 2009 as the brand's first mainland China resort, landscape architect Bill Bensley integrated low-slung pavilions into native coastal jungle.
Eat & drink
Seafood dinners sit along the rocky shore at Fresh, while Sunset Bar serves cocktails over wide views of Dadong Bay.
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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.