The Ritz Carlton Sanya
Sanya, China
Jiyang
Vibe
Open-air timber pavilions and dark wood latticework overlook manicured gardens and the calm shoreline of Yalong Bay.
“Imperial beachfront playground”
An oceanfront infinity pool, winding lagoon waterways, floodlit tennis courts, and private beach frontage along Yalong Bay.
Private pool villas with dedicated butler service, expansive oceanfront balconies, and exclusive Club Lounge culinary presentations.
A courtyard spa featuring bamboo-lined walkways, lotus ponds, hydrotherapy plunge pools, and local coconut milk treatments.
On Yalong Bay's white-sand crescent, an expansive beachfront resort estate with private gardens.
“The resort’s palatial expanse is immediately clear upon arrival, where open-air Thai-style pavilions house a relaxing lobby and luxury shops.”
Rooms
Marble-floored rooms open onto deep terraces framing mangroves and the bay, while secluded villas add private plunge pools.
Wellness
The three-level spa courtyard features bamboo-lined walkways, lotus ponds, hydrotherapy plunge pools, and heated shell bodywork.
Backstory
WATG modeled the sprawling beachfront layout after Beijing's Summer Palace, translating classical imperial garden pavilions to Hainan's tropical coast.
Eat & drink
Sofia serves handmade pastas beside the sea, while Sand pours cocktails directly on the beach beneath breezy palms.
The neighborhood
Set along the white-sand crescent of Yalong Bay, the resort sits forty minutes from Sanya Phoenix International Airport.
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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.