The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort
Sanya, China
Yalong Bay
Vibe
Breezy open-air lounges and verdant banyan groves unfold along a private shoreline, backed by round-the-clock butler service and docked yachts.
“Seaside mangrove haven”
An 800-meter private beach, marina yacht charters, waterslides, tennis courts, and a private cinema.
Dedicated round-the-clock butler service handles garment pressing, unpacking, and personalized in-room morning beverage service.
Private treatment suites at Iridium Spa, hydrotherapy whirlpools, a transparent glass pool, and beachfront massage cabanas.
On Yalong Bay's western shoreline, between mangrove forest and an 800-meter private beach.
“Wisely, they’ve opted to emphasize glass and polished marble to retain an airy, light-drenched feel in the interiors.”
Rooms
Polished marble bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, while furnished private balconies open to views across the bay or adjacent marina.
“The light and airy rooms feature a contemporary design that doesn’t distract from the main event — those spectacular exotic vistas.”
Wellness
A transparent glass swimming pool complements the oceanfront infinity pool, hydrotherapy whirlpools, and private spa treatment suites.
Backstory
The layout draws on Hainan folk legends of intertwining dragons, shaping curved pavilions set between coastal mangroves and the sea.
Eat & drink
The Drawing Room hosts evening champagne sabering, while Driftwood grills fresh seafood directly on the sand.
The neighborhood
Set along Yalong Bay's western edge, the grounds bridge quiet mangrove forests, private white sands, and the adjacent yacht club.
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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.