Dadonghai Sanya, China
Renovated
2025
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Resort SocialOutside the door
The house
IHGTerraced hillside resort
Stepped into the hillside above Dadonghai Bay, the resort arranges its living spaces across open terraces facing the water.
What it’s good at
Listed
Cheng Chung Design framed crescent bay panoramas with clean glass and uncluttered layouts.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The look is minimalist and boutique-influenced, clean and modern with a minimum of ornament; the better to draw the eye to the tropical panorama outside.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Dadonghai's sandy bay sits minutes down the hill, right where the city gives way to the Luhuitou Peninsula.
The rooms
Uncluttered rooms look out across the crescent bay, and select premium categories include private plunge pools.
The pools and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
Private plunge pools step down the hillside terraces beneath blue parasols, and the gym stays open 24 hours.
At the table
Terrace tables look out over the bay for breakfast buffets, and private dining rooms serve regional Cantonese dishes.
How it began
The site originally housed the Sanya Royal Garden Resort, which operated for fifteen years before undergoing a complete structural overhaul.
Sanya
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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.