Hainan, and Sanya in particular, is going from strength to strength and its reputation as an events hub is growing accordingly.

“As the only beach destination in China, Sanya is a good place for extension programmes,” says Merrisa Xia, senior travel account Manager for Pacific World Shanghai and Beijing.

“Many international hotels have beach space, poolside areas or gardens which can be used for outdoor events. There are not many local restaurants for international guests other than in hotels. Give it two or three years and Sanya will be an attractive destination.”

SANYA BAY
The island’s most established properties are located in Sanya Bay. Sheraton was the area’s first international hotel and remains a favourite with regional event planners. The 511-room hotel includes a 1,250 sqm ballroom. Four meeting rooms were recently added for Servier’s 700-strong annual conference. 

Ritz Carlton (483 rooms and villas) was one of the brand’s first new-look properties and features distinctive classical Chinese features throughout. The hotel has hosted many international events since its launch in 2008, including a product launch for Mercedes-Benz at its extensive outdoor function space.

There is also a ballroom and several meeting rooms suitable for events of up to 800 people. The nearby Marriott (432) was a welcome addition to the strip, with its 1,250 sqm meeting rooms. Hilton (501) has its own two-level MICE pavilion offering meeting room options for up to 1,000 delegates.

Though not a beachfront property, Crowne Plaza (463) is the area’s best events hotel. The 2,380 sqm of meeting facilities are located in a separate wing including a 1,300 sqm ballroom.

Mandarin Oriental (297) opened its first Chinese property here last year, a 12-hectare oasis with a 3,200 sqm Spa Village and several outdoor function areas. Indoor meeting facilities can host conferences for 400 people.

Also new is Pullman (193) with six meeting rooms for up to 350 people. St. Regis will open a 429-room property in late 2011.




HAIKOU BAY
Mission Hills is the newest opening on Hainan Island with a 423-room golf resort that has six course open already. A further four will open in the near future. The hotel’s ballroom can hold up to 1,600 delegates.

Meritus Mandarin (318) opened the door on this stretch of sand when it opened in 1997. The hotel has meeting facilities for 1,000 people.

Sheraton’s (341) second property on the island is on a smaller scale, but still attracts major events such as functions for CCTV and Amway Taiwan. The outdoor barbecue garden is popular for informal receptions and the meeting rooms can seat 540 delegates.

InterContinental will open a 200-room property here in 2014.

SHIMEI BAY
The new Le Meridien (275) offers world-class facilities an hour from the busy streets of Sanya and only 15 minutes drive from five golf courses. The resort is the first of six hotels within a new mixed-use development. A smaller-scale Westin (163) is next to open with 400 sqm of meeting space. 


YALONG BAY
Banyan Tree (49 villas) opened in this quieter neighbourhood in 2008. This villa resort is the first choice for high-end incentive groups. The 864 sqm ballroom can cater for parties of up to 700 people.

NEW DESTINATION
The 180-room Dusit Thani Sanya will open in 2011 in Xiangshui Bay, marking the group’s entry into China. Jumeirah (300) will also open its first property on the island here in 2013.