The Chinese government may have declared that Hainan will be a “top international tourism destination” by 2020, but things are moving at a much faster rate than that. New, palatial resorts are springing up in the island’s prime positions, hugging its bays and its pristine coastline. No less than 63 five-star hotels will be built as part of China’s 12th five-year economic development plan, along with what the Chinese government terms as 15 key tourist resorts, which will include theme parks and other attractions. There are also 27 golf courses open already, with more being planned.

High times
Haitang Bay, which is approximately 30km from the Phoenix International Airport at Sanya, is Hainan’s fastest-developing destination, with 30-plus resorts being planned for the district. Leading the way is Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa (507 rooms), which opened in March this year, as well as Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay (101 rooms) and Doubletree by Hilton Haitang Bay (463 rooms, pictured right) combination. Both properties have been operating since the start of the year.

Renaissance’s open plan offers a wealth of venue options, from four bars and three restaurants to a lawn that can comfortably fit 2,000 guests. The property is also big on water sports, making full use of its private beachfront, and has a 1,600 sqm function room as well. As well as its seven F&B outlets, the Doubletree By Hilton Haitang Bay has its own cultural centre with nightly shows that are about to roll out, while the villas and deluxe rooms at the Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay are perfectly suited to VIPs, with those guests then allowed to make use of the facilities available at both properties.

Kempinski Hotel Haitang Bay Sanya (576 rooms) is scheduled to open its doors by the end of the year, complete with a 1,200m-long seawater river that links all points of the property, as well as a towering lighthouse with its own beachside bar. The resort will feature its own Paulaner Bräuhaus brewery, alongside its 11 function rooms.

Haitang will, by Q1 next year, welcome into the market Royal Begonia (160 rooms), designed to cater for small groups in an intimate tropical setting, and Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort (500 rooms), which will operate 10 meeting rooms and come with designated exhibition space.

Room to roam
Yalong Bay is currently Hainan’s most developed resort district, but at 19 sq km, there’s more than enough room for everyone. Joining the scene from early November will be St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay (401 rooms), which has more than 2,000 sqm of meeting space planned, five F&B outlets and the five-star rated Iridium Spa. St Regis will have its own marina, and its ballroom and function rooms have been positioned to make full use of the view out over these facilities. The resort will also feature the Driftwood Seafood Restaurant, located by the beach and available for private group dining.

Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa (492 rooms) boasts a designated two-storey MICE pavilion, combined meeting space of almost 3,000 sqm, six F&B outlets and eight spa pavilions for winding down after a long day. The views out over the sea along Yalong Bay are stunning, making sunset at bars such as the aptly named Sand at Ritz-Carlton Sanya (450 rooms, pictured right) a popular time to go over the day’s activities. In fact, Ritz-Carlton prides itself on its sunset events down by the sand, where it can cater for up to 600 guests. “People like activities – and we are developing yachting as an option – but they also like to wind down,” says Rex Loh, director of sales and marketing. Ritz-Carlton is also contributing to the local environment through its sea turtle rescue programme, with guests invited to join in the celebrations when the creatures are released back into the wild.

Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa (452 rooms) and Sheraton Sanya Resort (511 rooms) right next door are also among Hainan’s largest, with sweeping lawns and tropical gardens. They have experience of handling some of the biggest groups to come to the destination. Sanya Marriott can cater for up to 1,000 people outside (and in) while the Sheraton last year hosted 1,400 delegates from a Russian insurance company. The hotel even had groups of 100 at a time practising yoga down on the beach.

Yalong’s Crowne Plaza Sanya (469 rooms) offers guests nine choices when it comes to F&B but when it is time to get down to business, the resort designates a single point of contact for each group through a Crowne Meetings Director.

Easy access
A position just 25 minute’s drive from the airport makes InterContinental Sanya (343 rooms) a convenient choice, and it can also designate one entire block of rooms for conferences or events. The main ballroom measures 585 sqm, which means the resort can cater for groups of up to 500, while also positioning marquees on two expansive garden areas. There are also nine F&B outlets and five swimming pools, while Sanya’s massive Duty Free Shop is a short drive away.

Convenience is a major drawcard for Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort & Spa (413 rooms) – it is only 10 minutes from the airport and has its own beach and water sports centre. The Pullman’s main ballroom is 800 sqm, with an 8.5m high roof that allows for major exhibits. One unique feature is the ‘Chillout Space’ that allows guests from corresponding events to mingle and network.

The 296-room Mandarin Oriental Sanya is close to the city centre and is an 18-minute drive from the airport but feels a world away, tucked between the hills and a protected coral bay. “People come here to enjoy the privacy,” says assistant marketing manager William George. “It brings a real intimacy to the events we host.” There is 900 sqm of meeting and banquet space stretching through the resorts gardens and right down on to the water, as well as 10 F&B outlets. The landscape surrounding the resort is ideal for teambuilding exercises.

Star struck
Le Meridien Shimei Bay Beach Resort & Spa (275 rooms) attracted global attention as one of the settings for Chinese director Feng Xiaogang’s hit movie If You Are the One 2. The resort offers surfing, fishing and diving for the adventurous, a spa and even a nightclub for those wanting to let off a little steam.