Sheraton Sanya Resort opens on Hainan Island

Sheraton Sanya Resort, is now open on the beachfront of spectacular Yalong Bay in Sanya, on Hainan Island, China.

The five-star resort, managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts, enjoys its own private white sand beach on the gleaming, sun-kissed eight-kilometre bay of crystal clear water which is often dubbed “China’s Hawaii”.

Hainan is noted for its scenic beaches, natural hot springs, lush forests and several golf courses – all of which have made it one of mainland China’s most popular recreation spots. Southern Hainan enjoys year-round tropical sunshine and temperatures –and Yalong Bay has a hot, tropical flavour, fringed with lush palm trees.

The increase in direct flights from the international airport and the fact that the international Miss World pageant is to be staged there later this year now look set to give the destination wider international recognition. The resort is just a short 30-minute drive from Sanya airport.

“The Sheraton Sanya Resort is poised to become not only the leading 5-star resort on Hainan island, but throughout mainland China,” said General Manager Claudio Nardini.

Its 511 rooms, including 49 suites, all provide the ultimate in comfort and luxury -- and command spectacular vistas of either Yalong Bay, the resort’s lush tropical gardens and lagoons, mountain vistas fringed by coconut plantations or the 18-hole Yalong Bay Golf Club. Located directly opposite the magnificent Robert Trent Jones II-designed Club, the resort will also soon feature the island’s most state-of-the-art Spa, which is due to open in May.

“Grand Deluxe” rooms provide spectacular sea-views from their own balconies and water-slides into secluded pools. Suites are second to none, and Diplomatic Suites of 213 sq. metres have their own giant balconies with outdoor soaking tubs overlooking the pristine waters of Yalong Bay.

The Spa will be the most cosmopolitan in Hainan and will feature an extensive range of massage and beauty treatments. Complementing the Spa is a fully-equipped gym with state-of–the-art fitness equipment, sauna, steam-room, hot and cold Jacuzzis and a hair-salon.

Recreational facilities revolve primarily around golf (with preferential green-fees for guests) and water-sports -- including jet ski, water-skiing, parasailing, Hobie Cats, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling and banana boats.

On dry land, organized activities include beach volleyball, football, basketball, table tennis and tennis (with two floodlit courts). Guests can also go jogging or cycle along cycling paths. Indoors is a games room with billiards and table football.

Sheraton Sanya is also designed to be an important destination for business travelers, boasting the most extensive meetings facilities on the island. The Seven Seas Ballroom accommodates over 1,400 and the resort offers 11 meeting rooms of varying sizes, all with cutting-edge audio-visual equipment.

Sunset cruises and excursions are also available, while corporate groups can participate in a wide array of teambuilding activities including climbing and an obstacle course.

Dining and entertainment facilities are diverse and contemporary with three restaurants offering an exciting blend of Asian and Western culinary favorites. Nightlife will centre around the giant Samba nightclub, which include a wine bar, disco, 9 KTV rooms, 3 games rooms, 2 Mahjong rooms and a billiards area. Pool Bars are scattered around the resort, serving light snacks, refreshing cocktails and evening barbecues. “Sundowners” can be enjoyed at Palm Court in the Lobby which enjoys dramatic sunset views over Yalong Bay and features exciting changing-colour light features similar to those found at the stylish Westin Shanghai.

Guest services include a 24-hour front desk and In-Room Dining, Kids Club, baby-sitting/child services, valet service, limousine and deluxe shuttle, travel services, VIP services, 24 hour currency exchange, 24-hour movie channel, video-on-demand and high speed internet access.

Sheraton Sanya joins a portfolio of 15 Starwood hotels in China, including eleven Sheraton hotels in Suzhou, Xian, Beijing, Chengdu, Shenyang, Guilin, Nanjing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Wuxi and Hong Kong; two St Regis hotels in Shanghai, Beijing; and two Westin hotels in Shanghai and Macau.