Stretching across one of the best beaches on Hainan Island — a tropical getaway in southern China — Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is a sanctuary of peace. Tucked away from the crowds along Coral Bay, the 296-room address is home to 30 acres of beaches and gardens — making for an idyllic retreat to relax and recharge.
Every room comes with an outdoor space, while beachfront pavilions take luxury to the next level. Wandering the grounds will reward you with quiet corners and intimate gazebos, as well as easy access to three pools, nine restaurants and bars, a separate spa village and tennis courts.
No matter where you choose to unwind, the harmonious, back-to-nature vibe is the same — understated luxury with warm colors, wooden decks and open-air architecture thanks to the work of acclaimed architect Bill Bensley and interior design firm Lim, Teo & Wilkes (LTW) Designworks.
Every room comes with an outdoor space, while beachfront pavilions take luxury to the next level. Wandering the grounds will reward you with quiet corners and intimate gazebos, as well as easy access to three pools, nine restaurants and bars, a separate spa village and tennis courts.
No matter where you choose to unwind, the harmonious, back-to-nature vibe is the same — understated luxury with warm colors, wooden decks and open-air architecture thanks to the work of acclaimed architect Bill Bensley and interior design firm Lim, Teo & Wilkes (LTW) Designworks.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Featuring ocean and tropical garden views, the guest rooms are some of the most spacious on the island, starting at 560 square feet.
- Mandarin Oriental, Sanya offers an ideal home base for golf enthusiasts, with dozens of world-class courses within driving distance.
- Chinese restaurant Yi Yang specializes in authentic Hainan and Cantonese dishes, made with seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce.
- The spa promises a holistic wellness experience and is equipped with 18 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, a traditional Chinese medicine doctor, a fitness center, tennis courts and tai chi and qi gong (gentle, slow movements) taught by a kung fu master.
- It’s a lovely setting. Mandarin Oriental, Sanya takes up 30 acres of beachfront property, which you can enjoy from the sand, a hammock or one of the pools.
Things to Know
- The Sanya hotel sits on protected Coral Bay, where you can enjoy snorkeling or diving in the colorful reefs.
- The island is easiest to reach from Hong Kong (about an hour’s flight south) or any major city in China.
- Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is about a 45-minute drive east of the airport. There’s little in the way of public transportation, but taxis are easy to come by and relatively inexpensive, or spring for a private hotel transfer.
- When it comes to sightseeing, most of the action centers around the island’s natural beauty — think water sports, coral reefs, surfing, mountains and lush rainforest — especially around Jianfeng Peak.
The Rooms
- It’s barefoot luxury meets Asian sophistication at this beach hotel. In the rooms, find specialty linens, tropical wood, volcanic rocks and tribal patterned upholstery inspired by Hainan’s indigenous communities.
- There’s no shortage of creature comforts, including plasma TVs, espresso machines, and private decks.
- The Ocean Front pavilions include an assortment of additional luxuries, including beachfront access, a private plunge pool, patio and a gazebo.
- Going all out? Reserve the two-story Coral Bay villa with 1,615 square feet of space, two bedrooms, gardens and gazebos, plus an outdoor lap pool and exclusive access to The Cliff lounge.
The Restaurants
- For authentic Hainan cuisine, head to Yi Yang restaurant to try dishes such as wok-fried Hainan crab and steamed local geoduck with pickled kale root.
- Yi Yang chef Leung Po Lam aims to bring a taste of Hainan into the hotel’s restaurants. He tours local markets and farms to source sustainable produce, including fresh vegetables, wild mountain chicken and seafood.
- Elsewhere at the luxury hotel, indulge in noodles poolside at Mee & Mian, cocktails at Sunset Bar or a romantic beachfront seafood dinner at Fresh.
- Whiskey enthusiasts will appreciate the cigars and malts at MO Blues bar, while tea lovers may want to make a beeline for Phoenix Tea House, which brews more than 100 types of leaves.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Babysitting services
Bar
Gym
House car
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
Stories
