Sanya Supplement: The Bays of Sanya

By Sascha Matuszak 

In this month’s column, the Ctrip team transports you to the soft, easy beaches of China's most popular getaway spot: Sanya on Hainan Island. High-end resorts, sunshine and street food, what else do you need?

The first step off of the plane in Sanya lets you know you’ve arrived in the tropics. The second step will let you know that the beach is close by – and that’s the key difference between ‘tropical’ and ‘tropical paradise’: a constant, gentle ocean breeze.

Sanya’s beaches must be some of the softest in the world. The waves – if that’s what you can call the tiny little rollers that ease into the south side of Hainan Island – are just tall enough to make a three year old squeal, but short enough that moms don’t worry. These comforts are part of the reason why Sanya is the premier vacation spot for China’s middle class families. Almost 90 per cent of the tourists to Sanya are from Mainland China and the majority of them are families or couples, according to the local tourism bureau.

Hotels are seeing a slight increase in international tourists, but the vast majority are still families from the Mainland and Russia. That demographic is not just good – it’s a match made in heaven. Families on vacation want safe beaches and privacy, as well as good shopping, excellent accommodation options and delicious food. Sanya offers all of these things.

Sanya Bay, the westernmost bay of the Sanya area, has luxury resorts such as the Pullman, Howard Johnson and the Narada Resort. Restaurants line the bay all the way from downtown to the split in the highway that leads to Tianya Haijiao, the legendary “End of the World” where couples can swear their undying love for each other. At night this strip of hotels, souvenir stands and seafood barbecues is filled with strolling couples, grandparents and children. The locals sell all manner of trinkets and clothing just off of the beach.

Yalong Bay was the first inlet that focused on luxury travel. The resorts here are a who’s who of major international players: Sheraton, Hilton, Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, just to name a few. This bay is known for the gentle surf and soft white sands that make morning and evening strolls along the coast a favourite for those looking to relax and leave the workplace behind for a few days.

For travellers looking for a little extra luxury and privacy, then Serenity Bay has a lot to offer. Locals refer to it as the Beverly Hills of China. The bay is currently finished with phase three of six planned phases of development. A very sleek and modern InterContinental Resort fronts the beach area and the boutique hotel darling of China Banyan Tree perches a bit farther back at the foot of the famous Luhuitou Hill.

Sascha Matuszak is an editor at the Ctrip-sponsored Chinatravel.net and a frequent contributor to Chengduliving.com and the South China Morning Post.