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Kempinski Sanya Reviews Trickle In

The latest object of our beach resort lust, the new Kempinski Sanya in China, finally has the reviews rolling in on TripAdvisor. We feel a little guilty about drooling over the thought of the place, given that development in and around Sanya is likely moving way too fast. Yet we haven't been able to turn away, and now we think we know why: the pork knuckles rock! That's according to commenter LivinginBeijing, who also adds:

The pool itself is fabulous with a very interesting landscape and a lot of different features, e.g. whirlpools, water slides etc. The Hotel is not far from the flight corridor, so that the landing planes can be easily watched and heard. The private white sandy beach is a big advantage. The staff was very helpful with a great attitude but many of them are still young, inexperienced and with little English skills. All the restaurants in the Hotel were gorgeous.

Is that part about the flight corridor supposed to be positive? It certainly isn't worded too negatively.

TripAdvisor user CatherineSwitzerland calls the location "great," and the entire property "stylish and elegant." It seems the place is definitely going through its teething stage, but with attractive introductory rates (starting at $161.50, all-in), we'd consider trying it out if we were only in the area. Those introductory rates have already risen a bit from when we first wrote about the place, so interested travelers should make reservations now before charges tip over the point of no return. We hope the architecture isn't as ugly as it appears from afar.

[Photo: LivinginBeijing/TripAdvisor]

Related Stories:
· Kempinski Hotel Sanya reviews [TripAdvisor]
· Sanya: More Luxe Than We Thought [Jaunted]

Hotels / Beaches / → All Tags

Sanya: More Luxe Than We Thought

We've been following the hostile takeover development in Sanya for a while now. Since that first spark of lust in our beach-loving hearts, we just couldn't stop. When we heard about the Ritz-Carlton hotel coming to Sanya, Hainan's main beach resort, we figured it would be the area's nicest. Then we found out about the Mandarin Oriental! And now, it turns out that a Kempinski has been up and running there for a few weeks!

The Kempinski Sanya is nestled on a private beach. That's a huge plus in Sanya, where visitors say Yalong Bay is already suffering from the flash-influx of tourists. All 408 rooms feature private balconies and, more importantly, free internet access (we're thinking ethernet, though it's not specified). There are three proper restaurants, including a "brauhaus" that sounds delightfully out of place. The pièce de résistance is an Angsana spa, courtesy of Banyan Tree resorts. Introductory room rates start at $138 a night.

Much has been made of the pace of development in Sanya, and one recent CNN article noted that while the tourist dollars are rolling in, it "will never be the same." With some cautious trust in the situation, we're still dying for a little r&r there, not to mention access to real Hainanese chicken rice. Those in Hong Kong should take note of it as a suitable side trip, especially since special visas are available at the airport for stays of two weeks or shorter.

Related Stories:
· Kempinski Hotel Sanya [Official Site]

Travel Suggestions / Islands / → All Tags

The 'Hawaii of China'

It looks like a less touristy version of the Caribbean and is perfect for a break from the busy China mainland. Introducing Hainan, "the Hawaii of China" --and a lot less crowded then the real thing.

Hainan is a newly developed island 300 miles from Hong Kong on the South China Sea. It's got the same turquoise waters, inifinity pools and perfect weather as the tropics but not the hoardes of tourists yet.

In the midst of a "Dubai-style hotel expansion" Hainan's got a 500-room Sheraton and Marriott and a Hilton's scheduled to open next year. Apparently several other big names are considering building on the island as well. It's got an international airport that will shortly begin accepting flights from Europe.

Hainan looks like an awesome break to us from Shanghai, Beijing or Hong Kong...

Related Stories:
·   Heard of Hainan? You will, you will... [Times online]
·   Sheraton Sanya Resort [Sheraton]
·   Sanya Marriott Resort and Spa [Marriott]