Sanya 三亚 is the perfect winter escape for Christmas or Chinese New Year. It sits in the South of China and is often referred to as “the Hawaii of China” because of its coastline of white sandy beaches and luxury hotels. Unlike Hawaii though, it’s quite an affordable luxury experience. Find out how you can vacation in style for a week in Sanya with less than $2,500 / 16,000 RMB.
First of all, some of you may be wondering where the heck Sanya even is! I know before I lived in China, I had never even heard of it. Sanya is located on the southern tip of Hainan Island in the South China Sea next to Vietnam.
It’s perfect for expats in China that want the SE Asian tropical vacation but don’t want to leave the country or for those who possibly can’t leave China at the moment.
There are plenty of public beaches but they can often get quite crowded so it’s worth staying in a hotel that offers a private beach. Plus, you can’t beat the amenities, service, and cost.
One year while I lived In Shanghai, I decided to treat myself to a luxurious Christmas. Since Sanya is less than 3 hours from Shanghai and offers an unbeatable experience for luxury, it was my first and top choice!
THE ROOM
As a Marriott member, I started my search off in the luxury section and found the Sanya EDITION. I booked the Premium Ocean View Room with a balcony and king-size bed. My total (including accommodations, driver, food, drinks, and gratuity) for 7 nights was 13,520RMB / $2,090. The roundtrip flight from Shanghai to Sanya was 2,030RMB / $315, so my all-inclusive trip to the Hawaii of China cost less than $2,500.
the Sanya EDITION did not disappoint. From the moment I arrived, the service was top notch and the grounds were stunning. I was escorted to my room which I was quite thankful for as it’s a large property and at night could be quite hard to navigate on my own.
When I walked into my room, I was overwhelmed by how gorgeous it is. Every little detail screams MODERN LUXURY! I mean, just take a look at this bathroom. A separate waterfall shower and freestanding soaking tub were perfect for creating my own little spa without leaving the room.
I slept like a baby in this king-size bed and kept the sheer curtains open to hear the ocean waves crashing and smell the fresh ocean breeze. The patio comfortably fit a daybed and table and chairs to enjoy room service breakfast or an evening nightcap. I truly enjoyed every aspect of this room.
THE FOOD
Between the 5 restaurants on-site and the rooftop and pool bars you’ll probably not even need to leave the resort. I was beyond satisfied with the food and drink options at the Sanya EDITION that I actually didn’t leave the property.
Jade Egret
The Jade Egret is perfect for cocktails and tapas. Offering a more sophisticated dining experience with European cuisine and an ocean view. I’d suggest arriving earlier (think happy hour) to snag a spot out on the patio to enjoy the beautiful view and perfect weather.
Beach Barbacoa
Beach Barbacoa is a fun and lively outdoor dining area. The seafood grill is inspired by Bali cuisine offering entrees with an array of fresh local ingredients. During the day, come relax in the hammocks, lounge chairs, or white canvas cabanas while sipping on a fruity cocktail or hydrating with a freshly cut coconut. At night, kick your shoes off to feel the sand between your toes while cuddling up around one of the outdoor firepits or dine under the open sky tree-hung lanterns while enjoying the live music.
Market at EDITION Sanya
Market at EDITION offers all-day dining with a variety of food stations including local and international cuisines. I ate breakfast here every morning and a few lunches but I really enjoyed the “grab and go” counter. It was super easy to grab a juice or snack while heading to the pool.
Xinhai by the Sea
Xinhai by the Sea is the most upscale restaurant at the Sanya EDITION and requires a reservation. From afar the restaurant looks like glowing lanterns on the water. With indoor dining, private dining rooms, and outdoor patio dining on the water you’ll feel the fine dining experience amongst the romantic ambiance. Serving more traditional Chinese dishes, the restaurant focuses on popular Cantonese dishes and a la carte items.
THE POOLS
In addition to being beachfront, the Sanya EDITION features 4 pools. From the rooftop pool to the family pools and the private saltwater ocean, there is truly a pool for everyone.
Sky Bar Pool & Bar
The Sky Bar Pool and Bar sits on the highest floor of the resort providing a stunning view of the South China Sea. The rooftop infinity pool with a cabana-filled sundeck is adults-only and steps away from the bar. Sky Bar offers cocktails and appetizers during the day and often features high-profile DJs at night. Depending on when you’re there, Sky Bar can get pretty crazy at night.
Standard Pool
The 5-lane freshwater lap pool is surrounded by a hardwood deck full of oversized daybeds and chaise lounges with outdoor umbrellas and 12′ high trees to provide plenty of shade. It’s the perfect place to relax all day with the nearby pool bar serving snacks like fresh fruit and salads and an accompanying full bar.
Private Ocean & Beach
As if being beachfront wasn’t enough, the Sanya EDITION has a private ocean and beach. This large saltwater swimming area has a seamless entry into the sea and is lined with lounge chairs across its sandy beaches. Some portions are family-friendly while other parts are adults-only.
If you’re looking for more ideas for a winter holiday or Chinese New Year in Asia, check out these posts: cooking tour in Hoi An, stay in a treehouse in Laos, or hiking Zhangjiajie or Huangshan.
Do you need help planning your next trip? Contact me here! Have you been to Sanya or do you want to? Let me know in the comments below.
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