Seasonal retreat just the tonic

Sanya city offers welcome respite with tropical beaches and luxury hotels

For people who are escaping the wintry mainland for tropical areas like Sanya city, their vacation starts as they begin packing.

They know they are leaving normal life behind when they fetch T-shirts, sunglasses, slippers and swimming suits from the bottom of the closet.

And taking off the jacket at the airport is like a ritual symbolizing that they have shaven off their city skins as well as a year of work fatigue.

Sanya, the southernmost coastal destination on Hainan Island, is arguably ideal for vacations.

It hugs holiday-goers with sunshine, a turquoise sea, white beaches and lush plants over its six bay areas.

The small city of only 700,000 residents boasts great hospitality and services provided by more than 8,000 hotels and inns.

Among them, 140 are rated as five-star or luxury hotels, offering service of international standards and activities for both the young and old.