A SIGNATURE STAY

China's first Autograph Collection Hotel is designed to be exactly like nothing else, Li You reports.

Sanya, a coastal city known as "Hawaii of the East", has bred a number of brand-name hotels. But The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya, the first Autograph Collection hotel in China, located in the Dadonghai Bay, is exactly like nothing else.

The hotel, which opened in March, is close to downtown Sanya but hidden in the tranquility of the seaside.

Lying on the hotel's bed in its seaview room, it's easy to feel as if the pristine white sand is a pillow and the crystal clear water is a quilt.

In the morning, guests will hear sounds they rarely hear in the hustle and bustle of a big city - bird song. After opening a glass sliding door and walking onto the balcony, their eyes will slowly adjust to the breathtaking sunrise vistas.

The burning sunrise traces the profile of mountains and melts into the golden waves. The fronds of the coconut trees beside the beach sway, giving the scenery a simultaneously awesome and relaxing energy.

The characteristics of the hotel lie in its distinct fashion-forward design, food that is authentically crafted and services with a spin, said Julian Wong, general manager of the hotel.

When it comes to the buffet breakfast, the free farm spirit can be applied to the serving tables.

Beyond the common items of fruits, salads, sushi and breads and soups, guests can choose their own sauces, pickles and juices.

Visitors are free to choose their own ingredients for the oyster egg pancakes, or tailor their own Chinese rice noodles in the morning. Golden coconuts are served free during the buffet's service hours.

Sitting on the silver beach, caressed by the sea breeze and warm waves, the only thing to differentiate the sky and sea is the barely perceptible skyline.

Every stone has been polished by the never-ending waves until they are smooth, and coral fragments and shells are scattered throughout the beach.

Gazing at the tranquil water and listening to the surf, it is easy to forget the hassles of everyday life.

But people should be able to live a mortal life, and a good one at that, should conditions allow. A piece of cake or a cocktail served by a smiling waiter can draw you back to the beachside reality.

Popping a piece of lemon cake into your mouth, one may wonder if this may be the most beautiful food that a lemon can be made into. Then, a waiter delivers a small piece of lemon macaroon and you know the cake is not.

To savor the flavors of the sea, be they metaphorical or literal, try the baked sea bass with seasonal vegetables served in the Reef Restaurant - a delectable example of the ocean's bounty.

The Reef also serves classic local food. Local Wenchang chicken is commonly served with spaghetti with mussels and marinara sauce.

After lunch, why not take a nap, but in the spa, not on the luxurious bed in your room. Or burn off the calories in the fitness center or one of the pools.

The swimming pool, with a T-shaped stage by the ocean, is a distinctive venue for couples looking to exchange their vows against an exotic backdrop of panoramic sea views.

But should you wish to spend time in your room, why not?

Designed by Thailand's foremost interior design practice, P49 Deesign, the guestrooms are inspired by high fashion and reference the color palettes of iconic designers, resulting in an eclectic collection of rooms that embody the style of Italian Elegance, French Chic, British Fabulous and American Classic.

The bathroom suite with a bathtub by the window provides glamorous ocean views and a cozy haven for the body.

At night, visitors can choose to revel in the infinity pool or a soft corner on the balcony's sofa to savor the fleeting time in this paradise.

And when it comes time to depart the fabulous beaches of Sanya, the warm smiles of the staff serve as a reminder of the island's ever-present peace, which can be revisited again and again.

Contact the writer at liyou@chinadaily.com.cn

If you go

The Shanhaitian Resort Sanya, Autograph Collection

No 77 Haiyun Road, Dadonghai Bay, Sanya, Hainan province

0898-8828-5688

The hotel is 15 kilometers southeast from Sanya Phoenix International Airport.

(China Daily 07/08/2017 page10)