Mandarin Oriental Sanya

The location really is rather stunning, occupying some thirty acres of lush beachfront land. Hainan’s extreme southerliness offers some clues as to the nature of the landscape, as you’re much closer to Vietnam than somewhere like Macau. The accommodations are woven into the landscape amid the palms — the rooms and suites in low buildings with balconies, the villas and pavilions in freestanding stone buildings along the beach or perched on the hillside.

Interiors are somewhat rustic in aspect, a fitting departure from the Mandarin group’s typically urban style, but they’re as crisp and clean as any, and outfitted with everything you’d expect from a brand-new luxury hotel. The leisure offerings, as well, are expanded, to suit Sanya’s purpose as a tropical island getaway; the Spa Village is a large and secluded complex, where it’s easy (and pleasant) to get lost amid wooden pavilions and endless pools. It’s not your typical MO, but it’s none the worse for that fact — at this very moment any number of Pacific Rim executives are no doubt arranging a bit of business on Hainan.

Travel advisory: Passport and visa requirements differ from country to country. Please check with your local authority before booking.

How to get there: Mandarin Oriental Sanya is approxinately 25 minutes from Sanya International Phoenix Airport by taxi or car. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com for assistance with airport transfers.