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Kim Soo-jin

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Sanya is establishing itself as the go-to holiday spot for busy cosmopolitans in East Asia who are looking for a quick getaway. Also known as the “Hawaii of China”, Sanya is only an hour’s flight from Hong Kong, and just a few hours away from Beijing and Shanghai.
Catering to the growing market is Capella Sanya, the latest luxury hotel to open from the Singapore-based Capella hospitality group.



If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump held their first summit at the Capella Singapore, located on Sentosa Island.
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Its new Sanya location boasts 190 rooms and villas, and is the biggest property to open from Capella, which prides itself on its boutique-sized offerings.

A car pick-up is probably the most convenient way to reach the hotel, which is 45 minutes’ drive from the airport. When we arrive at the main entrance, its unassuming exterior hides within it an elegant tropical hideaway.
The hotel is designed by architects Jean-Michel Gathy and Bill Bensley, who have devised luxury resorts and hotels across the world. The design is best described as feng shui-inspired minimalist with a subtle East-meets-West flair.

The first thing you see when you enter through the doors isn’t a check-in or a concierge desk. It’s a lobby with a dome featuring a doughnut-shaped top from which water trickles down into a central pool. The design, described by the hotel as a “treasure bowl”, is feng shui-inspired and symbolises prosperity and wealth. Every morning, at eight o’clock, a taichi practitioner performs a morning routine at the pool, slowly bringing the water fountain to life by the end of the session.
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Water plays a significant part in feng shui – and there is an abundance of water at Capella Sanya. From pools to fountains, there is water everywhere you look. My favourite place on the property, the Library Bar (which offers daily complimentary happy hour cocktails paired with an evening story by the host) has an outdoor sitting area with a pool – and views of the ocean.

In addition to the feng shui-inspired design elements, the hotel boasts modern, minimalist lines. The colour palette is muted but balanced by colourful accents. Lush greenery is evident as far as the eye can see.

The check-in process is quick, and I am soon escorted to my room, a twin queen with gardenfront view, which has its own little private terrace area.
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The room is large, spacious and the bathroom – which is almost half the size of my room – is elegant. There is a stand-alone bath, a television and Diptyque amenities. Toiletries are stored in a beautifully decorated wooden octagonal box.
While unpacking, I remembered a little detail from the check-in when I was told that an informal tour of the property could be arranged. As a secret tour lover, I am excited by the prospect.
Within minutes of requesting one in person at the front desk, I am met by one of Capella Sanya’s personal assistants who whisks me off on an impromptu walking tour of the expansive property.

The small team of personal assistants are Capella group’s own unique offering, who offer a mix of concierge, butler and guest relations. The term “butler” might sound like a stretch, but it’s not. Yngvar Stray, the hotel general manager, later tells me that the team has gone through 14 days of butler training conducted by a Dutch butler school. Included on the syllabus are practical hospitality tips, such as how to manage guest relations and follow-up on requests. They are also taught how to set up a table properly – and pack a guest’s suitcase.
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She takes me on a tour of grounds, weaving through the main spots, from the restaurants (Silk Road, Lan Ting, The Dempsey, and Library and Library Bar), to the main swimming pool, spa and the gym.

While I don’t get the chance to dine at either Lan Ting, a high-end Cantonese restaurant, or The Dempsey, which has not yet opened, I do enjoy meals at the Silk Road. This is an all-day buffet restaurant, offering international cuisines as well as a grill area in the evening, and a coffee and tea bar during breakfast. The dessert area is a bit too small for my liking, but their Indian and grill sections are among the best I’ve ever encountered. The servers are courteous.
The spa has yet to open, but I am told it will be quite an experience when it does.
I am given a tour of the facilities and apart from the extravagantly decorated Moroccan bath area, private spa rooms and its adjoining athletics centre (which comes with a 125 square-metre heated pool), the crowning jewel has to be its own “snow cabin”, a little room boasting at least 1.5 inches of man-made snow.
The room is cold – freezing actually – and a 5-minute session is all it takes to rejuvenate me after traipsing across the hotel grounds in the tropical heat for half an hour.

The highlight of the Capella Sanya is its unobstructed view of Blessed Bay. The beach is just steps from the main swimming pool, which is lined with cabanas and lounge chairs. There is no paved path to lead you from the pool to the beach – you just walk over the perfectly manicured green grass, pass a line of palm trees and suddenly, you’re greeted by endless sea.

One of my favourite memories at the property was spending an afternoon on one of the lounge chairs, almost lulled to sleep, gazing at the ocean as the sun set in the distance, a scene perfectly framed by palm trees swaying in the breeze.
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The Capella Sanya offers precisely what weary travellers need: peace and quiet paired with spectacular views and service.
Video by Kim Soo-jin
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We review the Capella Sanya, the latest luxury beachfront hotel to open in Sanya

Capella Sanya lobby at night. Photos: Kim Soo-jin

Lobby area - waterfall. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

Entrance to Capella Sanya. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

The Library Bar. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

Beach lounge area at the Capella Sanya. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

Capella Sanya double Queen room. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

Silk Road restaurant at Capella Sanya. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

Private terrace area in ground-floor garden-facing room at the Capella Sanya.

Main swimming pool area at the Capella Sanya. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

Capella Sanya - The Library. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

Capella Sanya boasts 190 rooms and villas (villas not shown here). Photo: Kim Soo-jin

Palm trees separating beach from Capella Sanya. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

View of Blessed Bay from the Capella Sanya. Photo: Kim Soo-jin

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Capella Sanya offers peace and quiet paired with spectacular views and service – just what weary travellers need


Capella Sanya offers peace and quiet paired with spectacular views and service


We review the Capella Sanya, the latest luxury beachfront hotel to open in Sanya

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Capella Sanya offers peace and quiet paired with spectacular views and service – just what weary travellers need

Capella Sanya offers peace and quiet paired with spectacular views and service – just what weary travellers need