Banyan Tree is pioneering a brand new sub-tropical hideaway on China's Hainan Island, one hour's flight south of Hong Kong.

Scheduled for soft opening in April 2008, the exclusive Banyan Tree Sanya Resort and Spa, located at Luhuitou Bay, on the southern coast of Hainan Island, will be the first all-pool villa resort in China and will complement the Group's two highly-acclaimed properties located in the depths of China's Yunnan province. 

With 49 secluded pool villas set amidst a sculpted tropical lagoon, the resort is designed as an exclusive hideaway; a lavish escape from urban sprawl. It comes with a Banyan Tree Spa and hydrotherapy complex, signature dining outlets, and extensive conference facilities making it an ideal venue for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events.

The highlight however, is the resort's two Presidential Villa Complexes. Unprecedented in both scale and luxury, these will accommodate heads of state and their entourages, and cater to groups of up to 50 in each private compound.

The resort is located just 30 minutes' drive from Phoenix International Airport in Sanya. Hainan Island is also connected to the mainland via the Guangdong-Hainan passenger railway link.

Isle of Plenty

Until twenty years ago this relatively unknown island was better known for its palm-fringed beaches, seafood and colourful aboriginal tribes such as the Li minority, just one of over 20 indigenous people who have retained their own forms of unique arts, dance and music.

Being blessed with beautiful beaches, a climate described as "the endless summer" and the best air quality in China, Hainan Island quickly grew to fame as a tourism hub. There are also several outlying islands in the vicinity of the main island, making for pleasant day trips, diving excursions, and spectacular photography.

Driven by Design

Designed entirely by Architrave Design and Planning, the in-house architectural division of Banyan Tree, the resort comprises 21 Pool Villas, 16 Deluxe Pool Villas, seven Spa Pool Villas, and five Two-Bedroom Pool Villas, in addition to the two magnificent Presidential Complexes.

The spacious and contemporary pool villas are constructed from local red clay-tiled roofs and black slate-clad walls, combining delightful Chinese details with a distinctive tropical minimalism. The surrounds are fringed by palm trees and lotus ponds, enclosed in a private courtyard abutted by traditional cruciform cross-structural beams. Guests will enjoy bright airy vistas thanks to the use of glass; outside there are impressive lawns, outdoor showers and private jet-pools.
 
Within the two adjacent Presidential Complexes are two identical Presidential Villas, specially designed to host local and international dignitaries in style. Each Presidential Villa comprises two king-sized bedrooms and four adjacent bedrooms with twin beds, with every amenity including Presidential reception room, Presidential dining room, family room, theatre, games room, private spa suite and gym, as well as the swimming pool, measuring over 300 square metres, with outdoor sunken pavilion and heated jet-pool.

Within the two Presidential Complexes are the entourage living quarters, with guest capacity of 44 and 36 respectively. Each entourage living quarters features its own swimming pool, lounge, buffet area, meeting room, gym, sauna and steam showers. At both Presidential Villa Complexes, comprehensive 24-hour security and valet services are provided for the distinguished guests when in residence.

Treasure Island

Hainan Island has a number of major sites, most of which are centred around its fantastically lush landscape. Tianya Haijiao, or ‘Edge of the Sky, End of the Sea' is a dazzling cape located just 24km west of the second city of Sanya.

It is also home to the South Column Rock featured on China's two-yuan banknote, a setting that brings together the white sands, turquoise seas, azure blue skies and verdant hills.