Ian Schrager, the internationally renowned American hotel visionary, is expanding his global influence with the opening of his first hotel in China.
The Sanya EDITION, a spectacular oceanfront destination on Hainan Island, just off the coast of Southern China, is the latest addition to EDITION hotels, the brand Ian Schrager conceived in a partnership with Marriott International. EDITION redefines the codes of traditional luxury by balancing sophisticated design and personalized, attentive service with one-of-a-kind food, beverage and entertainment offerings reflecting the best of the cultural and social milieu of each location.
Schrager states: “The Sanya EDITION was conceived for the China of today and the China of tomorrow. The resort is a unique sophisticated vision and embodiment of a cosmopolitan China for all the world to see.”
Centrally located in Haitang Bay, The Sanya EDITION is set within 50 acres of meticulously landscaped lush tropical greenery, featuring a striking 20,000 m2 private ocean overlooking the South China Sea.
The Sanya EDITION was designed for people of all ages, which is a delicate balancing act. The fundamental idea behind this resort was to divide the property into different specialised zones that overlap with each other but simultaneously retain their own unique identities. The zones include water, fun, sports, kids, adult, family, eating, nightlife, entertainment, sensory and relaxation.
The property highlights a balance of contrasts, where traditional elements meet contemporary culture, simplicity conveys sophistication, and modern design amplifies the natural beauty. In keeping with EDITION’s customized, individual approach, The Sanya EDITION draws inspiration from local influences, remaining respectful of Hainan Island’s rich cultural heritage, yet infuses each space with surprising, ultra-modern twists. The landscape was conjured as a tropical oasis reflecting the islands indigenous flora and fauna and 900 trees meticulously chosen and transported to the resort from across the island of Hainan to create a sustainable and captivating environment.
The reception area reflects the duality of the hotel where a traditional lotus pool and live bamboo grove serve as a counterpoint to a curated art gallery displaying the work of renowned Chinese artists. Guests are greeted with a striking view of the resort’s Private Ocean, which is gracefully framed by a series of teak pavilions. The spectacular 20,000m2 private ocean overlooking the South China Sea is unique to China and serves as the property’s focal point with numerous activities radiating around this vast body of water. The private ocean beach on the north shore, which is shaded by coconut palms, offers pristine white powdery sand and is designed for swimming and enjoying the water and its magnificent view. To maintain the private ocean within the resort, 10 million gallons of sea water is pumped in from the South China Sea throughout the day, recycling once every 32 hours. As a compliment, a series of age-specific pools in a number of different sizes are dotted around the private ocean, each one with their own program of special activities.
The Sanya EDITION comprises 512 residential-style guestrooms, including 46 suites, and an additional 17 exclusive hotel villas nestled into a terraced hillside, each one with a private pool and private outdoor space. Delivering on the new-luxury promise, all guestrooms in the horseshoe-shaped hotel offer stunning ocean views. While the standard rooms are well suited for families, the loft suites, with their sleek and sensual finishes, are designed to appeal to couples.
The villas emphasise wood and stone textures. The warm and inviting interiors exude a comfortable, simple sophistication, using light oak finishes and airy fabrics to evoke the relaxed beach vibe. The spacious, light-filled rooms contrast stone floors against a clean, light color palate. The inventive design extends to the main room where Lofts and Suites feature a striking standalone bathtub. The placement allows guests to fully luxuriate in and appreciate the surrounding natural views.
The Sanya EDITION, like every other property in the collection, combines the personal, intimate, individualized hotel experience that Ian Schrager is known for, with the global reach, operational expertise and scale of Marriott International. Ian Schrager knows how to read the zeitgeist to surpass expectations, surprise pundits and anticipate the needs of his guests. With The Sanya EDITION, he continues the tradition.
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