Premiering in December: Sanya EDITION redefines luxury

Sanya EDITION - China
1000 485 Daniel Fountain
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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.

Sanya EDITION - China

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.

Sanya EDITION - China

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.

ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china/sanya-edition

Daniel Fountain / 09.11.2016

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

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Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

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Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

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