What’s the Sea Ranch, that Odd Cluster of Buildings You See on Lantau on The Way to Macau?

The Sea Ranch? Why, it was meant to be paradise on earth.

In May 1975, Hutchison Whampoa announced plans for a new resort at Yi Long Wan on Lantau, about halfway between Mui Wo and Pui O. Named The Sea Ranch, it was envisioned as a hyper-luxury development of the very finest type. The bay would not be accessible at all by land: Instead it was just a brief ferry hop to Central. It would cost some $40 million to build: A wholly self-contained resort, a haven of isolated luxury. The facilities would be superb, the clubhouse and swimming pool second to none. 

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The development sold, and sold well. By 1976 Hutchison has sold all 200 apartments, and by 1976 The Sea Ranch was ready for its new inhabitants. 

But after it opened, business fell off a cliff. In four short years, Hutchison racked up debts of somewhere from $7-9 million. By 1984 the company bugged out, selling its interests to a consortium of Sea Ranch apartment owners.

Over the years the properties continued to lose value, and Sea Ranchers moved away. Many rented their flats out, and for a while the resort became a destination for city dwellers who just wanted a great pad for a house party, much to the ire of a select few long-term residents—or “permanents,” as they called themselves.