Distinctive amenities
Luxury resorts enhance their services as market grows more competitive, writes David Powell
Now more than ever, Sanya is a tropical resort paradise, as more than 13 million visitors discovered last year, according to local tourism authorities. The vast majority of visitors come from the mainland, according to Nicholas Lacey, general manager of the Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort, although international guests are also on the upswing.
The high end of the market is well represented, with "around 35 top five-star hotels in Sanya", says Hoss Vetry, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay. Premium resorts and a spectacular environment combine to make Sanya a "spectacular romance destination and the ultimate escape for even the most discerning luxury traveller", he adds.
David Ying, general manager of MGM Grand Sanya, echoes the sentiment, noting that "modern luxury combined with tropically lush settings resonates with young, lifestyle-savvy couples looking for a burst of energy and colour in their hotel experience, whether at milestone moments such as a honeymoon or an anniversary, or a simple weekend getaway".
With a wide array of premium facilities, resorts and hotels in the area are working harder than ever to differentiate themselves.
The Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay emphasises its location in a private bay approximately 3km from Yalong Bay, Lacey says. The resort also features enough art that it "feels like a gallery". The Ritz-Carlton stands apart for its services and the resort's club lounge, according to Vetry. Benefits include complimentary breakfast for guests under age 12, a "romanceologist" who works with couples, and a digital concierge service that uses a smartphone app to instantly respond to requests from business guests.
The MGM Grand Sanya distinguishes itself, Ying says, "by connecting with customers in ways that exceed the functional or physical aspects of the property - we connect emotionally". This happens in ways large and small, from a "stuffed lion mascot inspired by the MGM Grand logo to premium chocolates made by the hotel's master chef that tantalise even well-travelled palates".
Over at the Sanya Marriott Hotel Dadonghai Bay, "the views are stunning all around, and the location of the hotel is fantastic because Dadonghai is only five minutes away from the city centre and close to the airport", according to general manager Julian Wong. Responsive service is aided by a mobile app for check-in and checkout, and another app that will help organise meeting resources when it launches next month. "Push a button, and the hotel command centre responds," Wong says.
Jim Khoo, general manager of the Renaissance Sanya Resort and Spa, cites a range of activities designed for guests of all ages. Younger guests can explore eight themed function rooms and a nearby sprinkle park, while teenagers and adults can play video games or indoor sports such as table tennis, bowling and foosball in the resort's arcade. Residents of all ages are welcome to explore more than 1,200 species of plants at the resort or dine on Saturdays at the Renaissance night market, which features local snacks, desserts and cocktails.
The Sheraton Sanya Resort features activities that are both fun and educational, says general manager Wolfgang Boettcher. "We do more than just give kids a digital device like an iPad," he says, citing examples such as cooking and baking classes that offer a true hands-on experience. For business guests attending dinner functions, he recommends the Dome Set, a "buffet on the table" that keeps guests focused on each other and on the evening's programmed activities.
While Sanya primarily caters to mainland guests, it is raising its profile in Hong Kong and on the international market. Lacey says that "Sanya is working on increasing its international profile and becoming more accessible" through an expanded air network, adding that there are new charter flights to Seoul and Singapore as well as plans for Osaka and Moscow. "That is the first step - make it easy to get here."
Sanya's growing connections to its guests extend into the digital realm, Ying notes. "Digital booking networks are a growing phenomenon, especially domestic companies like Ctrip and Tmall," he says. At the same time, "social networks connect end-customers who spend more time on MGM Grand Sanya's official Sina Weibo and on WeChat to learn more about the hotel and its latest promotions".
Sanya is also offering a growing array of interactive activities for visitors. Vetry says that "outdoor activities such as hiking various famous mountains, water skiing and scuba diving" are becoming increasingly popular. He also notes that "yachting and helicopter tours are top trends in the luxury market".