I love Sanya. I’ve been there twice and am waiting for the third time this year.
While I wouldn’t recommend it for people without kids — go to the Philippines, or Vietnam etc. — it is perfect for Shanghai expat families because the flight there takes less than three hours, then it’s a 30 minute drive.
The temperature is just perfect for most of the year – 30 degrees – and the AQI is excellent.
We take the morning flight at 8am and are on a beach by lunchtime.
You only need to stay on Yalong Bay in Sanya — all the main hotels are there.
All such hotels have truly excellent kids clubs, great restaurants and nice rooms.
So we’ve picked just three places for you to choose from, which are all great. When we go to Sanya we split the trip over two hotels just for a change.
The room rate shown is from agoda, from ocean view. There’s no point go to go Saya and not have an ocean view! We also highly recommend a suite, so the kids can go away a little bit and leave Mum and Dad in peace come nightfall!
Choose this hotel for: The premium option. The prices are higher than others, but it’s absolutely gorgeous all the way through. The kids club with its special kids pool couldn’t be nicer. They have small animals in their ‘farm’ including baby sea turtles.
Room rate: Ocean front from ¥1,700, lagoon room from ¥2,400, suite from ¥3,400
Choose this hotel for: A great Sanya experience at a very good price. They have a variety of restaurants and nice kids club. They have heated pools right by the beach, to enjoy for hours.
Room rate: Ocean view from ¥925, suite from ¥1,700
Choose this hotel for: Great price, interesting variety of restaurants, new kids pools area.
Room rate: Ocean view from ¥1,100, suite from ¥1,600
Just go to Sanya!