Whether you go to the capital city of China’s Hainan Island for business or pleasure, you find both at the Shangri-La Hotel, Haikou. Perched on the strait separating it from the mainland a mere 20 miles away, it’s a seaside resort conveniently near the city’s Municipal Government Center and the vast International Exhibition Center. A 20-minute drive west from the city center, the monumental U-shaped marble urban resort sits on the shore within a park that embraces a meandering swimming pool’ three natural hot springs for therapeutic soaking; and Sirena, the hotel’s renowned Mediterranean restaurant that provides creative cuisine and the only seafront dining in the town.

Crowned with a giant chandelier, the vast marble entrance hall opens into a comfortable lobby lounge opposite the desk where an efficient concierge staff is stationed to arrange car services and activities. In the hallways, infusers with the signature Shangri-La fragrance create a luxury atmosphere. A shell and wheat motif is used throughout, and marble door handles are fashioned to resemble bamboo.

Upstairs, spacious guestrooms all overlook the sea and gardens from private balconies furnished with rattan tables and chairs. King-sized beds face a spacious console that conceals a minibar and safe. There is a DVD, and the wide-screen TV carries 40 channels, several in English. WiFi is complimentary throughout the hotel with printer and fax available on request. Spacious marble bathrooms are outfitted with separate tubs and showers, even including a handy elastic hair band among the amenities. Laundry service is same day if delivered by noon, and pillow choices range from contour to buckwheat.

Horizon Club guests on higher floors are provided competent secretarial and translation services along with a breakfast buffet, all-day snacks and evening cocktails served in the bright and spacious 10th-floor lounge. A free daily newspaper, a suit pressing and check-out as late as 6 p.m. are additional Horizon Club courtesies.

Hainan is the island China designated to become the country’s “Hawai’i of the East,” and many Shangri-La guests plan their stays for sheer relaxation. The outdoor pools are supplemented by a 100-foot-long indoor pool, exercise equipment in the fitness room, sauna and steam rooms and Jacuzzi. Private suites in the Chi spa are the settings for massages and body treatments in suites titled Moon, Dawn, Stars, Clouds and Sky.

Along with Sirena, hotel dining options include Cantonese and Hainanese menus in Shang Palace and all-day dining in Café Kool where the breakfast buffet is an array of individual egg tarts, deep-fried seafood and bananas, fresh watermelon and cucumber juices.

An entire wing of the hotel is devoted to elaborate Presidential Suites designated for visiting Fortune 500 executives. Comprising a living room; conference room; dining room; multiple bedrooms; private fitness, massage and 3D-screening rooms; and cigar and wine bars, they are decorated in elaborate marble detailing with massive chandeliers and pricey antiques, combining the ultimate in business/recreational accommodations.

Shangri-La Hotel, Haikou

256 Binhai Road
Haikou, Hainan 570311
China
tel 86 898 6870 7799