Trip Overview
When: June (ideal summer weather for beach resorts)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: Group of friends
Budget: ~1,500 RMB (~$210 USD) per person
Destination: Haitang Bay (海棠湾), Sanya (三亚), Hainan Province
Why Haitang Bay?
Compared to Sanya's more famous beaches, Haitang Bay remains a hidden gem—quiet, private, and uninterrupted. This secluded paradise offers诗情画意的美景 (poetic scenery) and a relaxing atmosphere far from the tourist crowds. Several luxury five-star hotels line the coast, making it perfect for those seeking a轻奢度假 (elegant getaway) experience.
We chose Sofitel (索菲特), a French brand under AccorHotels, and it did not disappoint. From the moment we arrived, the lazy, romantic French atmosphere transported us to another world. The hotel masterfully blends French elegance with local Hainan traditions.
Our Room: Executive Sea View
We booked the Executive Sea View Room, and the interior exceeded expectations. Natural wood tones create a warm foundation, while tropical ocean-themed carpets and elegant curtains add refreshing touches. Every room features Sofitel's signature MyBed™ bedding—legendarily comfortable. Each room also includes a vintage black-and-white decorative painting from the early 19th century, when French citizens first began enjoying paid holidays with family and friends. Every piece tells a romantic French story.
Wandering the Gardens
Strolling through the gardens, coconut trees sway gently in the breeze. Under the phoenix trees, I was reminded of a poetic line: '繁花似锦觅安宁，淡云流水度此生' (Seeking peace among blooming flowers, drifting with clouds and water through life).
Afternoon Tea at the Lobby Bar
We kept our tradition of meeting close friends at the Lobby Bar for afternoon tea. Sipping ice-cold hotel-exclusive coconuts while basking in the sunshine—these moments of laughter and connection with friends make life truly special.
Poolside Vibes
The pool area is where the energy peaks. Listen to rock music, sip cocktails, try kayaking—the欢乐的氛围 (joyful atmosphere) really gets your adrenaline going.
For a quieter moment, the water sofa offers a refreshing breeze. Listen to leaves rustling—it's pure relaxation. Perfect for拍照发朋友圈 (taking photos for social media).
Evening Rituals
Life needs仪式感 (rituals), and Sofitel delivers. While honoring Sanya's unique character, they amplify the French atmosphere—blending Paris with Sanya's heritage. Every evening, they hold a lamp-lighting ceremony under French flower arrangements, welcoming returning guests with warmth like coming home.
Dining: Hainan Ming Chinese Restaurant
A perfect vacation isn't complete without treating your taste buds. The hotel's Hainan Ming Chinese Restaurant (海南明中餐厅) offers diverse dishes with international flavors. They specially推出的双人和泰餐套餐 (launched couple and Thai set menus) are authentic and delicious.
Spa Experience
After dinner, we booked a spa session. In a private, comfortable treatment room, we experienced水疗 (hydrotherapy). Surrounded by fragrance, feeling every inch of skin relax—pure bliss.
Off-Property Adventure: Lanyue Seafood Restaurant
Besides hotel dining, exploring local特色美食 (local specialty cuisine) is essential. Before leaving Haitang Bay, my local friend took me to Lanyue Craft Restaurant (三亚揽月匠心餐厅) for a seafood feast.
This restaurant is recognized as one of Sanya's top 10特征海鲜餐厅 (feature seafood restaurants), top 10 seafood hotspots, and top 10 creative seafood dishes. Located just 1km from Atlantis Hotel (亚特兰蒂斯酒店)—a taxi's starting fare—on Fengtang Road 2, west of the Atlantis resort area. Perfect for a meal after duty-free shopping. They even offer free pickup service.
The environment is clean and refreshing, with solid wood tables and spacious seating.
Must-Try Dishes
Siam Lobster (暹罗龙虾): Created by a Thai Michelin-starred chef. Tangy and spicy with authentic Thai flavors. The lobster meat is firm, fresh, and nutritious.
South Ocean Style Crab (南洋风味蟹): Featuring Hela Crab (和乐蟹)—the only seafood among Hainan's four famous dishes. Cooked with chili, the unique flavor is addictive.
Coconut Flavor Spiral Shell (椰香花螺): Named one of Sanya's top 10 dishes. The unique presentation features delicate coconut aroma wrapping the spiral shell—amazing with dipping sauce.
Salt and Pepper Mantis Shrimp (吮指椒盐皮皮虾): Praised by Hong Kong's 'Food God.' One of my personal favorites—large size and incredibly flavorful.
White-Cut Wenchang Chicken (白切文昌鸡): Described as 宁财神最爱 (Ning Caishen's favorite). Authentic Hainan flavor—original taste, light but satisfying.
Beyond these, other dishes are worth trying. Many seafood ingredients are caught on-site—eat with confidence.
Coconut Chicken: A HainanMust-Try
No trip to Hainan is complete without萌哒哒椰子鸡 (Mengda Coconut Chicken)! This beloved Hainan specialty is especially popular among female tourists—nutritious, delicious, and packed with essential nutrients.
The restaurant operates on principles of 'authentic taste, authentic methods, quality ingredients' with 'high value-to-price ratio and excellent service.' In just one year, they've earned countless praises. Their coconut chicken hotspot, combined with Hainan specialties and Sanya local dishes, creates a unique 'Hainan hot pot + Hainan local cuisine' experience.
We visited the Mengda (萌哒哒) Yalong Bay Tropical Forest Park branch, located at the foot of Sanya's popular Tropical Paradise Forest Park—just 5 minutes from Tianxia Diyi Wan (天下第一湾) square.
New menu items include: Snowflake Beef, Li Family Surfing Fish, Bamboo Charcoal Roast Pork Cubes, and Lemongrass Roasted Mountain Goat.
The main ingredients are coconut and chicken, but here's the secret: one coconut offers a 'full coconut banquet'—fresh coconut juice, coconut pudding, coconut soup base, coconut chicken, coconut meat, and coconut rice. You'll never forget it.
Essential Add-Ons for Coconut Chicken
1) Natural mushrooms (wild bamboo fungus,绣球菌)
2) Hainan specialties (wild water chestnuts, Hainan yam, Hainan taro, Hainan red papaya)
3) Fresh vegetables and tofu products (fried bean curd skin, handmade egg dumplings, enoki mushrooms)
4) Seafood and meat (hand-made mackerel paste, hand-made shrimp paste, squid, tail shrimp)
The secret dipping sauce is legendary. If you're worried about mixing it wrong, the staff will happily help.