IXING a laid back leisure style with brisk business amenities, the Sheraton Sanya Resort fronts some of the softest sand in Hainan with Cinemascope views of azure seas and beckoning islands. One of the best Sanya luxury resorts, the property sprawls across a prime 300m stretch of Yalong Bay with the distinction of having hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and even Miss World.

A Balinese-inspired timber-roof lobby leads into a breezy reception area and lounge where the eye is drawn out past water features to the distant horizon. The expansive 511-room resort includes 49 suites with the top-drawer Grande Deluxe Laguna rooms opening onto a lagoon pool. Most rooms offer balconies. Expect a flat-screen TV with DVD player, iron and ironing board, a laptop-size flat safe, and a rainforest shower in the bath with a separate soaking tub. Need Broadband? No problem. A special feature of this Sanya spa resort is the generous size of the rooms. The prized Diplomatic Suites

go up to a staggering 213sq m with a 71sq m balcony to close that deal. Also expect five new private villas, including one spacious 448sq m Presidential Villa (with a courtyard, garden and tranquil water features).

With the Mandara Spa serving up wellness therapies and other rejuvenation distractions by the yard, the Sheraton has carved out a name as one of the best Sanya spa resorts on the island. Guests can also opt for the gym, fitness centre, sauna, steam room, and hot and cold Jacuzzis. After leaving your footprints in the white sand beach, head for the 18-hole golf course next door. Try kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, volleyball, basketball, or tennis. The muscle-stretcher list is endless.

Gourmets will enjoy varied cuisine ranging from Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian and Indonesian to Western. Bai Yun serves signature Chinese menus. As a top Sanya conference hotel, function space is vast with the Seven Seas Ballroom offering 1,250sq m. This is one for your diary.