ET on a prime stretch of beach in Yalong Bay, Hainan, China’s answer to those tropical picture-postcards, the Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa offers a no-hassles sun-and-sand escape just a short flight from most major Asian cities. Think shimmering seas, broad expanses of clean sand, blue laundered skies and swaying palm trees. One of the best Hainan resorts and with extensive facilities for all tastes, the spacious and breezy Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa offers 456 smart rooms for families or businessmen on the move. Its design incorporates natural stone and warm woods. Take in cinemascope ocean views.

Room amenities include thoughtful touches like high-speed Internet access, satellite/cable TV, a coffee-maker, iron and ironing board and, of course, an array of cocktail pampering in the in-room mini-bar. The toughest choice is deciding what to enjoy first. Most guests, sensibly, make straight for the generous sweep of the beach.

Golf will surely beckon in the form of several excellent courses, like the Robert Trent Jones Yalong Bay Golf Club, one of the top venues for a casual, or professional, swing. Also in Yalong Bay is the new Sun Valley course. Or opt for total rejuvenation at the luxurious Quan Spa with its raft of healing remedies, potions, and massages.

Outdoor activities include water sports, rafting, windsurfing and, for the more culturally inclined, temple tours. After hours guests can take in a myriad cuisines from around the world, savouring Chinese, French Vietnamese, and international selections. Try the Sea Breeze Pool Bar & Grill, Wan Hao, or the chic Indochine. While this is very much a holidaymakers’ paradise, the resort is a good Sanya conference hotel choice with 1,250sq m of meeting space including a sumptuously appointed Grand Ballroom.

For a taste of the fabulous tropics, look no further than the Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa.