Xiaodonghai Vacations from $831

During our vacation in Sanya we wanted to stay at hotels located on different bays, and after days of researching hotels we decided on the Sofitel Resort. Immediately after arriving we regretted not booking more nights at Soiftel! After a smooth check-in with a paid-for upgrade to a room with a better ocean view, we immediately checked out the grounds. The main pool is beautiful and big, with many areas to swim around and explore. The pools closer to the ocean are also big and clean. The ocean was spectacular. The water is such a pure blue, with gorgeous waves, and a pristine soft sand beach. The only downside is that you can't swim in the ocean on this bay, as there are no nets keeping sharks out. Still it was pretty amazing to be the only people in sight on the beach. The room itself was very comfortable, I like the modern decor and felt the bed was super comfortable. A few things definitely need some updating like the outdoor patio furniture and one of the sockets was loose in the headboard. Additionally, cleaning staff came back twice after we checked in to add items they had forgotten earlier. On our second day they completely forgot to replace our facecloths, hand, and bath towels that had been taken away. Aside from these small housekeeping issues we loved the room. In terms of food options the breakfast buffet was very comprehensive with many Western and Chinese options. In addition to breakfast, we also had afternoon tea in the main bar/cafe area.

The hotel is exactly what one would expect from a non-top-tier IHG property, reasonably priced, clean and not noisy. Dining options are kind of limited, the menu at both restaurants is the same every day with very small variation for the breakfast buffet. Air conditioning in the rooms is top notch - no noise at all, air movement is barely noticeable thanks to oversize vents, the temperature is very even throughout the suite - it was super nice to enter the room from the humid heat outside. Bathrooms are large and well-ventilated. Larger, nicer suites with room-size patios are in the building that is not wheelchair accessible - both levels are accessed only by a flight of stairs. The rest of the hotel has elevators and ramps everywhere. Staff always rushes to help. Tiles around the pool need maintenance, some of them wobble too much. If you want to go to town, you'll need a ride. Rides are available, but not from western ride sharing services, and there aren't many dining options within a short walking distance. The hotel is on the shore, but the beach if very small, right in front of the hotel there's a protected coral reef, so swimming is limited to a small sandy area, that is clean and well-maintained. The sand may feel a little rough for bare feet because of tiny bits of seashells, but that is natural; wear flip-flops and you'll enjoy it. You'll find better than average flip-flops in the closet in your room. Most power outlets in the room are UK 3-prong style