Wuzhizhou Island Resort Sanya

It’s fine if you’re into crowds and kids, kind of a Disney World vibe.

I had a great time there.

Paradise.

Getting around the large property was easiest by electric cart, since we stayed in wooden cabins. Call the hotel in advance when you want to go out and they’ll come get you, and the staff are quick to help with luggage. The hotel is the only one on Wuzhizhou Island in Sanya, and it feels like a big park. Some island attractions are close by, and there are even small animals around. I saw chickens in the lobby check-in area. I thought 900 RMB a room sounded expensive at first, but it includes two days of free car rental and boat tickets for two people. Tickets alone are 150 RMB each if bought separately, so it works out well. There’s also a free airport shuttle, though you have to book by 4 pm the day before. I didn’t manage to arrange it in time. Our wooden cabin was clearly a bit old, but we liked the setting. The cabins are spaced apart and feel separate from one another. On arrival, reception arranged for free fruit to be brought to our room, and the air conditioning had already been turned on. The floors were spotless, which I appreciated since I’m used to walking barefoot at home. The room was bigger than the photos suggest, which show only about half of it. Facilities were excellent, and there was an outdoor pool too. Breakfast and late-night snacks were included, although I skipped the snacks. Breakfast had a wide spread: well-made bread and desserts that tasted great, plus fried rice, noodles, soups, milk, yogurt, fruit, drinks, and more desserts. I asked and was told breakfast costs 228 RMB per person. Bring your own snacks if you can. After 5 pm there are no tourists left on the island, the outside food stalls are shut, and the hotel has a monopoly. Dinner there is 298 RMB per person, which felt a little pricey to me. Students might find it expensive, even if some people feel a holiday is the time to enjoy yourself. The dinner menu looked good, with lots of seafood, so whether to try it depends on your budget. The best thing about staying on the island is avoiding the crowds of other visitors. Get up early and the beach is almost empty.