Alila Dong Ao Island Zhuhai

We had a wonderful weekend at Alila Dong Ao Island. This is a place you really should visit.

Autumn seems like the best time to experience Dong'ao Island. Typhoon season is over, while the humid haze of spring hasn’t arrived yet. The sea air is crisp around 20°C, with clear skies and green hills. The hotel’s pale walls and gray tiled roofs sit softly against the cliffs, and clouds and evening colors show up in the still pool. It’s a lovely setting for taking your time and exploring. For Hyatt Globalists, this CAT 5 property belongs on the must stay list. Rates are consistently above CNY3,000, in line with CAT 6 benchmarks, and it’s already one of China’s most prestigious Hyatt hotels. A category upgrade may be coming, so this could be a good moment to go while things are still peaceful. The location and architecture are unusual for China, with the hotel perched between the sea and the cliffs. Its quiet, thoughtful design brings a different kind of seaside luxury to the South China Sea. In the Hyatt portfolio, it follows the group’s focus on remarkable locations, like Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay. Both hotels sit in striking natural surroundings. The design here takes its cues from Lingnan courtyard architecture, handmade details, and the rugged coast. It doesn’t borrow the look of Bali or Mediterranean colors. There are reclaimed boat wood tabletops, fishing net patterns on the ceilings, a stone arrival courtyard, reflective water garden, infinity pool along the cliff, and open air tea pavilions. Huge 270° glass windows open up views of sea and sky. The place feels calm and luxurious, and gets at the idea of Alila as “surprise.”

The deluxe ocean view suite was one of the best rooms I’ve stayed in. It’s really spacious, with high end furnishings and fixtures, and waking up to the blue ocean outside the window was lovely. The building itself is amazing, with so much attention to detail. I only wish the bathroom lighting were brighter, especially around the shower and toilet. The woman who showed us to the room suggested opening all the blinds to let in more light. We ate at both restaurants, sea salt and hai tong, and the food was delicious and high quality. Chun bar was nice for drinks. Breakfast had a good range, and the Dimsum impressed me. You can also order as many items as you like from the breakfast menu. The gym is very high tech and has the latest treadmills and machines. Bring headphones or AirPods, since they connect to the equipment. There’s a free shuttle back to the port, where seafood market stalls line one side and restaurants on the opposite side can cook what you buy. Some of the younger staff could use a bit more training. At Chun bar, I asked for a vodka soda and pointed it out on the menu, but the young woman asked me how to make one 😅 Also, you need a swimming cap to use the pool. I hadn’t come across that rule before, but they sell caps if you don’t have one. The English speaking staff at sea salt and reception were attentive and helpful. I’d definitely recommend the hotel.

I love this place 🤑 It’s the best 🤑🤑🤑