Sanya, China – Reported by Elite Traveler, the private jet lifestyle magazine
Kerzner International Holdings Limited, which through its subsidiaries is a leading international developer and operator of destination resorts, casinos and luxury hotels, has entered into an agreement with Hainan Gezhouba Industrial Company Limited with the assistance of Greentown Hotel Management Co., Ltd., to develop and operate a new One&Only resort on Tufu Bay in Sanya, Hainan, China. With approximately 180 luxurious guest rooms and villas, One&Only Sanya will be nestled amidst 40-acres of coconut palms and ancient rosewood trees, commanding enviable views from over a half-kilometre of private coastline. This will be One&Only’s first resort in China. It is anticipated to begin welcoming guests in early 2014.
Created exclusively for the uber-luxury resort market, One&Only Resorts are conceived as hallmarks of excellence. Set in some of the most beautiful locations in the world, each award-winning resort offers guests a distinctive style and personality borne of its local culture, a genuine hospitality and a lively energy that is unparalleled. These seven properties include the iconic One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives; One&Only Le Saint Géran in Mauritius; One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai; One&Only Ocean Club in The Bahamas; One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico; One&Only Cape Town in South Africa and One&Only The Palm in Dubai.
“Tufu Bay is ideally suited for creating the first One&Only experience in China. The setting is just spectacular and I am very confident the resort will be well received by our many loyal One&Only guests and new guests alike,” says Sol Kerzner, Chairman, Kerzner International. “It feels terrific to be able to make this announcement and get back to doing what we do best – designing and managing world-class luxury resorts.”
Tufu Bay offers stunning views of the South China Sea, which will inform the design of both the public and private spaces of the resort. True to the brand’s heritage, One&Only Sanya will offer a variety of world-class cuisine showcasing regional specialties in restaurants overseen by internationally-acclaimed chefs. The resort will also house an indulgent One&Only Spa, honouring Sanya’s Chinese heritage by utilizing ancient Eastern traditions and holistic practices fused with modern spa therapies. In addition, meeting space will be available for bespoke gatherings, whether for business or pleasure.
Like all of the resorts within the collection, One&Only Sanya will place an emphasis on privacy while evoking a ‘sense of place,’ using materials that showcase the natural elements of Hainan. One&Only Sanya plans to weave pieces of the island’s historical tapestry throughout the resort with the use of original furnishings, fabrics and art crafted by descendants of local tribes. As with all One&Only properties, this resort will also boast innovative programming for families, including the celebrated KidsOnly Club. Guests will also have access to a host of unique sporting and entertainment facilities on-site.
“With so many guests from China already experiencing One&Only and Atlantis resorts worldwide, it made perfect sense for our next resort to be in China,” says Alan Leibman, CEO, Kerzner International. “I am thrilled we were able to partner with such industry leaders as Gezhouba and Greentown. I am very excited about entering the Chinese market – it is the perfect place for One&Only to continue the growth of its brand.”
The Project Design Team is currently in the process of reviewing plans which will be submitted to the local authorities for approval.