UNDERSTATED LUXURY • OFF –THE-BEATEN-TRACK ADVENTURES • TRANQUIL RETREAT

Hainan, China, October 2014: Shaded by swaying palm trees on a powder-white private beach stretching 12km around a bay of crystal clear azure sea, Raffles Hainan in the prestigious new Clearwater Bay enclave is the jewel in the crown among top international resorts at China's “Hawaii of the East”. 

Although it is marking its first anniversary, the property has a heritage that harks back to 1887, when the first Raffles was open in Singapore. To herald this milestone, the tropical southern island of Hainan introduces eight unique island experiences that let you celebrate life – whether traveling solo or with family and friends.

1. 1. Luxuriate in A Villa: Among the accommodation choices at Raffles Hainan are 99 suites and 32 beachfront villas. Reside in the latter and look forward to a private pool and garden, as well as access to an exclusive clubhouse which houses a restaurant, gym, library and relaxation lounge. To top it off, ever at your service are Raffles Butlers, a traditional hallmark of Raffles Hotels and Resorts, to assist you at all times of the day. Alternatively, take your pick from guestrooms that rank among the largest on Hainan, starting from 80sqm, with magnificent ocean or golf course views through large windows and a private balcony.

1. 2.       All in the Family: Unlike adults-only resorts, Raffles Hainan welcomes families with open arms. Connect with the property via its dedicated family concierge at +86 898 8335 8608 to plan your holiday and make any related requests. An array of activities are available to encourage interaction between parents and children including cocktail mixing, cooking classes, beach volleyball and cha-cha dancing classes. At the Children's Club, participate in entertaining, educational and creative activities throughout the day. Superb recreational facilities also include an outdoor lagoon swimming pool, 24-hour gym, mapped jogging routes and cycling paths that will guarantee to strengthen those family bonds.

1. 3.       A Healing Journey for the Body, Mind & Soul: At the heart of Raffles Hainan is the Raffles Spa, an oasis of tranquility for rejuvenation with signature treatments inspired by the three stages of a lotus flower's growth: Bud (body), Blossom (beauty) and Bloom (development). With 12 treatment rooms, a private changing area, steam and shower facilities as well as aromatherapy products, the intimate sanctuary completes the indulgent experience with a refined tea ceremony serving delicate pastries.

1. 4.       Golf in the Tropics: Unlike other properties, Raffles Hainan is the only resort adjacent to not one but two of China's leading championship golf courses. Designed for players of all levels by renowned US course specialist Schmidt-Curley Design in typical seaside links-style, they skirt lakes and coconut plantations against a breathtaking ocean backdrop. Rated among China's Top 100 golf facilities, the South Course features an artificial lake and is characterised by gigantic high-flashed bunkers and several windswept, seaside holes. On the newer North Course, water  comes into play on nine holes.

1. 5.       Say 'I Do' at a Beach Wedding: Raffles Hainan's most glamorous function spaces, including a 790 sqm ballroom, set a new precedent for high-level social events on Hainan. Romantic couples seeking the ultimate dream wedding will be thrilled to say 'I do' at the beachfront wedding pavilion, a romantic venue like no other where couples can be blessed beneath a design feature inspired by a pair of angel's wings.

1. 6.       Island-inspired Epicurean Discoveries: The freshest seafood from the local market is served daily in immaculate Cantonese style at signature Chinese restaurant Bai Wei, and simple Mediterranean style at authentic bistro Sing Ken Ken, and award-winning Sapori Italian restaurant. Enjoy a slower pace of life at Long Bar with delicious creative cocktails, boutique wines and a soothing atmosphere. While there, don't forget to order the world-famous Singapore Sling, originally created for the Long Bar at Raffles Singapore by  a bartender from Hainan. Otherwise, start each day with a sumptuous breakfast at all-day beachfront restaurant Desa, named after the Indonesian word for 'village', with ambience and cuisine to match with Asian fusion cuisine and classics from open kitchens facing the sea.  

1. 7.       Duty-free Shopping: CDF Mall, the largest duty-free shopping complex in the world, is just a 30-minute drive from Raffles Hainan, with convenient transportation provided to access designer bargains at the best value in China.

1. 8.       Relax-and-Unwind This Weekend: The epitome of contemporary beachside living,wherespaces have been designed for guests to create their individual experience, Raffles Hainan draws inspiration from the picturesque natural environment. Spend a relaxing weekend getting to know a fascinating island with its 'Relax-and-Unwind' package available all year round, starting from RMB 1,900, including daily breakfast for two and return airport transport from Sanya Phoenix International Airport. What's more, receive 20 percent off spa treatments and receive a complimentary upgrade to next room category subject to availability.

The spirit of Raffles Hainan is a celebration of life. Here, mobile phones and digital devices are but unnecessary distraction and best tucked into the in-room safe. Stroll barefooted along the powdery white sands and manicured gardens; go for a morning bicycle ride or jog; let your hair down in the evening at poolside parties and feasts; enjoy fine cuisine at exclusive restaurants; splash around the expansive swimming pool and workout at a state-of-art fitness centre – the choices are endless.

For more information or reservations, please contact: T +86 898 8338 9888

E bookus.hainan@raffles.com

About Raffles Hainan: Raffles Hainan features 299 elegant guestrooms and suites, starting from 80 sqm – the largest in Sanya. Each room enjoys magnificent ocean and golf course views from your private balcony. Offering even greater levels of privacy and exclusivity, 32 exquisitely appointed Private Villas are located by the beach. Each offers a private pool and garden, and access to a private Clubhouse, which offers a restaurant, gym, library and a relaxation lounge. Dining is a highlight at Raffles Hainan with five superb restaurants including Italian, Chinese, Asian and Western cuisines; the legendary Raffles' Long Bar is also travelled to Hainan. The original Long Bar shares an important history with Hainan, as it was Ngiam Tong Boon a bartender from Hainan who first created the world-famous Singapore Sling in 1915. An ideal destination for high-level meetings, events and paradise weddings, Raffles Hainan has a 790 sqm ballroom, complemented by seven multifunctional meeting rooms. The duplex beachfront Pavilion is a uniquely romantic venue for beach weddings, banquets and anniversary celebrations. The first Raffles Spa in China is a sumptuous 1,400 sqm sensory retreat designed to resemble a small Chinese village. It represents the Raffles Spa philosophy of transformation with treatments inspired by the three stages of the lotus flower's growth: Bud (body), Blossom (beauty) and Bloom (development).

About Raffles Hotels & Resorts:  Raffles Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning, luxury international hotel company with a history dating back to 1887 with the opening of Raffles Hotel, Singapore.  The portfolio currently comprises eleven luxurious properties, from secluded resorts to city hotels in key locations around the world:  in Singapore, Cambodia, China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, the Philippines, Paris and Istanbul, each one is an oasis of calm and charm. 

The company is embarking on a new phase of expansion, with openings in key destinations scheduled over the next two years. With a compelling mix of cultures and styles, every hotel in the Raffles family has its own individual personality, with its own story to tell and its own sense of place.   However, each one is proud to draw on the timeless essence of Raffles – to deliver thoughtful, personal and discreet service to well-travelled guests.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is part of FRHI Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with more than 110 hotels and resorts worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands.  The company also manages Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel branded luxury private residence clubs, whole-ownership residences and serviced residences properties.  . www.raffles.com

For high resolution images please visit www.leonardo.com/raffles

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