BRIGHT blue sky, stunning ocean view, soft sands, fresh and tasty seafood and exiting water sports — Sanya, the most popular beach city in China, has a lot to offer. And the key to enjoy all those fantastic things during a relaxing holiday without dragging your family and kids through the crowded traffic? You need to pick a right resort, where you’ll probably spend the most time of your holidays.

It can be a really tough job as there are more than 1,000 hotels and resorts scattered around this small city with a local population below 1 million. Among them are 300 high-end hotels and resorts from the most important hotel brands in the world such as Hyatt, Starwood and Hilton.

Shanghai Daily picks seven best ones out of the 1,000 and finds out each one’s strength.

Family fun in the sun

With its pristine ocean waters and rich tropical landscape, Sanya can be a great place for children to have a vacation while also learning about the wonders of nature.

The Mandarin Oriental in Sanya is hosting its MO Kid’s Camp for a sixth consecutive year this July and August. The camp has quickly become a favorite among visiting families.

Youngsters who take part in the camp — which is open to children between the ages of 4 and 12 — can experience a host of nature-themed outdoor activities designed by the resort’s professional recreation team. These activities include snorkeling, coral craft making and also a treasure hunt.

The fun-filled activities take full advantage of the resort’s natural resources, which include a lush tropical garden, three landscaped swimming pools and a glittering coral bay.

And while kids have fun at this fully-supervised club, their parents can pay tennis, go kayaking or take part in Tai Chi, cooking or yoga classes.

The resort’s Family Fun Package starts at 1,758 yuan (US$290) per night, including one full-day program at the MO Kid’s Camp for one child.

Pool paradise

If you plan to swim in an outdoor pool when visiting the tropical city of Sanya, then consider the Haitang Bay Gloria Sanya Resort, which boasts over 5,000 square-meters of swimming pool.

All swimming areas in the resort are outdoors. There are shallow pools scattered across the property as well as a large, edge-free deep pool by the ocean.

The resort by the Haitang Bay’s coast has a beautiful and tranquil view of the South China Sea. The 300-meter-long private beach is also an ideal place to spend a day in the sun sipping tropical cocktails.

The more than 400 guest rooms and suites all have individual balconies, either with ocean or garden views. The rooms are decorated in contemporary Chinese decor and are spacious with relatively high ceilings. Some guest rooms on the first floor offer pool access.

The resort has nine restaurants, bars and lounges. The Chinese restaurant Tang offers excellent food and service. It offers a comprehensive menu to satisfy the tastes of even the most discerning diner. Meanwhile, BBQ’s Wharf offers fresh seafood and barbecue by the sea.

There’s also a golf court, fitness club and yoga room.

World-class service

The Ritz-Carlton hotels have a special credo for their distinctive service: “We are ladies and gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.” The service staff at Ritz-Carlton is dedicated to making every guests’ stay as comfortable as possible. Their dedication has won them numerous awards in the hospitality industry.

The service team at the Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay, has almost 800 staff members, including ladies and gentlemen from America, Russia, France, Italy and Thailand, among others.

Hoss Vetry, Multi Property Vice President and General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay says: “Among the diverse nationalities represented at the Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay, we are bound by one common thread — We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests, who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed and refined, yet international ambience.”

Food lovers’ delight

Haitang Bay in Sanya is packed with hotels offering terrific seafood as well as cuisine from all over the world. But perhaps some of the area’s best food can be found at Shangri-La’s Sanya Resort and Spa. With four restaurants and two bars, the Shangri-La promises to satisfy all appetites.

At Kon Tiki, the Polynesian-style kitchen serves up Hawaii flavors with fresh locally-grown produce.

Popular dishes here include banana ducky pizza featuring tender duck breast, regional banana-ginger jam, cheese and tangy tamarind chutney, taro and sweet potatoes chips with home-made garlic honey aioli sauce, and sea prawn paired with coconut chips and coriander. Diners can also feast on a roasted suckling pig after witnessing a ceremonial carving.

Those with a sweet tooth should try the Erupting Diamond Head, banana cake topped with coconut ice cream and berry coulis served a la flambe.

At the Dragonfly bar, one can try a cocktail with a local dessert featuring rich coconut, red and green beans and corn.

There is plenty for youngsters as well, including a special kid’s breakfast buffet at the all-day dining restaurant. There are also dim sum and steamed buns in the shape of cute animals, colorful cupcakes and a chocolate fountain with marshmallows and breads for dipping.

Party the day away

Partying is central to the experience at MGM Grand Sanya, home to the only daytime club in the island city. Vacationers in bikinis and swimsuits party by the pool all day along from sunrise to sunset, with live DJ performances. Also, check out the hotel’s own “chocolate factory,” which features a Valrhona chocolate fountain. Sandwichs, desserts and coffee snacks are available. The current seasonal hit is soufflé, in chocolate, mango and strawberry flavors.

Before dusk, nestle into a deckchair with a drink on MGM’s palm-lined private beach along Yalong Bay, unwind in the summer breeze and indulge in the amazing sunset view as the daytime uproar dies down.

The AOC wine bar has a rich wine menu, including choices from several up-and-coming Chinese vineyards. The cigar bar has a nice collection of cigars along with fine cognac.

Wedding romance

Romance is the key word at the InterContinental Sanya Hating Bay Resort.

With the beaches, the sunset, the views of nature and the first aquarium restaurant in China, the resort makes a perfect destination for couples who fancy a seaside or even underwater wedding ceremony.

The hotel can provide a wedding assistant to the couple-to-be, helping to relieve the stress and burdens of wedding planning. With a 15,000 square-meter lawn facing the sea and a 2,000 square-meter swimming pool, the hotel is also ideal for those who want space to enjoy themselves.

Getting away from it all