Now, who wouldn’t know about Atlantis? It’s a familiar name that rings tons of bells — whether it is the Lost World of Atlantis and all its hidden treasures, or whether it is the home of Aquaman, or even if it is one of the most luxurious resorts and waterparks in the world. I may never visit that first two Atlantis; but I got to drop in the most recent Atlantis in Sanya, China. The first Atlantis I ever heard of was in the Bahamas, and then in Dubai, and now, in China.
The Atlantis Sanya
China’s first Atlantis resort is built in the city of Sanya on the island province of Hainan, along the Haitang Bay National Coast. The island of Hainan is a tropical island located in the southernmost part of China, and is blessed with sun, clear skies and the blue ocean. The property spans over 540,000 sq meters overlooking Haitang Beach and the beautiful South China Sea.
The Atlantis Sanya carries on the ocean-theme of the other Atlantis resorts, and plays tribute to the wonderful underwater aquatic world. The resort offers a large variety of entertainment facilities — the Aquaventure Waterpark, the Lost Chambers Aquarium, exotic sea-life and marine exhibits, fresh and salt-water pools and lagoons; as well as a whole range of fantastic dining experiences with world-renown chefs, vibrant bars and lounges, luxury boutique stores, malls and event spaces. There’s just so many fun things to do that days will be filled with endless joy!
Entrance to the lobby of the Atlantis Sanya.
The resort’s centerpiece is suppose to make you feel like you’re underwater.
Check-in at the reception area, all ready to have a good time.
The Atlantis Sanya has a huge aquarium in the lobby!
The Atlantis Sanya Experience
Our tour around Hainan Island with Parlo Tours (read about the full tour here) brought us to Atlantis Sanya in the afternoon. I have always wanted to visit an Atlantis resort ever since I first came to know about the Atlantis Bahamas a very long time ago. I didn’t know there was one in China, so I was very pleasantly surprised and super excited!
I was completely mesmerised as I walked into the lobby area — the resort’s centerpiece with its coral-like crystals and still waters made it feel like I was underwater. What’s more, there is an extremely gigantic floor-to-ceiling aquarium that had all kinds of fishes swimming in it, in the LOBBY! The lobby area was extremely crowded though — there were guests with luggages walking about, visitors sitting and chilling around the centerpiece, and families with children running pass in their bathrobes and swimwear.
A peek at the Deluxe Room that comes with a balcony.
The Neptune Underwater Suite comes with an aquarium.
You can spend an entire night here and not get enough.
Getting up, close and personal with the fishes.
The Rooms and Underwater Suites
We were then guided to the rooms. There are a total of 1,160 guestrooms in Atlantis Sanya; with 154 suites — 5 which are Neptune and Poseidon underwater luxury suites. The Ocean View Room comes with either a king-bed or 2 queen-size beds with all the basic 5-star amenities, and a lovely bathtub that opens up to the bedroom. I especially loved the huge balcony that had gorgeous views of the entire area of the waterpark, as well as the ocean beyond. All rooms come with complimentary access to the waterpark and the aquarium.
Best part of all though, was that we had the chance to visit the Neptune Underwater Suite. The suite consists of two floors — we entered via the top floor where the living area, the kitchenette/bar and the oversized balcony is. However, the bottom floor is where the magic is! The bathroom and bedroom of the underwater suite looks directly into a lagoon teeming with sea creatures — just imagine having your very own aquarium wall that gives you a view into the underwater world as you lie in bed. Such luxury! One day… maybe, one day.
Entrance to the Lost Chambers Aquarium at the Atlantis Sanya.
Here are some of my favourite ocean creatures!
The large aquarium inside the aquarium.
Spot the Beluga whale!
The Lost Chambers Aquarium
One of Atlantis Sanya‘s biggest attraction is its Lost Chambers Aquarium that is home to 86,000 marine creatures of 270 species. Honestly, I am not a fan of aquariums or zoos because I think that wildlife should not be kept in captivity. I did, still, visit the aquarium; and I did marvel at the beauty of all underwater life that I saw — even though I much prefer to see them while scuba diving! The probability of seeing a beluga whale while diving is very rare however; and I got to see one at the aquarium.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium is also home to Dolphin Cay, where guests and visitors get the chance to swim with these friendly sea creatures; and watch them at the 1,800-sea theater during shows and demonstrations. Diving is also possible at Ambassador Lagoon, the largest open-air lagoon. Resort guests get complimentary entry, but visitors are welcomed — tickets are CNY188 (~US$28) per adult, and CNY147 (~US$22) per child. Sealife encounters and diving incur extra costs.
A vast area that includes a theme park and many many lagoons and pools.
The resort also has a whole lot of restaurants and places to go shopping!
The bar area in the lobby at the Atlantis Sanya.
Fun Things to Do at the Atlantis Sanya
We only had time to visit the aquarium, and then walk around the resort’s mall, Shopping at the Avenues. The mall has tons of boutiques and international luxury brand stores; and is home to restaurants, bar and lounges. The ones that caught my attention was probably Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and Bar, and the Japanese restaurant, Netsu. I also heard that the Ossiano Underwater Restaurant and Bar has yet another floor-to-ceiling aquarium for more underwater world immersion while dining.
I guess my biggest regret was not being able to visit (and spend a day) at the Atlantis Sanya’s Aquaventure Waterpark. I am a huge huge fan of theme parks and waterparks — and would have loved to have gone on the waterslides, run around the aquatic playgrounds, and swim in the pool. Just seeing it from the room balcony was enough to get my adrenaline pumping! The resort also has a spa and fitness center, and a kid’s Club Rush to keep the young’uns busy.
So much beauty inside the Atlantis Sanya suite.
It would be great to soak in bubbles and watch fishes swimming by.
A tank full of fishes.
The hotel lobby area and its huge aquarium is simply amazing.
At the End of the Day
The Atlantis Sanya is a great addition to all the resorts that have been popping up all around Hainan, due to the government’s bid in making this island a tourist destination. It’s a great place for local families to come over the weekend; and for international visitors to rest and relax, and have a few days of sun, sea and most definitely, water slides.
To me, staying at any Atlantis resort will always be a dream. I have always wanted to visit (it’s been on my bucket list for years), and I still can’t believe that I finally got to one! It’s a pity that time didn’t allow us to enjoy all the facilities and all the fun entertainment the resort has to offer; but honestly, I would have been glad to just step foot in the premises. A little overdramatic really, but that was how much I had wanted to visit… once upon a time.
Blowing a kiss all the way from the Atlantis Sanya!
THE ATLANTIS SANYA
Where:Â North Haitang Bei Road,
Sanya, Hainan 572013, China.
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*She Walks the World was a guest on a trip to Hainan Island, China with Parlo Tours; which included a visit to the Atlantis Sanya. And as always, all opinions stated here are my own.
