HotelChatter

Restaurants range from an Italian seafood restaurant, Sirena, to the Shang Palace, serving authentic Cantonese and Hainan specialities. Cafe Kool is your breakfast destination.

Now that we have you thinking that perhaps you can fit in a stay, you might be asking yourself (as we did), “Where is Haikou and why do I want to go there?” Well, the simple geographical answer is that Haikou is the provincial capital of Hainan Island, China’s sole tropical island, where about two million people call home. The more esoteric reason is that –- in case you missed it -- Hainan Island is China’s sole tropical island, so we’re talking ocean breezes, seaside vistas, lush gardens and all the snorkelling and scuba-diving you can stand. The island also has a volcanic crater park and preserve. Then there’s the fact that it’s been tapped to become a leading international tourist resort area so there’s piles of money being ploughed into it to make it a “must-go” destination with plenty of museums, shops, restaurants and golf courses popping up. Plus it’s spitting distance from Thailand, Taiwan and The Philippines.

To celebrate its debut, the hotel is offering an opening package through March 31, 2013 that starts at RMB 1,350 per night ($217) and includes a stay in a Deluxe Sea View room, daily buffet breakfast for two and a RMB 500 ($80) food and beverage credit. The offer is subject to a two night minimum stay.

[Photos: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts]