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VACATION METROPOLIS: (Clockwise from left) Hainan is no sleepy beach town, it is a buzzing city with all of the trappings you would expect... shopping, restaurants and a lush tropical hinterland teeming with wildlife. offering all styles of accomodation from family friendly to high end luxury. All roads lead to the beach day and night. In between eating, sunbathing and shopping you can take in one of the many cultural attaractions.
Its 24 Balinese-inspired treatment rooms and suites surround a traditional courtyard; some have private Jacuzzis and tubs made of Italian stone. Treatments range from facials to the “Shen Harmonizer” - a soothing deep-tissue massage using warm volcanic stones that are meant to get your qi (life energy) flowing. Afterward, linger in the jade steam room or sign up for a gentle session of tai chi.
The spas run by the Banyan Tree hotel chain are known for their state-of-the-art facilities, experienced therapists and Asian-inspired therapies. At the 61-villa Banyan Tree Sanya (6 Luling Rd., Sanya; 86-898-8860-9988; banyantree.com), on the Luhuitou Peninsula, the spa has 16 suites and an area devoted to Thai massage. The highlight is the cutting-edge hydrothermal complex, where therapists guide guests through a series of cabins equipped with rain showers, jet pools, a hammam and even ice. (Alternating between hot and cold is believed to boost blood circulation.) The two and a half hour Oriental Ritual combines Tibetan massage techniques with a body scrub that is followed by a soak in a lavender-scented bath.
At newcomer Anantara Sanya’s spa (6 Xiaodonghai Rd., Sanya; 86-898-8888-5088; anantara.com), the eight treatment rooms have traditional Chinese touches (daybeds, birdcages, live koi). There’s also a plunge pool, steam room, spa-jet pool and Swiss-shower room. Sign up for one of the tea-based treatments, such as the Green Tea Purification, a three-hour session that includes a bath, scrub, body wrap and massage - all using products that contain green tea leaves, which are thought to help detoxify, boost the immune system and ease aches and pains.
China kuan yin is an imposing figure and a popular tourist site
EndLESS VACATIon 17