The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has teed off 2017 with the opening of its first golf resort in China, ideally located in the golfer’s paradise of Hainan Island. The Ritz-Carlton, Haikou ushers in a new luxury leisure experience, situated on the world-class golf resort of Mission Hills which boasts ten 18-hole championship courses designed by golf’s greatest architects.
“Hainan Island is one of the most exciting emerging destinations in Asia-Pacific today. With our partners, Mission Hills Group, we have created one of the most immersive golf and leisure travel experiences anywhere in the world,” said Herv Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “The island is rich in culture and off-the-beaten-track experiences that reflectÊa ChinaÊmany have not seen, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to travel and explore.”
Located in Hainan Island, often called the Hawaii of China, the 175-room, 16-suite hotel enjoys year-round tropical sunshine on the 350-acre Blackstone Course that weaves its way around the world-renowned Mission Hills Golf Club. Built on top of a bedrock of ancient lava from extinct volcanos, the dramatic landscape features rocky outcrops with variations of jungle vegetation, expansive lakes and wetlands which can be viewed from every room.
The Ritz-Carlton, Haikou pays homage to the heritage of golf throughout. The architects AECOM, with interior designers HBA Los Angeles, have playfully created a design reminiscent of an elegant golf clubhouse. Guestrooms feature fabrics and patterns inspired by vintage golf elements, ensuring no two spaces are alike. Wall panels and light fixtures incorporate stitching that evokes handmade golf shoes, while antique leathers make references to a vintage golf bag. Tartan flooring remind guests of Scotland, the birthplace of golf.
Stories of holes won or lost can be enjoyed at sunset on the private patio of the hotel’s rooftop Flair Bar which overlooks the golf course. Cocktails feature local fruits, including lychees from the ancient trees that dot the grounds of Mission Hills. A Scottish bagpiper’s lament signals the end the day, or if you prefer, salutes the triumphs of the day, before dinner in Flair’s private dining room which offers a selection of single-malt whiskies and cigars.
Fine dining takes on new meaning in Haikou with the introduction of the elegant Tin Lung Heen Cantonese restaurant which features classic Chinese dcor combined with contemporary textures of wood and stone. Diners can enjoy the best of the highly-revered Cantonese cuisine as well as regional delicacies while listening to a master recite classic T’ang Dynasty poetry. The modern rusticity of Terra provides a warm backdrop to an international world-class line-up of chefs preparing authentic dishes from Tuscany to China.
After the hard-fought battles on the fairway, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, with its seven treatment rooms offers a signature Golfer’s Retreat treatment, to sooth away the skirmishes of the day, amongst other rejuvenating and relaxing treatments. The Spa also has a steam room, cool mist showers and indoor vitality pools with jets, as well as a fitness center and swimming pool. Golfers can prepare for the day with Golfer’s Yoga on the lawn.
The luxury golf resort features 3,500 sqm of banquet facilities for conferences and celebrations. Spaces include a 1,350 sqm Grand Ballroom, two Junior Ballrooms (275 sqm each), seven Meeting Rooms and one Boardroom. With a manicured Fairway Lawn and vast expanses of greenery, The Ritz-Carlton, Haikou wedding specialists can create a memorable experience to perfection.
Within close proximity to the hotel, Mission Hills Centreville is an entertainment and nightlife hub. The design of the Town Center is influenced by design themes from all over the world, boasting an indoor and outdoor commercial shopping complex complete with ponds, bridges, islands and a plaza designed for festival activities.
