Interview with Mr. Timothy Bruce, General Manager of Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay
Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay was conceived around the concept of a contemporary fishing village where travelers can congregate, experience a sense of community and be guided back to a destination of indulgence, opulence and comfort.The resort’s General Manager, Timothy Bruce, has worked with Hyatt for nearly 20 years. He has drawn on experience gained in working and traveling throughout the world in places and cultures as diverse as China, Europe, India, Japan, Australia, UAE and Malaysia. He considers himself fortunate to have led the team in opening the Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa in August of 2016 and to have worked to position the resort as a preferred destination in Sanya. SpaChina interviewed him.
What unique experiences do you offer to guests?
Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa is positioned as the pre-eminent choice for family travelers, grand meetings and events as well as being a stylish wedding destination. Apart from state-of-the-art Grand Club, F&B facilities and swimming pools, the resort is proud to debut Camp Hyatt, Hyden’s World, the indoor adventure playground. Here, children are treated as guests of honor. The Countryside, Nautical and Campsite theme rooms are a child’s paradise, providing youngsters with a unique experience to explore, have fun and learn. The resort’s Huan Spa, which can be translated as “rejuvenating spa” or “rebirth spa”, offers tailor-made treatments designed to reinvigorate your body and soul.
What are the special traits of visitors to Hainan?
Most guests are not first-time visitors to Hainan Island. Their main purpose is not to visit the local points of interest, but to slow down and restore calm. They come to Sanya to enjoy the tropical gardens and the ocean breezes, spending most of their time within the resort to enjoy the cuisine or the signature experience. They like to spend time with their kids in Camp Hyatt or in the family pool. Couples tend to choose the double treatment in our Huan Spa to rejuvenate and refresh themselves.
Why do more and more people consider spa treatments an indispensable part of travel to Sanya?
The rapid development of spas has enhanced guests’ wellness awareness. In Sanya, spa treatment is a way to relieve pressure and alleviate fatigue of the body. Upon arrival, guests can choose a body massage to relieve fatigue or a body scrub to help the skin breathe better. After being exposed to the sunshine for a few days, a body wrap is very effective for hydration. Local natural elements, such as coconuts, are also widely used in the body treatments, which makes spa treatments in Sanya different from in other cities.
What authentic local delicacies at the hotel restaurant would you recommend?
At our signature restaurant Yu Cun, which features Hainan, Canton and Sichuan dishes, the Chinese chef selects local ingredients and fresh seafood to create unique flavors for each guest. We recommend the Hainan Hele Crab, which is prepared with Hainan yellow chili and local calamansi, or Wenchang chicken prepared with abalone, which is the combination of Cantonese cooking methods and local ingredients. Meanwhile, guests can also experience dishes with local flavor in the Grand Café and The Pool Grill.
Why do you think the Chinese government chose to establish Hainan as a medical tourism industrial zone?
The unique climate, all-year sunshine and natural environment of Hainan Island make the island an ideal destination for experiencing a healthy lifestyle and for a vacation. The already well-developed tourism and hospitality industry also lays a good foundation for Hainan’s development of its medical tourism industrial zone.
What are Sanya’s development advantages?
Located in the south of China, Sanya is well known for its tropical climate, clean beaches and coastline, as well as the surrounding tropical forests. Compared to many other cities in Hainan, Sanya is in the leading position in terms of tourism facilities, services and is popular both domestically and overseas. Sanya can be the signature tourism city of Hainan Island.
What do you do in your spare time in Hainan?
I’ve been in Hainan Island for almost four years. I like the climate, sunshine and the silver beaches here. I walk along Haitang Bay most days in the morning while enjoying the sunrise over the South China Sea. In my spare time, I’d like to further my passion for travel and absorb new cultures and relax with indigenous dishes. I also enjoy cooking!
