Category: Interview

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!

Interview with Mr. Robert Logan, General Manager of One&Only Sanya

Created exclusively for the ultra-luxury resort market, One&Only Resorts are conceived as hallmarks of excellence. Each One&Only Resort offers guest meticulously-designed rooms, fabulous Food & Beverage experience, stylish spa and beauty-care enjoyment, and customized journey that enables guests to feel the unique and authentic local culture and customs. This year, the first One&Only Resort in China will open in Hainan, the place where China’s first medical tourism industrial zone is located. SpaChina is honored to interview Mr. Robert Logan, General Manager of One&Only Sanya.

Mr. Logan joined One&Only Sanya in 2016 with almost 30 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry. Previously, he has held key positions at prestigious hotel brands such as The Peninsula, Loews, Four Seasons, the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and Sandy Lane in Barbados.

Why choose to open your first resort in Hainan, China?

We have strict criteria on selecting resort locations. Each of our One&Only resort is set in some of the most beautiful locations around the world. As one of the top popular tourist cities in China, Sanya boasts an extraordinary coastline and landscapes, and has opportunities to become the iconic destination in Asia with continued growth and prosperity. With the increase in families travelling together and those seeking accessible getaways for an amazing holiday experience, it is the right time for us to enter the China market to deliver new levels of opulence, intimacy and personalised service to the region’s most discerning travelers.

What are the highlights that differentiate your resort from other luxury hotels in Hainan?

One&Only Sanya has 190 guest rooms, which include 54 suites and villas, designed by the well-known architect and designer Mr. Jean-Michel Gathy with an uncompromising commitment to style and comfort in mind. Michelin Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is brought to Hainan Island for the very first time at the “Celebrity Restaurant” of One&Only Sanya highlighting the freshest Seafood and creative discerning cuisines. ESPA at One&Only Sanya will be a true sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation featuring the only authentic Moroccan Hammam on the island and the first “Snow Cabin” in China. One&Only signature KidsOnly for younger children, OneTribe programs for those aged 9 to 11, and a vast range of specialized sports and activities for teens ensure that there is fun and excitement for guests of all ages.

What is the concept of ESPA at One&Only Sanya?

Set within lush tropical gardens and dramatic water features, ESPA at One&Only Sanya is a true retreat for mind and body, restoring your personal wellbeing, attracting the guests seeking for tranquility as well as body and mental balance. The Moroccan Hammam at ESPA will provide guests with an authentic Hammam experience and refined ritual treatments, while the Snow Cabin will offer a refreshing and invigorating cooling experience to stimulate and awaken the senses. More signature features of ESPA at One&Only Sanya is the Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio, by the world-renowned French podiatrist Mr. Bastien Gonzalez who has a loyal following all round the world thanks to his unique blend of medical-oriented care combined with a holistic approach to manicures and pedicures;  Ryan Wang’s Salon by Mr. Ryan Wang – a beauty innovator, hair genius and image creator from Hollywood.

What makes One&Only Resorts all over the world popular among couples?

Created exclusively for the ultra-luxury market, One&Only is conceived as a hallmark of excellence. Set in some of the most beautiful locales in the world, each award-winning One&Only resort offers couples endless space to unwind, from playing in the sea, indulging at the spa to dining on fabulous cuisine and dancing barefoot in the sand. At One&Only Sanya, we also offer a collection of unique venues for weddings and unforgettable celebrations with dazzling perfection.

How does your hotel integrate top luxury hospitality standards with local Hainan custom and culture?

One&Only Resorts are designed to be distinctive and reflective of the personality and experiences found within the local culture. We will invite guests for a sky cruise in a helicopter, overlooking the amazing scenery of South China Sea, or a ride by Rolls-Royce to simply enjoy a picnic on the beach or mountain, savoring the unforgettable moments with your beloved. 

Interview with Mr. Eric Kee, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Sanya

As one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in Hainan, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya boasts sheer luxury and refined elegance. Enjoying the tranquility of a secluded 1.2 km nationally-protected coral bay and nestled amongst verdant tropical blooms, the resort is a hidden gem. As General Manager of the hotel, Eric Kee has 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He first joined Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 1996, and worked with several hotel groups in China, Malaysia, Macau and Japan, accumulating rich industry experience and forming his distinctive hotel operational and management style. With Hainan in the process of building its medical tourism industrial zone, SpaChina interviewed Eric.

How does Mandarin Oriental, Sanya differ from other hotels in Hainan?

Combining contemporary design with laid-back beach chic, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is an idyllic luxury hotel on Hainan Island. With a tropical setting, acclaimed dining and a wonderful spa, the hotel offers luxury infused with effortless style.

At Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, we launched a new wellness concept which consists of five elements: Nourishment,  Movement, Connections, Stillness, and Wellbeing. We combine this new wellness concept with the favorable natural elements, and collaborated with wellness consultants in different sectors, such as acclaimed French naturopath Ms. Liliane Israel and famous Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Doctor Wu, Shihua, etc, to offer guests a relaxed, recharged and rejuvenated vacation experience and a healthy lifestyle that can be incorporated into daily life.

What are the highlights of the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya?

At Mandarin Oriental, spa is not just about pampering but it also encompasses wellness. As the only Traditional Chinese Medicine licensed resort on the island. The experienced residential TCM doctor, has designed a wide range of treatments in accordance with guests’ different requirements, including sleep relief, moxibustion, cupping, acupuncture, traditional bone setting, and seasonal wellness tea. And the ever popular Hainan Hidden Secret treatment will enable guests to experience the art of Sanya culture.

In addition to the families travel with kids, a series of parent-kid family spa and wellness activities are underway, such as mother-daughter nail manicure, family spa treatment, coral bay snorkeling, kayaking race, funny parent-kid yoga, family Shaolin Kung Fu class and Zen calligraphy. These services will ensure them to take away fond and unforgettable memories. 

Normally, what kind of holiday and hotel experiences are travelers in Hainan seeking?

Nowadays, Sanya has become one of the tourism destinations both in China and worldwide. Of course, guests’ travelling requirements are changing from simply accommodation to lifestyle, intelligence, interaction and local arts and cultural experiences, exploration of unique dining experience and Hainan specialities, wellness and wellbeing benefit programme.

Of course, with fast-paced lifestyles and constantly increasing life and work pressures, health and wellness are becoming a pursuit of more and more travelers. Places with favorable natural scenes are becoming ideal choices and spa treatments combined with TCM elements are becoming increasingly popular.

How will Hainan’s development as a medical tourism industrial zone influence the local hospitality industry?

With the development of China’s national medical tourism industrial zone, I believe the concerning departments will invest more in the biological and low-carbon economy and Hainan will gradually develop into a medical and wellness destination, which will attract more and more potential guests to Hainan.

For the hospitality industry, this is both a new opportunity and a challenge. In Hainan, hotels will need to not only offer a relaxed vacation experience, but also effective wellness experiences. At Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, we have infused the resort’s natural healing elements and idyllic surroundings into different themes of wellness meeting options for health conscious business executive. Guests can choose from “detox”, “vitality”, and “wellbeing”  meeting packages. And our innovative chef team has also developed fresh and healthy juices with different wellness benefits and light gourmet delicacies to replace the traditional coffee tea break.

To become a really great medical tourism destination, in which aspects do you think Hainan still needs to improve?

Hainan has already gained nine breakthrough preferential policies from the central government, which offers a great impetus for Hainan’s development of medical tourism destination. To further develop Hainan into a world-class medical tourism destination, we need to pro-actively explore the integration of medical health and tourism products and make full use of Hainan’s rich tourism resources. Thus it’s important to learn about new tourism trends and develop diversified medical tourism products to meet different guests’ requirements.

Which aspects of Hainan impress you most?

I arrived at  Sanya in May 2016. I am quite impressed with this seashore city, where natural scenes like mountains and oceans are always in front of your eyes. I love Nature, and Hainan Island, which is covered in tropical gardens, is a great place to explore.