Spoiled For Choice

From outstanding beaches to action-packed adventures, Asia offers a host of idyllic island getaways

- Tamsin Cocks

Seeking Sun and Sand

The tropical island of Hainan, the “Hawaii of the East,” has been transformed into China’s leading beach hotspot, offering miles of coastline, high-quality golf courses, and natural scenery including hot springs and waterfalls. Sanya, at the southern tip of the island, is home to a host of five-star resorts, originally occupying Dadonghai and Yalong bays. However, as beachfront space has all been bought up, international brands entering the market have shifted slightly north to Haitang Bay, which boasts 14 miles of sweeping sand. Recent openings include Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa, while Marriott has the Xiangshui Bay Marriott Resort & Spa set to open in early 2017. Raffles has also announced a second resort on the island’s east coast, featuring a golf course.

WHERE TO STAY: The five-star MGM Grand Sanya, located on Yalong Bay, offers luxury accommodation with the added thrill of an assortment of Las Vegas-style shows, from magic performances to fire-breathing acts, as well as the relaxing interior of Sho Spa (mgmgrandsanya.com). Alternatively, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort, located on a private inlet minutes from Yalong Bay, offers equal luxury, fine dining options and fun-filled activities (sanya.park.hyatt.com).

There’s no shortage of picturesque beach escapes in Asia, but Boracay in the Philippines is one of the best. The island’s crown jewel is White Beach, famous as much for the two and a half-mile sweep of powdery white sand as the hypnotizing sunsets that fill the horizon at dusk. If you can rouse yourself from lazing in paradise, there’s an array of water sports, shopping, ATV riding, ziplining and more. For evening entertainment, head to Station 2, where fire-artists light up the beachfront and bars crank up the volume for a high-spirited party scene.