As the sun sets majestically over China’s tropical Hainan Island, the ideal place to celebrate the first day of an immersive resort vacation is at the Sand restaurant and bar located within The Ritz-Carlton Sanya resort. A mere stone-throw away from the beachfront, the Sand plays host to its discerning guests by affording impressive views along the shores of Yalong Bay and over the expanse of the South China Sea. Designed as an outdoor dining experience, the Sand offers front-row seats close enough to the ocean – sounds and smells unmistakably linked to a tropical paradise.
The Ritz-Carlton Sanya – celebrate at the Sand Restaurant
Upon entry, a team of local staff greet guests with smiles and famed Ritz-Carlton hospitality; each team member, so it seems, mindful of their part in staging memorable dining experiences. While indoor dining is an option, it is the outdoors setting that makes Sand a perfect starting point to one’s resort stay experience. Comfortably seated, clever spot-lighting for easy menu reading – senses honed to sounds of discreet live music, candlelight, and the smell of sand and ocean.
The Ritz-Carlton Sanya – celebrate at the Sand Restaurant
The Ritz-Carlton Sanya – celebrate at the Sand Restaurant
Once settled, an attentive host takes the time to explain the menu – of note is a comprehensive seafood and barbeque selection, complemented by signature sauces and side-dish extensions. Highly recommended are seafood dishes from the depth of the surrounding sea, as are steak-cut varieties authentically procured from Australia and other quality meat-producing destinations. Freshly baked herbal breads are served in cute miniature clay pots; among mouth-watering starters, the Tuna or Steak Tartar is served exquisitely spiced and flavoured. The mains, on this occasion, comprised of the Turbot Fillet with Passion fruit butter, mash potato blended with King Crab and a dish of baby asparagus. From the barbecue selection, the Rib-eye steak comes grilled to perfection – not to be missed are the ample house-blend sauce creations.
The Ritz-Carlton Sanya – celebrate at the Sand Restaurant
Easing into the best of resort-style settings, a look around reveals a cabana off to a secluded side, playing host to a special occasion. A couple, elegant and seemingly content, is pampered with personalized attention. As it turns out, it is their Golden wedding anniversary. Here, the Ritz-Carlton service ethos once again comes to the fore; a line of seashells marks the passage, staff and musicians can be observed in orchestrating this most special of occasions.
The Ritz-Carlton Sanya – celebrate at the Sand Restaurant
The Ritz-Carlton Sanya – celebrate at the Sand Restaurant
Soaking in the beauty of al-fresco dining, Sous Chef Alain Zhang comes forward to introduce himself at the table. A native from Inner Mongolia, his culinary skills have been expertly shaped while working abroad with some of the best Masters in Asian and Western cuisines. To this end, it is the combination of the serene surroundings, the level of service detail and the individual touch, which makes this outdoor dining experience the perfect start to one’s resort vacation.
