December 30. 2013 - Sanya is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to relax and unwind. Situated on the pristine white-sand beaches of China’s premier holiday destination, Yalong Bay, Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa is the ideal choice for a tropical escape. By using effective, innovative and creative marketing strategies the popular beach resort has been recognized as a leading pioneer in establishing dynamic new travel segments.

Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa was the first resort to create the concept that Sanya could become both a beach and wedding destination. The first step in developing this concept was the construction of an Ocean Front Chapel which was completed in 2011. The second step was to design a seamless wedding package combing the new chapel with the unbeatable service and world-class facilities promised by the Marriott brand. The position of Wedding Coordinator was created to provide couples with a specific point of contact who would cater to their every need, ensuring that their dream wedding would become reality. The final step was wide publicity to tell the story of the endless possibilities offered by a wedding on the best beach in China.

The success of establishing Sanya as a premier wedding destination is shown by the fact that Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa’s Ocean Front Chapel, the only one in Yalong Bay, has now become a landmark for beach weddings across the world. The fantastic Chapel combined with a wide array of superb facilities, with a private garden and direct beach access, offers a unique selling point that is hard to beat. Over 110 successful weddings have been held at the Chapel and the resort’s innovation has been recognized by the numerous wedding related awards that the property has received. These include: the “2013 The Best Wedding Environment Venue” by Darizi Magazine; “2012 Most Divine and Romantic Seaside Wedding” by Hurun Report Magazine; “2011 Best Wedding Resort Hotel” by Voyage Magazine; “2011 Most Creative Wedding Hotel” by COSMO Bride China Magazine.

Upon introducing the wedding destination concept to Sanya, the marketing team at Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa turned their attentions to the family segment. Through Family Packages, Kids Club facilities, exciting activities and menus tailored to children’s tastes the property had established a solid reputation as family friendly resort. However, Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa came up with the original idea of the ‘3 Generation Family Experience’ offering couples the opportunity to book a second ‘Family Package’ for their parents at a 50% discount. Now children, parents and grandparents could experience more family fun at Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa.The property received the awards for “2013 Best Holiday Resort by National Geographic Traveler Magazine” and “2013 China’s Top 100 Hotels” by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

In addition to the inspirational innovation displayed by Sanya Marriott Resort and Spa’s creative marketing strategies, the resort has always adhered to Mr. Marriott's belief that ‘If we take care of associates, the associates will be able to take better care of our guests and then the guests will come back again.’ Due to this commitment to employee happiness Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa was identified as the 2013 Aon Hewitt’s Best Employers (Hotel) in China. The property is highly recognized for its strong employee engagement, compelling employer brand image, effective leadership and high-performance culture. General Manager Mr. Edmund Ko commented: ‘Associates are the key difference that makes Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa an ideal resort. We encourage associates to stay and grow up within the company by offering them career development plans. I’m happy, our associates are happy and so are our guests. Our resort offers a unique and special vacation experience where dreams really do come true.

Awards Details

1. The Aon Hewitt Employers (Hotel) in China 2013
   Aon Hewitt is the global leader in human resource consulting and outsourcing solutions. Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa was recognized for the strong employee engagement, compelling employer brand, effective leadership and high-performance culture. Click on the link below for more information:
   http://aon.mediaroom.com/Aon-Hewitt-Recognizes-China-Employers-Who-Empower-Results
2. 2013 “Best Holiday Resort” by National Geographic Traveler Magazine
   The "Gold List Award of China Tourism" established by the famous National Geographic Traveler China, in order to raise the most authoritative and publicly-trusted voice to the whole tourism industry and the public through the most influential platform and the most popular high-level tourism magazine in China. The "Gold List Award of China Tourism 2013" was voted for and chosen by the readers, online users and invited professional judges representing a wide range of professional backgrounds and expertise in the field of tourism industry.
3. 2013 “China’s Top 100 Hotels” by Travel + Leisure China Magazine
   Travel + Leisure China magazine's 2013 China Travel Award selection was announced in October after five months of comprehensive expert review and reader voting. Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa was proud to be named a “China Top 100 Hotel”.
4. 2013 “The Best Wedding Environment Venue” by Darizi Magazine
   Darizi magazine is widely regarded as one of the most authoritative wedding magazines in China. A result of reader votes and expert reviews, the award gives recognizes Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa’s magnificent Ocean Front Chapel and creative personal combing to position the resort as a pioneer in stylish beach weddings.
5. 2013 “Future Star Awards” by You are the Chef Program
   The popular English-speaking cooking program “You are the Chef” and Grand Hotels magazine launched the culinary award-giving ceremony in Shanghai on Nov, 2013. The winners were voted by TV viewers and readers of both print and online media as well as by the Host and producers of “You are the Chef” and editors of Grand Hotels.
   First broadcast on July 7, 2002, “You are the Chef” is a popular English-speaking cooking program produced by Dragon TV’s foreign languages center. Every episode features an easy-to-cook food delight prepared by Host Heidi, a native of Australia, and a seasoned hotel chef. With over 15 years of experience, hence his distinctive understanding on Western cuisines, Jack Peng, Executive Sous Chef of Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa was named 2013 “Future Star Awards” by “You are the Chef”.
6. 2013 “Best Ethnic Dining” by Target Magazine
   TARGET, the luxury lifestyle magazine is positioned for consumers with high income, high quality and high living standards. It guides Chinese high-end consumers with useful, practical, and fashionable information and tips. Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa’s Edogin, the only five star Japanese Restaurant in Yalong Bay, was awarded the 2013 “Best Ethnic Dining” by Target magazine. Edogin Japanese Restaurant, opened in 2009, the spacious layout combined with Japanese interior design creates a truly unique dining atmosphere. Against the backdrop of gentle traditional Japanese music, taste authentic specialties and enjoy Japanese food prepared before your eyes by expert Chefs in an open kitchen.

SANYA MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA:
Nestled on the pristine white-sand beaches of China's only tropical destination, Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa is the perfect choice for a relaxing escape. The exclusive beach resort is conveniently located just a 35-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport.

Designed with vibrant colors, natural stone and warm woods to reflect its spectacular surroundings, Sanya Marriott Resort & Spa offers 452 well-appointed rooms and suites. Multiple swimming pools, a Clubhouse for kids, Fitness Centre and signature Quan Spa combined with a comprehensive range of meeting facilities, including an Ocean Front Chapel, make it the perfect choice for holidays, meetings and celebrations of all kinds. The tranquil ocean and tropical mountain views beckon guests to sit back and relax in peace. It is the place that you have always wanted to go and never wanted to leave!