The Hilton Sanya Resort and Spa, the first Hilton Worldwide Resort to set foot in China, held its soft opening this past weekend on Hainan Island.

The grand opening of the hotel has been slated for 31 March 2006.

The majority of the 501 rooms, suites and villas offer ocean views. The spacious rooms (from 48.5sqm, in addition to balconies) are in contemporary southern Chinese design, with flat screen television, DVD players, broadband and other luxury amenities.

An extensive system of laguna-styled criss-cross swimming pools, natural water bodies, streams, cascades and water features interconnect the gardens of the resort, providing guests with a wide range of experiences, features and water fun.