Goettsch Partners (GP) has designed a new resort and meeting destination on China's Hainan Island in Haitang Bay. Developed by Poly Real Estate Group, the complex features a 729-key resort hotel and serviced apartment tower, a 28,000-square-meter International Finance Forum convention center, a series of connecting retail buildings, and a modest visitors center.
Located at the southern end of the island in the city of Sanya, the complex focuses on two primary design elements: a lighthouse tower for the hotel and serviced apartments, and a complementary rock form for the convention center. To be operated by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the 45-story, 123,500-square-meter hotel and serviced apartment tower is distinctive as a resort property, standing as a clear landmark on the waterfront. The International Finance Forum is designed as a premier convention facility, catering to national and international economic and political summits, as well as a variety of other meetings and special events.
Rising from a conceptual outcropping of rock, the 233-meter-tall "lighthouse" hotel and serviced apartment tower will be an iconic symbol of Haitang Bay with its glowing beacon visible as you approach from any direction. Designed to be a unique resort in the sky, the building is organized vertically, with the arrival sequence, landscape, and incorporation of water and views all considered integral to the guest experience. The resort is purposely designed to be intimate and exclusive, offering a limited number of rooms-all generously sized-as well as an extensive array of amenities.
Hotel guests arrive at a lushly landscaped entry and are immediately whisked up elevators to the sky lobby on level 14 for check-in. This expansive two-story level features unparalleled views and landscaped terraces, along with several amenities including a sweeping infinity-edge sky pool, lobby lounge, three-meal restaurant, and an executive club. From the sky lobby, local elevators then escort guests to their rooms on the lower levels. All 229 guestrooms face east and feature ocean views. Each guestroom also includes its own individual terrace or, in some cases, its own plunge pool. The 500 serviced apartments are positioned on the upper floors of the tower, as well as behind the hotel areas on the lower floors. The top of the tower provides a club amenity level for all apartment units. This multilevel space contains small gathering and larger meeting spaces, along with areas for drinks and entertainment.
Resting as a symbol of reconciliation and harmony, the International Finance Forum represents the calming rock of consensus for the economic and political representatives of the international community. The multifunctional building accommodates Iarge events with a 3,000-square-meter exhibition hall, a 1,500-square-meter balIroom, and forum space that can serve formal state gatherings, as well as private weddings and parties. The building also provides a variety of other meeting spaces, along with a large VIP meeting, gathering and reception area at the top with an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean. The building's rock-like mass is designed to be bold yet approachable. Once inside, a unique volume of space opens across multiple levels, with areas for meetings and formal ceremonies. The design culminates in the private rooftop garden, with exclusive spaces juxtaposed against expansive ocean views.
"The site and context are outstanding," commented James Zheng, AIA, LEED AP, president of GP. "The project presents an incredible opportunity to create a world-class destination."
In addition to the hotel and serviced apartment tower, convention center, retail and visitors center, all designed by GP, the overall development includes 61 corporate villas. The bulk of the development program is located in the hotel and serviced apartment tower at the northwest corner of the site. The five-story convention center and retail buildings serve as the link between the hotel and Haitang Plaza, a new public square to the south. The low-rise corporate villas and visitors center are located east of the convention center and tower, with all components taking advantage of the views to the beach and waterfront.
The overall complex is scheduled for completion in 2015, with the hotel opening in 2017.