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For this project, Neri&Hu hopes to create a unique, culturally resonant, and immersive resort experience that blends seamlessly with the natural and historical context of Hainan Island. Two L-shaped building volumes come together to form a water courtyard, the central feature from which all the hotel’s public amenities spread and emanate outwards. For the guest rooms, each unit is conceived as an individual wooden hut that contains functional amenities such as the washrooms. In the negative space between the wooden boxes lies the sleeping and relaxing zones, including the ocean view balconies.
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Elevated on a masonry plinth and surrounded by water, the architecture merges with Hainan’s coastal terrain. Every design decision—from sightlines that draw the eye toward the ocean, to sensory materials and garden pathways—aims to deepen the connection to nature. The ceilings here are lowered and suppressed in order to simultaneously frame views outward to the azure seas beyond. The resort becomes not just a place to stay, but a setting for rejuvenation.
At every given opportunity, the design tries to embody the genius loci of Hainan, to blend elements from the island’s collective memory, culture and natural features. Tapping into local craftsmanship, the masonry walls which envelop the lower levels are clad with handmade clay bricks, while the fabrics and rugs are inspired by textile arts of the Li minority tribe. The technique of soaking and pressing bamboo is also employed as a building material, with woven rattan and yellow bronze accents to enhance the layers to the project. In addition to the use of locally sourced materials, the architectural design strategically incorporates crosswind patterns to optimize natural ventilation, thereby advancing principles of sustainability and ecological compatibility within the regional context.
The project intentionally blurs the conventional boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, establishing a seamless dialogue among different spatial realms. This approach encourages fluid transitions and fosters a holistic spatial experience characterized by continuity and openness. Furthermore, both the architectural and interior designs are conceived under a unified conceptual framework, ensuring a coherent relationship between the built form, the internal environment, and the surrounding landscape. The lobby becomes a garden landscape with a floating lantern hovering above that allows a gentle light to filter in, and with the soft breeze that flows through, guests are immediately transported to a relaxed state of mind for appreciating the slow pace of island life. At the same time, the ceilings here are lowered and suppressed in order to simultaneously frame views outward to the azure seas beyond. The alternating rhythm between solid and void, the angled walls and textured material expression, all contribute to a dynamic façade that is constantly playing with light and shadow. The corridor between the bedroom units becomes an urban streetscape, an alley where people can traverse and enjoy chance encounters, as such are the delights of being a traveler.
The client's brief for the Sanya Wellness Retreat were to accommodate both elderly guests and families with children, ensuring comfort, safety, and convenience for all ages. The aging-friendly design is evident in the hotel’s guest rooms, which deviate from traditional hotels. Of the 343 rooms and suites, 39 are specifically designed to be senior-friendly. The rooms are bright and airy, with bathrooms designed without thresholds for easy access.
Founded in 2006 by Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu, Neri&Hu Design and Research Office is a Shanghai-based interdisciplinary architectural practice with studios in London, Paris, and Milan. Drawing from cultural, historical, and urban contexts, the practice explores a wide spectrum of scales and disciplines. Its diverse team reflects a global worldview and a commitment to redefining architectural paradigms. Rooted in research, Neri&Hu’s design ethos centers on the dynamic interplay of experience, material, detail, form, and light—creating architecture that is both culturally resonant and experientially rich. Neri&Hu and their designs have been recognized by a number of prestigious international awards.
