You board a ferry from the city of Zhuhai. Less than an hour later, you dock at a secluded island—untouched, dramatic, and serene. At the edge of a forested cliff sits Alila Dong’ao Island Zhuhai, the brand’s first island resort in Greater China, where contemporary architecture meets the slow rhythms of nature.
This newly unveiled all-suite property isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a modern sanctuary made for those who know that true luxury lies in space, silence, and scenery.
🌏 Where Is It?
Dong’ao Island lies off the coast of southern China in the Wanshan Archipelago, accessible by ferry from Zhuhai.
Less than 60 minutes from the city, but a world away from it all.
The Design: Built to Breathe
Designed by Ju Bin, one of China’s leading interior minds, the architecture pays homage to local Lingnan craftsmanship, natural rock formations, and the movement of the sea.
Think: stone-ringed drop-offs that mimic island geology, wave-shaped canopies above the lobby, and walkways that curl along the native terrain. The transition from mainland to island is immediate—and unforgettable.
Step into the open-air lobby and the sea greets you with cinematic flair. The effect is less “hotel check-in” and more like entering a Zen poem.
🛏️ Suite Dreams
There are 104 suites, all generously sized (starting from 86 square meters), each with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony or garden, and interiors that marry minimalism with warm, regional touches.
Some suites come with their own plunge pool. Two ultra-exclusive penthouses offer 270° sea views—each with its own unique design narrative: one nostalgic and elegant, the other modern and boldly refined.
🍴 Dining with a Sense of Place
- SEASALT delivers fresh seafood in a relaxed, indoor-outdoor setup. The vibe is coastal-casual; the flavors, locally rooted.
- HOITONG is the resort’s farm-to-table gem, focused on seasonal Cantonese dishes prepared in an open kitchen.
- CHUN Bar is your go-to for handcrafted cocktails or afternoon tea, best enjoyed during the resort’s nightly sundown ritual—complete with a singing bowl to signal the shift into evening reverie.
