The sprawling seascapes of popular tourist destination the Skyline Coast are among many natural wonders that have put the Chinese locale of Sanya on the map. Against a backdrop of crashing waves and pristine beaches, the Sumei Skyline Coast Boutique Hotel stakes its claim in the destination to instill a deeper bond between man and nature. Conceived as a poetic extension of the setting by Shenzhen-based studio GS Design, the hotel is heralded by a rhythmic façade featuring curvilinear forms that mirror the tides “rising and falling along the shore,” says GS Design creative director Li Liangchao. “From the interiors, the wave-like windows exist like picture frames, presenting a vivid and layered visual experience.”
The classic sophistication of pure white anchors the hotel’s palette to contrast the sky, sea, and surf. Reminiscent of Mykonos retreats, wooden veneer mixes with white tile and stone to round out the material palette. “We worked hard to provide a cozy holiday-like vibe for the guests to feel the essence of life based on urban residents’ expectations to nature,” he adds. Beyond the arched windows and captivating geometry, Sumei Skyline’s sundrenched interiors are crafted with functionality in mind. Indoor-outdoor amenities from the bar to the infinity pool serve as key social hubs defined by openness, while the sinewy lines of the furniture juxtapose delicate and rough textures to reinforce the art of nature and the innumerable dualities found within it.
With the addition of circular partitions that play with light and shadow, the rooftop terrace features an infinity pool that seemingly merges with the ocean and the sky
In contrast to the archways that invite the outside in, circular skylights reflect the sparkling night sky in the 45 guestrooms, where the austere palette is offset with views of the deep blue water. Standalone tubs installed beside expansive windows encourage moments of rest and reflection. “We took many aspects into consideration, including the blending of light and shadows, geographic patterns, and framed scenery,” Liangchao says. Sunrise and sunset also become theatrical experiences against the minimalist design, cultivating a peaceful atmosphere that transports guests from their busy everyday lives to a welcome solitude.
This philosophical outlook peaks atop the hotel on the wood-lined roof deck. Overlooking the ocean, spaces are delineated into designated zones for lounging, soaking, and even photo ops, “fulfilling the intimate connections among man, space, and nature,” says Liangchao. “We hope guests can poetically respond to life in such a unique space, enjoying the art that goes beyond life.”
The design team removed the door in the transition area to highlight the sinewy lines of the structure, inviting guests to linger in the pure white wonderland
Guestrooms maximize natural light with bathtubs installed beside curving windows to encourage reflection
This article originally appeared in HD’s April 2022 issue.
