Visit Hainan - Australia's Leading Hainan Holiday and Tour website.

Everyone needs a break sometimes, which is why we book holidays to tropical islands. Sometimes we just need to sit back in the sun, cocktail in hand, with nothing at all to do except perhaps to get a massage or go to a hot spring!

 

If this sounds like your ideal getaway then look no further than Hainan, China's tropical island secret in the South China Sea. You already know about Hainan's beautiful virgin beaches, with kilometres of white sand and year-round warm water and barely any other tourists in sight. Now you can complete the picture with this guide to relaxation in Hainan.

 

Natural Hot Springs

 

Millions of years ago, the earth's tectonic plates shifted in just the right way that they created the natural island paradise that is Hainan. Today, the people of Hainan have unlocked the secrets of the island's geothermal resources, uncovering a plethora of natural hot springs that are unparalleled throughout Asia.

 

Every 100 square kilometres of Hainan has at least one naturally occurring hot spring, the highest density in all of China. You can find a rich range of hot springs, from pure fresh water to mineral laden pools of sulphur and iron that have been scientifically proven to have beneficial effects on medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, herniated discs, hypertension, coronary heart disease, skin disease and neuritis.

 

A total of 34 naturally occurring hot springs have been discovered so far with temperatures ranging from luke warm to scalding hot. They are mainly concentrated in the southeast and northwestern corners of the island, and have developed into sophisticated tourist attractions.

 

Many of these hot spring complexes offer a range of spa treatments such as aromatherapy, massage, physiotherapy and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as a variety of beauty, body and physical health packages to pamper the body, mind and spirit.

 

Day Spas

 

In the last few years, Hainan has made a name for itself as an international resort destination, showcasing hundreds of top brand name resorts that open out onto secluded beaches or are located in the thriving heart of the island's busy cities. Many of these resorts have world-class spas which are the perfect place to rest tired bones and rejuvenate your spirit.

 

A first-class option is the award-winning spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, which focuses on bringing its guests into a tranquil world of harmony and private luxury. The 3,200 square metre Spa Village includes 18 Treatment rooms housed in eight beautifully appointed villas, all complete with private steam shower and bath tubs. With a secret garden, traditional Chinese medicine licensed doctor and a spa boutique, you'll never want to leave.

 

Another highly recommended option is Le Meridien Shimei bay Beach Resort and Spa, located on the stunning and secluded Meridien Bay just outside of Sanya city. The spa covers 1,130 square metres and offers European and Asian inspired services in a tranquil and natural setting. Treatments include the latest in modern hydrotherapy as well as ancient Chinese-inspired philosophy. The spa also has beauty and hairdressing services.

 

Massage

 

While visiting the spa and wellness centres throughout the island of Hainan, experiencing a massage is an absolute must. Not only is a massage the ideal way to loosen the muscles, rejuvenate the skin and calm your restless mind, but Hainan offers such a wide range of massage styles and techniques it is an experience in itself.

 

Start your morning off with yoga or tai chi and some meditation to get yourself in the mind frame of a calm and relaxed spirit. Many wellness centres and spa facilities on the island offer these classes which are a fantastic way to start any day.

 

The Narada Hot Springs Resort is one such centre where the massage is an experience in itself. The resort is hidden in a beautiful hillside setting overlooking lush, tropical greenery, to have a soak in the outdoor spa-bath filled with water supplied from the natural hot spring. A relaxing aromatherapy massage with tea-infused massage oil will have you drifting into a state of meditation without even trying.

 

You will be able to find any kind of massage, from Swedish massage to hot stone techniques and hydrotherapy treatment. If you are after a more traditional Chinese massage you can expect pushing, stretching and kneading of your muscles and pressing of acupressure points. The masseur adjusts the yin and yang forces and the flow of qui (energy) in the body, perfect for relaxation or recovery from injury and pain. Friction and vibration are used in combination with techniques from Chinese medicine to work to joints and pressure points to relieve unwanted tension.

 

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