IHG Hotels and Resorts has partnered with China Duty Free Group to bring its luxury Regent brand to Hainan.
A dual-branded development featuring the Regent and Hotel Indigo brands is expected to open in 2026 along the Haitang Bay coastline, close to the Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex.
The development has been designed by architect Ole Scheeren and resembles a “vertical oasis” that integrates the hotel buildings with commercial premises, and offers unobstructed sea views and hanging gardens. The main building features floating boxes with rippled curtain walls, with a façade that hugs the coastline.
Regent Sanya Haitang Bay will feature 317 rooms under five categories, including ten private villas, while Hotel Indigo Sanya Haitang Bay will comprise 175 rooms with four room types.
The development will also be close to the existing Intercontinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort, and IHG says that the development “resonates with China’s national strategy to build Hainan into an international hub for tourism and shopping, and augment its role as a free trade port”.
Daniel Aylmer, Managing Director, IHG Greater China said:
“The Hainan Free Trade Port enjoys unique geographical advantages that make it a key platform for promoting China’s ‘dual circulation’ strategy and taking Reform and Opening Up to new heights. IHG sees bright prospects in Hainan and hopes to harness consumption trends in the region. By joining forces with a strong partner like China Duty Free Group, we hope to tap both international and domestic consumption, capitalise on regional strengths, and further grow our geographical footprint. The addition of the Regent and Hotel Indigo properties will create a more immersive stay experience for a new generation of travellers.”
Commenting on the partnership with IHG, Peng Hui, Chairman of China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation Limited, said:
“IHG is one of the world’s leading hotel companies. It has deep insights into the Chinese market, where it has consistently delivered strong growth. This will be a win-win partnership that leverages strengths from both sides, including IHG’s outstanding operating expertise and powerful system to form a complementary business ally. As an integral part of a luxury tourism and duty-free shopping complex, the two hotels promise to meet the increasing lifestyle needs of today’s guests.”
The hotel group acquired a majority stake in the Regent Hotels and Resorts brand in 2018, and opened its first property in Pudong, Shanghai in 2020. Meanwhile, Hotel Indigo has accelerated its expansion in China this year, responding to the growth in domestic tourism in China and demand for personalised experiences, and opened new properties in locations including Nanjing, Suzhou, Diqing and Jiuzhaigou.
IHG currently operates 12 hotels in Hainan, with another 17 under development.
