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Capella Tufu Bay, Hainan
Lingshui, China · Capella · Grand Luxury
Capella Tufu Bay, designed as a collaboration between architects Jean-Michel Gathy and Bill Bensley, opened in 2018 on Hainan's southeastern coast at a bay named 'Blessed Bay' in memory of Persian traders who survived a typhoon here some 600 years ago. All 190 rooms, suites, and villas face the South China Sea; a private plunge pool comes with every accommodation.
- 190 rooms
- Opened 2018
- Neighborhood: Hainan
- Rooms from 947 sq ft (88 m²)
- Architect: Jean-Michel Gathy
- Interiors: Bill Bensley
About Capella Tufu Bay, Hainan
- The Tufu Bay legend dates to roughly 600 years ago, when Persian merchants surviving a typhoon washed ashore at this bay, rallied, and eventually made their fortune — naming it 'Blessed Bay' (Tufu in Chinese) before returning home.
- The resort was designed as a genuine dual-authorship project: Jean-Michel Gathy handled the monumental public spaces (including the circular lobby with its ornamental pool), while Bill Bensley conceived the rooms and villas — an unusually visible split credit rare in luxury hospitality.
- Capella Tufu Bay earned one MICHELIN Key in the inaugural Michelin Keys hotel guide, with the circular lobby described as 'monumental' and the Auriga Spa — which includes a hammam and a snow cabin — cited as a standout.
- Entry-level rooms start at 947 sq ft (88 m²).
History
Capella's first beachfront coastal resort, inspired by the legends of 'Blessed Bay' (Tufu Bay) and Hainan's role on the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Opened in 2018 as the brand's largest property by room count, with every room, suite, and villa facing the South China Sea.
The setting
Capella Tufu Bay, Hainan occupies the Tufu Bay resort zone of Yingzhou Town in Lingshui Li Autonomous County — a county shaped by centuries of Li ethnic culture on Hainan's southeastern coast, and a bay known locally as the Sister Bay of Yalong Bay for its equally clear turquoise water. The beach is a fifteen-minute walk, a wide crescent of fine white sand largely free of the development that crowds Sanya's main bays. The Haisan Expressway gives direct access to Haitang Bay and Sanya's duty-free complex, combining genuine coastal seclusion with swift connectivity for luxury travellers.
Restaurants and bars
- The Dempsey — Restaurant
- Sabai Sabai — Poolside · Thai
Experiences
- Kids' club and adventure playground — The outdoor entertainment team runs the kids' club, adventure playground and scenic water park with games, educational activities and creative crafts.
- Auriga spa snow house experience — A snow house at the Auriga spa offers a cool winter experience in the year-round warm climate.
- Private beachfront and golden sands — Calm azure sea meets golden sands at the beachfront resort in Tufu Bay.
- Water sports — Guests can enjoy a range of water sports at the fitness centre area.
- Daily entertainment activities for adults and children — Complimentary daily entertainment activities for adults and children.
- Lan Ting — Cantonese restaurant in traditional Chinese tea-house style with a red brick roof.
Amenities
- Auriga Wellness Spa
- Three outdoor pools
- Private plunge pool in every accommodation
- Beach sports program
- Adjacent championship golf course
- Kids club
- Butler service
Awards
- MICHELIN One Key (2026)
Open Capella Tufu Bay, Hainan in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
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