Shangri-La Sanya has been recognized by the International Sustainability Awards in 2026 for Responsible Hospitality Through Mangrove Conservation, Plastic Reduction Initiatives, and Long-Term Community Engagement in China. The recognition reflects an approach that brings together environmental action, responsible operating practices, and sustained engagement with local communities.

Set along the South China Sea at Haitang Bay in Sanya, Hainan, Shangri-La Sanya is a seaside resort designed around family stays and a broad range of leisure experiences. The resort features 492 guestrooms with garden or ocean views, alongside dining that ranges from Hainan Local cuisine to Southeast Asian specialties. Family-focused facilities and activities include an outdoor waterpark, Adventure Zone, outdoor swimming pools, Funventure Zone, and helicopter tours.

Environmental responsibility has developed into a long-term focus for the resort. Since 2016, Shangri-La Sanya has supported conservation at Tielugang Mangrove Nature Reserve. In 2026, the resort planted 60 new mangroves, bringing the total planted through the initiative to more than 5,700. This continuing work supports biodiversity conservation while establishing a measurable record of environmental action.

Plastic reduction forms another part of this approach. In October 2022, Shangri-La Sanya introduced an initiative to stop providing single-use plastic water bottles at banquets and meetings. From June 2023, the resort adopted the local government’s plastic-free policy, under which combs and cotton slippers are no longer provided in guestrooms. The resort plans to continue its mangrove conservation and plastic reduction initiatives as part of its ongoing sustainability work.

The resort’s approach also extends beyond environmental measures to community engagement. Shangri-La Sanya regularly organizes beach clean-up activities to help protect the coastal environment and provides long-term care and support for children at Sanya Bright Connection Centre for Children with Brain Disabilities. It has also donated books to Changtian Primary School in Haitang District and supports Bingcun Village School through projects focused on education, care, health and safety, nutrition, and facilities improvement.

“This recognition reflects the importance we place on responsible hospitality as a long-term practice. From mangrove conservation and plastic reduction to our engagement with local communities, we will continue to pursue initiatives that support the environment and the people around us while remaining focused on the guest experience,” said Teik Kong Chong, General Manager of Shangri-La Sanya.

The International Sustainability Awards, a specialized program of Luxury Lifestyle Awards, recognizes organizations whose practices demonstrate meaningful approaches to sustainability. The program provides an international platform for highlighting responsible initiatives and their contribution to more sustainable standards across industries.

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