Hainan Island 2014 - Pearl Factory, Sanya - April 2014

We visited the Pearl Factory and the Silk Factory as part of our Sanya Tour.  I was not able to take any photos of the silk factory.

The Peal Factory was worth a visit just to gaze at the beautiful jewellery they have there.  The boys were not too impressed, fearing we may want to buy something expensive - however the pearls were beautiful to look at.  We were able to purchase some reasonably priced gifts with a tour discount and put the other goodies on our wish list.

The silk factory had some beautiful bed covers, sheets, shirts etc.but being real silk they were expensive.

Hainan Island, China - Last Evening in Sanya - April 2014

We had our final night at the MGM Grand Hotel, Sanya after golf at Clear Water Bay.  We celebrated a good holiday with dinner at the Russian Restaurant located in the Yalong Bay Business Centre.

The Restaurant had reasonably priced meals and allowed us to bring our own alcohol with no corkage fee. We had a presentation to our guide Willa who has looked after us for the duration of our travels on Hainan Island and did a wonderful job.  Not only did Willa look after all of the golf bookings, transport, restaurant bookings, accommodation, but also took us out shopping and to tourist attractions.

On Thursday 17th April we had a rest morning before leaving for the Sanya Airport for an hour flight to Guangzhou on the mainland of China where we transferred to our plane for an overnight flight to Sydney.

We arrived in Sydney at 8.30am after a very good flight about half an hour late.  We had no hassles coming through the airport with our golf gear and arrived home about 11 o'clock.

Hot Spas in Sanya, Hainan Island, China - October 2011

During our visit to Sanya, Hainan Island, China we spent the afternoon after playing golf relaxing at the Hot Spa Pools which was quite a treat.

It was raining on and off which did not worry us as it was wet anyway in the water.  The hot Springs were a fascinating place made up of a multitude of choices of hot pools of varying temperatures and condiments IE coffee, coconut milk etc.  One of the pools had little fish that would nibble at the dry skin on your feet and legs (not a good thing if you are ticklish) see photo attached.

On paying 200 Yuan to enter the pools you are given a security locker and a dressing room, showers and towels before venturing out to the choice of pools to relax in.  There were meandering paths between the various pools, restaurants and a large cooling off pool as well as some fun pools with water slides and water dumps etc.   The gardens were lovely and I was very taken by the large teapot that was a water feature in one of the gardens.  I have put that on my wish list for the golf gardens.

It was a lovely after golf treat and a "must do"  if visiting Sanya.

Sun Valley Golf Resort, Sanya, Hainan Island, China - October 2011

Sun Valley Golf Resort Course was a good experience especially playing the Par 6 hole that seemed to take forever to reach the end.  We played nine holes of the B Course and nine holes of the A Course and we were lucky not to get too much in the way of showers.  It was very warm so we were able to keep dry.

The boys played ahead of the girls and really enjoyed the challenge of the day. The girl's highlight was Lynn getting one point on the Par 6 hole.  The fairways were beautiful and very wide but the rough was very rough as you can see by the attached photo & we heeded the snake warning signs. The caddies could not speak good English but were very good with their golf advice and made themselves understood.  The greens were slow so pace was the important issue.  Considering the amount of rain the area had suffered in the last week or two the course was in remarkable condition.

The Pro Shop had some lovely gear but it was very expensive.  I bought a pair of golf gloves there and they were one of my better buys quality wise.  The golf shirts were about $200 AUD without any club embroidery which was very expensive compared to other places even though the quality was very good.

The Club House was lovely.  The locker room facilities were ample with security lockers for our gear. The foyer and restaurants were very nice and we enjoyed a light lunch and drinks after the game.

This course is a "Must Play" if you are ever in this area.