Overview
I have long heard about the newly opened Marriott Resort on Dong’ao Island in Zhuhai, and I have always wanted to experience it. Finally, during a short holiday that included a workday, I escaped the hustle and bustle of the city and set foot on this island, which is known as the “Little Saipan of Guangdong.”
Starting from Zhuhai Hengqin Port, the boat ride takes about 40 minutes to reach Dong’ao Island (there are also routes from Xiangzhou Port, which takes around 1 hour). Due to rough sea conditions, the boat docked at the Nansha Bay Dock (small dock), which is more convenient and closer compared to the main Dong’ao Island Dock (large dock). On the way from Zhuhai to Dong’ao Island, I could clearly see the sea changing colors, from yellow to green and then to deep blue. As soon as I disembarked, the fresh sea breeze greeted me, instantly washing away the fatigue of the journey.
Before arriving at the island, I had communicated with the hotel about the flight schedule, and they thoughtfully arranged a shuttle to the dock according to the arrival time. The hotel was just a 10-minute drive from the dock along winding paths.
The hotel is located in an ideal spot, surrounded by mountains and facing the sea, with the most beautiful coastline of Dong’ao Island. The lobby is on the first floor of the hotel, but there is a large sunken area beneath it. Passing through an arched door and stepping into the lobby, I was immediately struck by the stunning view of the sea through a huge floor-to-ceiling window. The design gave me the feeling of being in the midst of the mountains and sea, and with the high ceiling, I felt completely rejuvenated.
The first floor is also the main public area, which includes the lobby, lobby bar, and rest areas. The overall design style is modern and minimalist, with extensive use of materials like wood and stone, blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural environment.
In Room
This time, I stayed in the Dong’ao Diamond Suite, Room 3301, on the third floor of Building 3, with an area of 128 square meters. As soon as I entered, I was overwhelmed by the spacious living room, with large floor-to-ceiling windows that brought the sea view right into the room.
The living room is spacious, with a well-organized layout. The sofa, coffee table, and TV cabinet are neatly arranged, leaving ample space for movement. Of course, the most striking feature of the living room is the huge floor-to-ceiling window, facing the west side of the sea and the Honeymoon Pavilion, with a great view of Buildings 1 and 2. The view is expansive and stunning, and because it faces west, it is also a perfect spot to watch the sunset.
The living room’s décor follows the modern minimalist style, using light colors and wooden furniture, creating a cozy yet simple atmosphere.
The bedroom is separated from the living room by a sliding door, ensuring privacy. The bedroom is also spacious, with an oversized bed, and the bedding is soft and comfortable, providing a great tactile experience. The corner bedroom features two large floor-to-ceiling windows and a large outdoor balcony, where I could enjoy the stunning sea view while lying on the bed and fall asleep to the soothing sound of the waves. It was absolutely blissful.
The bathroom has a wet and dry separation design, equipped with a shower room, bathtub, and dual sinks. The floor and walls are covered in marble, giving the space a high-end feel. The bathtub faces a floor-to-ceiling window, so I could enjoy the sea view while soaking in the bath, making the experience truly relaxing.
It is worth mentioning that in addition to the standard “This Works” toiletries, the hotel also provides a set of small Hermes toiletries with an orange fragrance, which was a very thoughtful touch.
Dining
The resort does not have an executive lounge, and due to the off-season, the all-day restaurant is only open for breakfast, while the rest of the time, guests need to visit the Chinese restaurant for à la carte meals.
Breakfast is served in the all-day restaurant on the -1 level, and the restaurant’s environment is very comfortable. The space is large, and the seating is spacious, so there is no feeling of crowding. Since it was winter and a weekday, it felt like there were only a few guests in the entire hotel—around twenty rooms occupied. This made the dining experience even more intimate, with most of the seating being arranged on the side facing the sea for the best dining environment.
In addition to the indoor area, the restaurant also has an outdoor dining section, but it was closed during the winter season.
Despite the fewer guests, the breakfast variety was not lacking. Dishes like Cantonese rice rolls and congee were great for starting the day with energy.
Facilities
The wellness center is a bit tricky to find. You have to descend from the guest rooms to level -1, enter a small plaza, and then take stairs further down to reach it.
The gym is a unique-shaped space, not too large, but fully equipped with all the necessary machines, and features a floor-to-ceiling window with a view of the sea.
The hotel also offers two outdoor infinity pools, which appear to stretch into the horizon, blending seamlessly with the sea. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas nearby for guests to relax, bask in the sun, and enjoy the sea breeze. However, since the pool is not heated, there were no swimmers during the winter.
My stay at the East Australia Island Marriott Resort experience was best described as “comfortable.” The hotel’s location is unbeatable, the design style is modern and minimalist, the service is thoughtful and attentive, the dining quality is excellent, and the guest rooms are spacious and cozy. It’s an ideal choice for a beach resort. As more hotels like Alila Resort are being developed on Dong’ao Island, I believe the island will attract more visitors in the future.
Conclusion
The landscape on Dong’ao Island is quite impressive, especially around Nansha Bay, where you can find the island’s only natural beach. It takes only a few minutes to walk along the coastline from the hotel to the beach, and along the way, you can enjoy the view of various cliffs and rock formations. It’s definitely a worthwhile experience.
In summary, if you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic getaway, this resort is highly recommended. With its prime location, luxurious amenities, and peaceful atmosphere, the best beachfront hotels in Zhuhai are perfect for unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty of Dong’ao Island.