Tufu Bay
Grand contemporary resort meets neo-Chinese elegance. Low-rise pavilions, water features everywhere, earth-tone palettes, and a design sensibility that is confident rather than showy. Quieter and far less crowded than the Haitang Bay strip to the north.
Ask about hotpot service at Silk Road — it's not always on the posted menu but reviewers rave about it
Why It Matters
A rare collaboration between architects Jean-Michel Gathy and Bill Bensley — both industry legends — producing one of China's most architecturally distinguished resorts. The only Capella property on Hainan Island, with 220 acres serving just 190 rooms and villas. The spa's Hammam-and-Snow-Cabin combo is genuinely unusual for a tropical resort.
Capella Tufu Bay is a full-scale design statement on the quieter southern coast of Hainan Island. It's a collaboration between Jean-Michel Gathy and Bill Bensley — two of the most sought-after architects in luxury hospitality — and it shows. The circular lobby with its ornamental water feature is monumental. Rooms and villas are big, warm, and plush, drawing on Chinese craftsmanship and Silk Road imagery without tipping into kitsch. The 220-acre grounds hold just 190 keys, meaning there's actual space to breathe.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Chairman's Penthouse
The flagship accommodation at Capella Tufu Bay. A two-bedroom penthouse with its own private elevator, an oversized balcony overlooking Tufu Bay, and fully bespoke décor touches. Round-trip airport transfers and substantial resort credit included.
Four Bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villa
A private retreat with its own driveway and direct access to a white-sand beach. Includes a tranquil garden with sundeck and gazebo. The most expansive villa category — essentially a standalone compound within the resort.
Garden Front Room
Located in the manor buildings with views across the floral gardens. Earth-tone palette, Chinese craftsmanship details, private terrace or balcony, hot tub, and state-of-the-art technology. Entry-level category but still generously sized by any standard.
Garden Studio Suite
Set in the mansion buildings with garden views. Separate living and sleeping areas — the lush tropical garden outlook makes this a serene choice even without sea views.
Grand Ocean Suite
Separate living and sleeping areas with far-reaching ocean views, including a sea-facing bathtub. Expansive balcony with sun beds. The suite format adds considerably more space and privacy versus the rooms.
Ocean Front Room
Manor-located room with direct ocean views and a spacious balcony fitted with a sun bed. Same clean, modern lines meeting ornate Chinese craftsmanship as the garden rooms, but with that sea panorama.
One Bedroom Grand Pool Villa
Located within the resort's low-rise mansion buildings for immersive garden-set luxury. Features a separate living room, private bedroom, outdoor terrace, and a private plunge pool. Calm modern décor with Chinese craftsmanship accents and an oversized bathtub.
Premium Ocean Front Room
Step up from the standard ocean room — upgraded position within the manor buildings with enhanced ocean views. Private terrace or balcony included.
The Estate
The only estate of its kind in Hainan. Manicured private grounds with an oversized swimming pool and a gazebo. Designed for exclusive events, intimate weddings, and maximum privacy — a resort within the resort.
Three Bedroom Oceanfront Villa
A larger beachfront villa configuration with direct ocean access. Private pool, furnished terraces, and generous living spaces — suited to families or groups wanting a private compound feel.
Two Bedroom Pool Villa
Large villa with views across floral gardens and out to sea, with spacious separate living areas, private pool, and terrace dining setup. Fits families or two couples traveling together.
The Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Yoga classes held directly on the beach. Complimentary for guests.
24-hour fitness centre with Technogym equipment and scheduled group fitness classes including yoga.
Guided fishing expedition with local fishermen — organized through the Capella Culturist team as part of the 'Capella Curates' cultural experience programme.
Guided visit to villages of the Li tribe, the indigenous people of Hainan, organized through the Capella Culturist team.
An educational hands-on cold brew tea session — popular with families and regularly praised in guest reviews. Run through the Living Room cultural programming.
A hotel signature event held daily from 6–7pm at the Living Room & The Bar. Cocktails, canapés, and the best sunset views on the property.
Off-road guided cycling tour around the Tufu Bay area, led by the Capella Culturist team.
Dedicated children's programming called Little Stars, including an Adventure Zone and Water Zone for younger guests.
Sailing experiences available — guests can take the helm under instructor guidance.
Water skiing available through the resort's beach activities programme.
Two outdoor courts available. Complimentary 2-hour court access is included with select villa packages (reservation required 24 hours in advance).
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Full Technogym-equipped gym, open 24 hours. Praised by guests for equipment quality.
Three outdoor pools (including a seafront infinity pool at the beach club), one indoor pool, and a dedicated children's pool. Poolside bar and air-conditioned private cabanas with TVs and personal shower facilities.
Premium poolside cabanas with air conditioning, TV, private restroom, shower facilities, and a complimentary sun care station.
All rooms include a private plunge pool per Expedia listing.
Every guest has access to a dedicated Capella Culturist — a personal concierge trained in local culture, curated experiences, and guest intuition. Villa guests receive 24/7 butler service.
Qingshuiwan Golf Club is located nearby (within 15-minute drive) — the resort can arrange access.
The property participates in the EarthCheck sustainability certification programme.
A free shuttle runs between the resort and Tufu Bay beach — the beach is not a direct walk from all room types.
Airport transfer service between Sanya Phoenix International Airport and the resort. Included complimentarily for villa and penthouse guests; bookable separately for all others. Must reserve at least 24 hours in advance.
BUILD YOUR CAPELLA TUFU BAY PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning