Escape to Paradise: Unbeatable Haikou Luxury at InterContinental Seaview
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the shimmering, sometimes-slightly-salty, world of the InterContinental Seaview in Haikou. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a love letter (with a few grumbles sprinkled in, because, you know, real life). And I'm gonna give it to you straight – the good, the slightly-less-good, and the "OMG, I can't believe that happened" moments. This is your all-access pass, so get ready to Escape to Paradise – or, at least, figure out if it's your kind of paradise.
First Impressions: Arrival and Accessibility – Let's Get This Started (and Stay Safe!)
Okay, so picture this: You land in Haikou, that humid, tropical air hits you like a warm hug (or maybe a slightly smothering one, depending on your tolerance). You've booked the InterContinental, because, you know, luxury. And the first thing that hits you? The sheer scale of the place. It’s imposing, modern, and gleams in the sunlight. I'm obsessed with modern hotels, and the design here made me immediately feel like I was in a Bond film.
Accessibility - Let's Get Real: Now, let's be honest. The accessibility, while mentioned in the hotel's spiel, wasn't PERFECT. I, of course, did not personally experience the need for full wheelchair accessibility, but I was observing, ok? Here's the deal: Elevators galore, which is a huge plus. Ramps everywhere. You're good on that front. BUT, and this is a big but: some of the walkways seemed a little…long. I could see a person in a wheelchair feeling it. Also, the "facilities for disabled guests" needs a little more oomph in the description. It probably is great, but it just needs a little more depth!
Covid-19 Concerns? Don't Worry, Be Happy (and Sanitized): Okay, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way. (Remember, this is real life!) They’re taking safety seriously, really taking it seriously. Hand sanitizers everywhere (thank goodness!). Staff is masked. They take daily disinfection in common areas. Individual wrapped food options – a game changer for peace of mind. Sanitized kitchen and tableware? Check. They’re even allowing room sanitization opt-out (smart!). So, you're probably safe, even if you don't give a toss about it! The only thing I would question is the use of "Anti-viral cleaning products" - it just sounds like hyperbole.
The Sanctum of the Room: My Personal Oasis (and Minor Quibbles):
Okay, so I'd booked a room, and I was buzzing with excitement. And lemme tell you, the room was NICE. Stunningly so. The best way to summarise this would be to say 'it was stunning'. I had air conditioning (thank goodness, my god), an alarm clock (probably didn't need it, but, hey!), bathrobes (yes!), and blackout curtains (essential for lazy mornings). I could see the sea from the window. The bed? HUGE. And comfy. Like, seriously comfy. I threw myself on it immediately, doing that thing where your arms and legs are splayed. The TV was a decent size and had loads of channels, including the all-important satellite channels!
The only thing missing from my room? A little more personality, maybe? The room decorations were clean and modern, but a little…generic. I want some quirk! Some personality! A tiny bit of chaos! But, hey, that’s just me.
Let's Get Physical: Fun, Fitness, and the Pool with a View (and a Few Swims!)
Okay, this is where this hotel truly shines. The pool! Oh, that gorgeous, shimmering pool with the view. It's just so inviting. I spent a significant amount of time there. The outdoor pool is just what you expect. Swim, sunbathe, sip cocktails (more on that later). Easy. I love it. Simple as.
They've also got a fitness center, a gym, and a sauna. I can’t really give you a first-hand account of the fitness center because…well… the closest I got to the gym was walking past it, looking tired. But from what I could tell, it was well-equipped and clean, and, probably, full of people in better shape than me.
The Spa: Body Scrubs, Wraps, and the Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing:
Okay, the Spa. I mean, need I say more? Bliss. I got an amazing massage. The masseuse was magic. I drifted away, completely relaxed, and spent a few hours in a happy, post-massage daze. I recommend it. Highly. They also offer body scrubs and body wraps. Take the time. It's worth it.
Food, Glorious Food (and my Love-Hate Relationship with Breakfast) :
Now, the food. Haikou is a culinary explosion! This hotel? Well, it offers a pretty solid range. They’ve got restaurants with Asian and international cuisine. I didn't try the vegetarian restaurant. The buffet breakfast? A mixed bag, in my opinion! Loads of choices, and the Asian breakfast options are really interesting. But it was also a bit…chaotic. I'm a buffet person, though, so I probably got what I deserved. The staff were attentive, and I was in China - after the first few days I was completely happy with everything.
Here's what they have in store for you:
- The Good: A la carte, Bars, desserts, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service (24-hour), Salad, Snack bar, Soup.
- The Could-Be-Better: The coffee shop seemed a bit…understaffed sometimes.
Drink Up, Buttercup: Bars, Happy Hour, and the Art of the Cocktail:
The bars are fantastic. Happy hour is a must. The poolside bar is perfection. Cocktails are expertly crafted (and strong!). Sipping a mojito while watching the sun dip towards the sea? Pure bliss.
Essential Services and Conveniences: What You Need to Know:
The basics:
- Air conditioning in public areas: YES!
- Currency exchange: Check.
- Daily housekeeping: Spot on!
- Elevator: Yes!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Needs more information/details
- Laundry service: available
- Luggage storage: No problem.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: If you need them.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
Wi-Fi and Internet: Stay Connected, or Don't! (Your Choice!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yay! And it's actually fast. I'd been burned by hotel Wi-Fi before, so this was a pleasant discovery. I also loved the option of LAN access if I'd needed it.
Things To Do: Beyond the Pool (and the Beach, If You're Feeling Ambitious)
Okay, so, you're in Haikou. Beyond the hotel, there's plenty to keep you busy. The hotel also offers Airport transfer, Taxi service, and Valet parking. Check-in/out is available as contactless – which is amazing, but can be done at your own pace, which I prefer.
For the Kids: Bringing the Little Ones?
Family-friendly, they have babysitting and kids' facilities.
Cleanliness and Safety: They're Trying (and Doing a Pretty Good Job)
The hotel seems to be doing its best. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and they're doing their best to clean and sanitize.
Final Verdict: Is This Paradise?
Okay, so here's the deal: The InterContinental Seaview in Haikou is a fantastic hotel. It's got the stuff – the stunning pool, the comfy rooms, the spa that'll melt your stress away. It's got the views, the service, and the convenience. It’s not perfect, but, let's be honest, is anything? The accessibility could be better, the breakfast could be a little more organized. But, overall? Yes. It's worth it.
The Sales Pitch: Your Escape to Paradise Awaits!
Tired of the ordinary? Yearning for a getaway that's both luxurious and unforgettable? Look no further than the InterContinental Seaview, Haikou!
Here’s Your Offer:
- Unbeatable Location: Wake up to breathtaking ocean views and step right into a world of relaxation.
- Indulge in Pure Bliss: Unwind with a revitalizing massage at our luxurious spa, then take a dip in our stunning pool.
- Culinary Delights: From Asian cuisine to international favorites, your taste buds will thank you.
- Unbeatable Comfort: Relax in your spacious, beautifully appointed room with free Wi-Fi and all the modern amenities you could need.
- **Safety First
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because my "perfect" trip to the InterContinental Haikou Seaview? Yeah, it's gonna be a glorious, messy, slightly-alcoholic adventure we call a travel itinerary. Forget the pristine bullet points. This is real life, folks. Prepare for the chaos!
InterContinental Haikou Seaview: My Love-Hate Letter in Itinerary Form (with apologies to my potential future therapist)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread on the Balcony (Because, Jet Lag)
- Morning (Like, 3 AM): Land at Haikou Meilan International Airport. Okay, so the flight was fine. Except the screaming toddler two rows back. Bless that kid. I’m already regretting my life choices.
- Transport: Pre-booked a private transfer because, let's face it, haggling with a taxi driver at 3 AM is not how I want to start my vacation. Smooth ride. Driver didn't speak much English, which was fine because I was half asleep.
- Afternoon (ish): Check-in at the InterContinental which is gorgeous, no joke. Lobby smells like money and… jasmine? Heaven. They upgraded my room! Score! (Mostly because I probably looked like a rumpled mess.)
- The Balcony Moment: My initial reaction? Wowsers. Ocean view. Epic. Then I just… sat. On the balcony. And stared. Jet lag is a monster. Realized I had no food. And that maybe, maybe, I should have packed some snacks. Or a Xanax. The vastness of the ocean, the endless potential… and the gnawing emptiness in my stomach. Deep thoughts, folks. Deep. Ended up ordering room service. The fried rice was divine, but the sheer cost of it made me question every financial decision I've ever made.
Day 2: Beach Bliss and the Great Coconut Cracking Debacle
- Morning: Beach time! Yes! The sand is beautiful. The water is surprisingly warm. I almost forgot about the existential dread. Almost. Sunscreen application was, let's be honest, patchy. Already starting to resemble a lobster.
- Activity: I tried to be cultured & a bit of a local. I watched the local guys crack coconuts. I asked if I could try. I was confident, I'm strong! Yeah, turns out I am a complete coconut-cracking failure. My coconut looked like it had been through a war. Humiliating. Gave up.
- Lunch: Wandered over to the beach restaurant the hotel had. Seafood! So fresh! So delicious! Except I got a bit of a stomach cramp. Not a full-blown disaster but a slight… flutter of anxiety. Did I eat something bad? Was this the beginning of the end?
- Afternoon: Poolside. Reading. Trying to relax. Then the pool's music made me want to dance, very badly. I went to the bar. Ended up talking to an elderly couple from England about the history of tea for an hour. They were lovely. But then, I had to make a choice: nap or cocktails? Cocktails won. Regrets? Zero.
Day 3: Temples, Tears, and a Very Spicy Meal
- Morning: Decided to be a "cultural explorer". Visited the Wugong Temple (Hainan Provincial Museum). The architecture was stunning, the history fascinating. I wandered around the temple and tried to channel Buddha. Didn't work. Probably had to much salt.
- Afternoon: A very, very spicy meal. Oh my god. They warned me. They warned me. I insisted. My mouth was on fire. Tears streamed down my face. Not from the beauty of the temple, mind you, but from the chili. I have the constitution of a baby when it comes to spicy food.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel's Chinese restaurant. It's supposed to be fancy. The food was… ok. A bit bland after the chili. The waiter looked at me like I was completely insane. Probably because I requested milk to "put out the fire" after the ridiculously spicy lunch, so I wasn't at my best.
- The Inner Conflict: Should I have gone for the Italian food? The steak sounded good. Ugh. Am I a terrible traveler? Yes. Am I going to have tiramisu for dessert? Absolutely. The tiramisu was amazing.
Day 4: Karaoke Catastrophe (And a Glimmer of Hope)
- Morning: Slept in. Hurray! The best part of any vacation, in my humble opinion.
- Afternoon: Karaoke at the hotel’s bar. Oh boy. This was a bad idea. I thought I could sing. I thought I was the star. Nope. Turns out, I’m tone deaf. I massacred "Bohemian Rhapsody." The locals stared. The bartender averted his eyes. I had a grand & epic time anyway.
- Evening: The sunset. That gorgeous, fiery, soul-stirring, perfect sunset. I sat on the balcony, (again), with a glass of wine, and this time, the existential dread was… manageable. Maybe. The sea. The sky. It was unbelievably beautiful. Made me think maybe, just maybe, I could face another day.
- Reflection: I started to look back at the trip and found that I was actually enjoying the experience. I had a good time.
Day 5: Farewell and a Promise (Probably Broken)
- Morning: Last swim. Last breakfast buffet. Goodbye, buffet. I will miss you.
- Transport: Checked out. Taxi to the airport. Smooth ride. Waved goodbye to the InterContinental.
- Departure: On the plane. Sigh. Already starting to plan my return. Next time, more sunscreen! And definitely, DEFINITELY less chili.
- Reflection: I wanted to be the perfect traveler. I wanted to experience everything and come away filled with wisdom. Instead, I stumbled, sweated, and made an idiot of myself. But, you know what? It was the experience. It was real. And that's what counts.
- Final word: I am a disaster. But this trip? It was MY disaster.
Okay, Seriously, Is This InterContinental *That* Good? I'm Sceptical...
Alright, deep breaths. Scepticism is healthy. I went in expecting... well, *something*. Luxury hotels often feel like fancy prisons, right? All chrome and no soul. But this InterContinental in Haikou? It actually surprised me. You know that feeling when you walk into a place and *immediately* sigh with relief? That's what happened. It’s not perfect (spoiler alert!), but it absolutely delivers on the "escape to paradise" promise. More of a slightly messy, but still amazing, paradise.
The Pool - Is it Instagrammable, Or Just Another Hotel Pool? (And Is it Crowded?)
Okay, the pool. This is crucial. Yes, Instagrammable. Absolutely. The infinity edge looking out over the South China Sea is a dream. But... here's the thing. It's popular. *Really* popular. I arrived around lunchtime one day, and it was a bit of a scramble for a sun lounger. Think Hunger Games, but with more floral shirts and less actual fighting. Getting a prime spot requires some strategic timing. Go early (like, before 10 AM) or later in the afternoon. Or embrace the glorious chaos and just… swim! I eventually found a decent spot, but I did have to fend off a particularly sun-loving pigeon. (The birds are plentiful, let me tell you.) It’s worth the effort though. The water's pristine, the cocktails are delicious, and the view? Chef's kiss.
The Food. Give Me The Truth! (I’m a Food Snob, Sorry.)
Alright, fellow food snob. I get it. Hotel food can be a crapshoot. The InterContinental... it's pretty damn good. Breakfast is a *spectacle*. Mountains of fresh fruit, dim sum that actually tastes like dim sum (not those weird, sad, rubbery things you get sometimes), and a made-to-order noodle station that I frequented a LITTLE too much. The buffet at the all-day dining restaurant, "Seaview Bistro," is genuinely impressive. Lunch and dinner, the quality is generally very high. I had a particularly amazing seafood dinner one night – fresh, perfectly cooked, and the presentation was stunning. The other restaurants on-site are also tempting, and I think they do a better job than most hotel offerings. However, I will say this: while there are several options the menus start looking very similar. You feel like you're getting better food at a similar price but you could get away with a single visit to one restaurant, then exploring Haikou for more variety.
Okay, Let's Talk Service. Are the Staff Actually Nice? (Or Just Pretending?)
This is where the InterContinental really shines. The staff? Exceptional. Truly, genuinely nice. They're not just going through the motions; they seem genuinely happy to help. I had a minor issue with my AC (it wasn't cooling quite as much as it should have). I reported it, and within *minutes* someone was there to fix it. (And they were incredibly polite and apologetic about the inconvenience.) From the concierge who remembered my name (creepy, but in a good way!) to the pool attendants who were always attentive without being intrusive, the service was impeccable. I also appreciated the general level of English proficiency. It's an international hotel so you expect it, but it felt like every staff member was able to communicate easily and quickly.
The Rooms - Are They Actually Luxurious? Or Just… Clean?
Luxurious? Oh yes. The rooms are spacious, beautifully designed, and packed with all the amenities you could possibly need. The bed? Cloud-like. Seriously, I could have slept for a week straight. The bathroom was huge, with a soaking tub that was practically begging me to relax in it (which I happily obliged!). There are also some nice touches, like a balcony with a sea view (essential!), a Nespresso machine (critical for fuelling my caffeine addiction), and plenty of power outlets (a modern necessity). Clean? Beyond clean. Spotless. Like, I suspect they use some kind of magic dust and that's how they keep everything so immaculate. They do great but I can only imagine the amount per cleaning lady that's done to ensure such cleaniness.
Anything *Bad* About the Hotel? Gotta Be Something!
Okay, honesty time. No place is perfect. Here's a couple of minor gripes:
- The "beach" is more of a strip of sand than a proper beach. Swimming in the sea isn't really an option here. The water's not the cleanest, and I wouldn't recommend it. That's not the hotel's fault, exactly, it is the ocean.
- If you're looking for a wild nightlife, this isn't it. It's a relaxed, chill vibe. Think cocktails by the pool, not partying until dawn.
Is Haikou Boring? Or is There Stuff to Do?
This is a good question. Haikou isn't *overtly* touristy, like some other major cities in China. You're not going to get a whole lot of "touristy traps," which is pretty great. I enjoyed that. There's a nice balance between relaxation and exploration. Inside the hotel, there's more than enough to do. But if you want to get out and explore, you have options. You can explore the old town with its colonial architecture is a great little afternoon outing, and a stroll along the waterfront is always pleasant. There are also cultural spots, like the Five Officials Temple, and some interesting markets. It's not the most "action-packed" city but its great for a relaxing adventure. I found it a great place to recharge. Plus, the city is easy to navigate using Didi (China's Uber) so that you can get around quickly and cheaply. If you're the kind of person who gets bored easily, you might get restless after a few days. But if you like a more relaxed pace, you'll enjoy it. I'd recommend planning a mixture of hotel time with the pool and enjoying Haikou. It's a good mix.
The Spa... Is It Worth It? (Because I'm a Massage Addict.)
