Kimpton Aqeos Hainan is nestled in Clear Water Bay, Lingshui County, Hainan. As the first Kimpton-branded resort in Greater China, it boasts pristine beaches, coconut groves, and breathtaking ocean views. Compared to neighboring Haitang Bay – a mature tourist destination with high-end hotels and commercial facilities – Clear Water Bay stands out for its untouched natural environment. The area features well-preserved tropical rainforest ecosystems, diverse marine habitats, and rare native coastal landscapes, making it Hainan’s most naturally enchanting luxury resort.
The hotel was once a long-abandoned unfinished structure, initially planned as a flagship property for an international five-star brand. Spanning over 83,000 square meters with 500 guest rooms, its colossal scale once heralded ambitions to become a new landmark. When our team took over, we undertook a holistic design approach encompassing architecture, interiors, FF&E, and art curation, transforming it into a resort paradise distinguished by its avant-garde aesthetics and compelling social magnetism.
The project is conceived within a dual-brand spatial framework. Kimpton’s concept draws inspiration from a fictional muse: a global traveler, art collector, and dedicated environmentalist. Employing a simple design language and contemporary living philosophy, the space cultivates an atmosphere of private discovery, unhurried wandering, and indulgent relaxation.
Defying conventional hotel programming, the lobby is redefined as an “Art Atrium,” “Living Room,” and “Leisure Balcony.” The reception zone, centered around a fireplace and encircled by organic curved furniture, creates a welcoming and open social environment. Seven infinity water features, numerous art pieces, and scattered tropical greenery invite guests to slow their pace and immerse themselves in the present moment.
The all-day dining restaurant, Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant, and two bars each manifest unique aesthetic realms tailored to their culinary themes, resonating deeply with the Kimpton brand DNA. The Games Chamber, integrating chess, billiards, and a screening room, offers tranquil yet socially engaging leisure spaces. An e-sports center specifically addresses the lifestyle preferences of Generation Z. Guestroom furnishings extend the muse’s collecting sensibilities, featuring personalized bespoke pieces imbued with narrative depth. Even easily overlooked “grey” spaces are meticulously designed, ensuring that guests continually encounter unexpected moments of delight while wandering, pausing, and observing.
To overcome constraints like low ceilings, limited natural light, and obstructed views, we introduced a triangular grid structure in the atrium, enhancing axial rhythm while preserving open areas for layered exploration. Skylights were added to the lobby canopy and atrium to maximize natural light and ventilation, transforming the atrium into a non-temperature-controlled zone. This reduced reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems, lowering energy consumption while enhancing spatial experience and environmental sustainability.
At Kimpton Aqeos Hainan, luxury transcends traditional material opulence and stylistic labels. It manifests as an inward journey exploring culture, physical well-being, and the soul, forging a compelling new narrative of “contemporary luxury.”