First look: Goettsch Partners reveals 'lighthouse' tower scheme for China resort

Architecture firm Goettsch Partners has unveiled its design for a new resort and meeting destination on China’s Hainan Island in Haitang Bay. 

Developed by Poly Real Estate Group, the complex, called Rosewood Sanya and International Finance Forum, features a 729-key resort hotel and serviced apartment tower, a 28,000-sm International Finance Forum convention center, a series of connecting retail buildings, and a modest visitors center. 

Located at the southern end of the island in the city of Sanya, the complex focuses on two primary design elements: a lighthouse tower for the hotel and serviced apartments, and a rock form for the convention center. 

To be operated by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the 45-story, 123,500-sm hotel and serviced apartment tower is distinctive as a resort property, standing as a clear landmark on the waterfront. The International Finance Forum is designed as a premier convention facility, catering to national and international economic and political summits, as well as a variety of other meetings and special events.

Rising from a conceptual outcropping of rock, the 233-meter-tall “lighthouse” hotel and serviced apartment tower will be an iconic symbol of Haitang Bay, with its glowing beacon visible as visitors approach from any direction. 

Designed to be a unique resort in the sky, the building is organized vertically, with the arrival sequence, landscape, and incorporation of water and views all considered integral to the guest experience. 

The resort is purposely designed to be intimate and exclusive, offering a limited number of rooms—all generously sized—as well as an extensive array of amenities. Hotel guests arrive at a lushly landscaped entry and are immediately whisked up elevators to the sky lobby on level 14 for check-in. This expansive two-story level features unparalleled views and landscaped terraces, along with several amenities, including a sweeping infinity-edge sky pool, lobby lounge, three-meal restaurant, and an executive club. 

From the sky lobby, local elevators then escort guests to their rooms on the lower levels. All 229 guest rooms face east and feature ocean views. Each guestroom also includes its own individual terrace or, in some cases, its own plunge pool. 

The 500 serviced apartments are positioned on the upper floors of the tower, as well as behind the hotel areas on the lower floors. The top of the tower provides a club amenity level for all apartment units. This multilevel space contains small gathering and larger meeting spaces, along with areas for drinks and entertainment.

The overall complex is scheduled for completion in 2015, with the hotel opening in 2017.