How Alila Dong'ao Island turned GC Lifestyle Editor into an island lover

The hotel's exterior.

The approach alone is worth the journey. Picture this: stepping into a "stone circle" drop-off area where granite and greystone boulders mirror the island's natural formations, a beautiful nod to both modernity and timelessness. As I walked through the tranquil water courtyard to the open-air lobby, the panoramic view literally took my breath away – endless sea meeting boundless sky, instantly melting away my urban stress.

Above the main building floats a wave-shaped canopy that mimics the gentle rhythm of the sea below. It's these thoughtful design touches, conceived by acclaimed interior designer Ju Bin, that make you feel the island's spirit in every corner. Garden paths following the natural contours of the terrain invite quiet moments of discovery – something this Taurus girl appreciates deeply.

Alila Suite King with Private Pool-Bedroom.

The suites are downright indulgent (my stubborn sign wouldn't have it any other way). Starting at a generous 925 square feet, they're havens of understated luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows framing either lofty sea views or lush private courtyards. I practically lived in my tranquil tearoom, sipping local brews while watching the waves dance below. For those seeking even more extravagance, the two exclusive rooftop suites offer spectacular 270-degree ocean vistas that would make even the most committed city dweller reconsider their life choices.

HOITONG Chinese Restaurant Dining Hall.

Let's talk food – because what's paradise without divine dining? SEASALT restaurant delivered seafood so fresh it practically jumped from ocean to plate. And HOITONG's farm-to-table Cantonese cuisine? This bull-headed foodie was thoroughly impressed by their collaboration with local farms and interactive dining experiences. But my absolute favorite ritual became sunset cocktails at CHUN bar, where locally-inspired concoctions are served as the sun dips into the horizon, accompanied by the magical sound of a singing bowl that announces the evening.

Lobby Indoor.

Wellness here isn't an afterthought – it's a philosophy. Spa Alila's Moonlight Stone Soothing treatment released knots I didn't know I had, using the gentle healing power of moonstone to melt away tension. And that cantilevered infinity pool extending nearly 50 feet over the cliff's edge? Floating there between sky and sea, I finally understood what all the island fuss was about.

Exterior with pool.

As I reluctantly packed to leave, I realized something: this Taurus had been transformed. The woman who once scoffed at island getaways was now plotting her return to paradise. The White Lotus may have planted the seed, but Alila Dong'ao Island nurtured it into full bloom.

Sometimes the most stubborn among us just need the right invitation to change. Mine came in the form of a luxury clifftop sanctuary where the elements conspire to create pure magic. Island life? Consider myself converted.

For more information or to book a reservation at Alila Dong’ao Island Zhuhai, please visit www.aliladongaoislandzhuhai.com