China has opened the world's first hotel with its own 'private ocean'

LONDON — A new luxury hotel which boasts its own five-acre "private ocean" and three art galleries has opened in China. 

The city of Sanya — often seen as China's answer to Hawaii — is known for its upscale clientele and luxurious resorts, but the Sanya EDITION is unlike any other hotel in the region. 

It's the latest and arguably the most impressive addition to the Marriot-owned Edition hotel chain, which now has branches in London, New York, and Miami and is headed by American hotelier Ian Schrager.

Every 32 hours, the 512-room resort pumps 10 million gallons of water from the surrounding South China Sea into its own private ocean so guests can kayak, paddle board, and even sail without ever having to leave the grounds. 

There's also a fairground, three art galleries, and a miniature village.

Check out the hotel below.

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The hotel lies in the city of Sanya on Hainan island. The island is outlined with gold-sand beaches and thatched huts, while the city itself is known for its upscale clientele and luxurious resorts.

The interior of the hotel infuses traditional Asian design with futuristic architecture. Most of the trees and plants are sourced from Hainan Island, making the landscape ecologically sustainable.

Luxurious cabanas float on the resort's ocean, which measures 20,000 square metres and is filled with 10 million gallons of water from the South China Sea. The private cabins feature upholstered lounge seating, flat-screen TVs, speakers, and mini-bars. At night, the grounds transform as floating candles and lanterns light the area.

All 512 rooms have ocean-front views. The hotel villas, pictured below, come with private pools and pavilion​ space. The area surrounding the private ocean is made up of beautifully landscaped forests featuring meditation grounds filled with Manila Grass and coconut palms.

There's also a 2,000 square metre spa spanning two levels with extensive gardens .

The three onsite art galleries give guests staying at the resort a dose of culture, with both permanent and revolving exhibitions showcasing the best work from local artists.

"Playland" is touted as an immersive multi-generational entertainment zone. Inside, kids can find mini golf, karaoke with projected interactive characters, a racing circuit, and a miniature village.

No hotel would be complete without its own bumper cars.