New opening: Westin Sanya Haitang Bay

If the encroaching cold has got you thinking about getting away from Beijing already, here's some news to tempt you further: the beginning of November sees the opening of the Westin Sanya Haitang Bay.

Situated on Hainan, which lies on a similar latitude to Hawaii and is China's only tropical island, this resort has beachfront access, multiple pools, a spa, tennis, volleyball and yoga facilities as well as six eateries, including a beach bar and Japanese restaurant. Its location on Haitang Bay means it's less crowded than the more developed nearby beaches around Sanya City and Yalong Bay, and it's just a 30-minute drive from the airport.

There are seven direct flights daily from Beijing to Sanya airport, all taking under four hours, and, until the end of March 2014, the Westin resort is running an opening offer whereby guests booking rooms with breakfast for two (from 2,058RMB per night inc taxes) will be gifted 1,000RMB of dining credit to use each evening. For more information on the Westin Sanya Haitang Bay, see www.starwoodhotels.com.