Cliffside Hotel | Is Alila Zhuhai Dongao Island Really That Bad?

| Is Alila Zhuhai Dongao Island Really That Bad? Perched on the southernmost cliff of Dongao Island, Alila Zhuhai Dongao Island stands like a lost realm at the edge of mountains and sea. Most of the hotel's rooms are sea-view suites, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the endless island scenery. Its unique geographical location and ingenious design make it truly exceptional. The 15-meter-long pool juts out over the cliff, blending with the coastline, reefs, sea breeze, and sunset to create a stunning and picturesque landscape. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ✨ The hotel is an all-suite property, and Globalist members can upgrade to a courtyard suite. ✨ Before check-in, the hotel reached out via email and phone, detailing how to get to the island. Thankfully, I checked—otherwise, I would have taken a detour from Shenzhen to Zhuhai. Turns out, you can take a boat 🚢 from Shekou, Shenzhen, directly to Dongao Island, with a shuttle service from the pier. ✨ The hotel is a work of art, with many photogenic spots, especially the lobby and pool. Complimentary photoshoot sessions can be booked. ✨ The Chinese restaurant, Haitang, is fantastic—I dined there three times! The mantis shrimp is absolutely divine. With excellent service and stunning sea views, dining here is pure enjoyment. ✨ I booked a spa treatment, and it was hands down the most relaxing experience I’ve had at any Alila. I dozed off comfortably throughout the entire hour-long session. ✨ At 6:15 PM, the hotel hosts a sunset ritual where you can enjoy a complimentary drink 🥤. Turndown service is provided, and the hotel even delivers sweet treats at night. ✨ The mini-bar is free 🆓. ✨ Breakfast is semi-buffet style, with exquisitely prepared dishes. Sina, who assisted during breakfast, was incredibly attentive, offering thoughtful recommendations and making sure I was well-fed. ❌ The concierge and front desk are the first points of contact and leave the deepest impression on guests. Unfortunately, this area needs improvement—more proactive greetings, smiles, and inquiries about needs or stay experiences would help. Right now, it feels a bit robotic. Apart from the restaurant and spa staff, other employees come across as indifferent. ❌ Being on an island, humidity is much higher than inland. Doors and floors are often wet, and the flooring isn’t slip-resistant, posing a fall risk. Suggestions: address this issue or add more cautionary signs. Overall, Alila Zhuhai Dongao Island has done fairly well since its opening. Initially, I considered canceling due to the overwhelming negative reviews online, but the lowered expectations led to a pleasant surprise. Hopefully, the hotel will focus more on service quality to achieve a significant leap forward!