A Sanctuary by the Sea, Embracing the Mountains and Ocean/A Hidden Retreat in the Greater Bay Area

True freedom lies in the liberation of the heart, At Ahn Luh Dong'ao Island, I surrendered myself to the embrace of mountains and sea. The breeze fluttered the pages of my book and brushed against my cheeks, Here, I witnessed the horizon where sky meets sea, and felt the mystique and grandeur reminiscent of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas." Ahn Luh, a luxury brand co-founded by Adrian Zecha, the creator of Aman, and BTG, This newly opened Ahn Luh on Zhuhai's Dong'ao Island stays true to the brand's ethos of honoring local nature and culture. Guided by the themes of "Seeking the Realm, Chasing Dreams, Entering the Hall, and Ascending the View," and inspired by the "Dong'ao Dream Stone," It poetically narrates the island's unique story. The hotel seamlessly blends with the breathtaking natural landscape, Standing here, one feels the majesty of a cliffside perch and the vastness of overlooking all peaks. Whether stargazing at night or watching the sunrise and sunset, it’s an unparalleled experience. The hotel features 153 Chinese-style guest rooms and 34 standalone villas. Our family stayed in the serene three-bedroom, one-living-room standalone villa, "Qingfeng Pavilion." Every room boasts a sea-view balcony, and even the bathtub offers dual vistas of mountains and ocean. The living area includes a tea room, lounge, dining room, kitchen, and a games room with an automatic mahjong table. The expansive terrace outside the living room features a private pool and unobstructed sea views. The bay, the beach, the waves crashing against the rocks—here, I experienced unprecedented freedom; Surrounded by mountains, sea, and lush greenery, the island’s seclusion became vividly real. Though secluded, convenience is never compromised. Starting with transportation: Access from the Greater Bay Area is easy via ferry, For example, a direct 1-hour-10-minute ferry ride from Shekou Port in Shenzhen to Dong'ao Island. Upon arrival, the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus takes you to the lobby in under 10 minutes. These shuttles run nearly 20 times a day, one way. Our villa was a 5–6 minute walk from the main building, But if walking isn’t your preference, the butler can arrange a golf cart transfer—just call ahead. The hotel has two restaurants and a tea lounge: All-day dining restaurant: Breakfast is semi-buffet style, with an à la carte menu titled "Zhuang Zhou Morning Feast," Plus dim sum trolleys offering selections like braised beef tendon noodles and pan-seared sea bass—highly recommended. The dinner menu, "Metamorphosis: Classic of Mountains and Seas," Blends Eastern essence and culture with Western culinary techniques and presentation, A fusion cuisine worth trying. Chinese restaurant, Lù: For lovers of Cantonese cuisine, dining here is pure comfort. With a master Cantonese chef at the helm, incorporating local island ingredients, The 24-solar-term menu at Lù made us reluctant to leave the hotel during our three-day stay. Entertainment: In the hotel lobby, from 3–6 PM, different ethnic performances take place hourly. The 6 PM dusk ceremony, set against the mountains and sea, features a pipa dance retelling tales from the "Classic of Mountains and Seas." From 6–7 PM, it’s time for sunset and the blue hour—we were even lucky enough to witness a purple-hued mountain and sea. At 8 PM, on a dedicated stage, there are comedy shows, acrobatics, and ethnic performances, Yet another unique experience. During our three days and two nights on the island, we were healed by the harmony of heaven and earth. As we departed, we were already looking forward to our next rendezvous with freedom. Ahn Luh Dong'ao Island