Lonely Planet Review

You won't be surprised to hear that the Ocean Bay Golf Club's 25 rooms tend to attract golfers. What is less well known is that the stunning headland jutting into the South China Sea on which the course is set is also the place to find the best waves and some of the most inspiring, deserted beaches in China.

The club itself tends to attract Hong Kongers on golfing holidays and most of its rates are tied into golfing packages, which are pretty good value. The par-72 course looked in very good shape when we visited, though there was barely anyone on it - perfect for a three-hour round in the morning and the rest of the day on the beach. But while it helps, you don't need to be a golfer to enjoy this place. The rooms are perfectly comfortable, if a little aging and sea view rooms boast some of the most stunning views on Hainan. They're definitely worth the extra outlay. For all this, the service when we visited was less than welcoming. But it's worth it to experience Shimei Bay before it gets taken over by resorts (and that's not far away).