A remote island in the South China Sea becomes a one of a kind private eco-resort, blending architecture and untouched nature.
A Private Island Retreat in the South China Sea
Located 50 kilometres west of Sanya, Dongluo Island is set to become China’s first top-end private eco-resort. The 10.3-hectare uninhabited island will host 31 detached villas, a waterfront marina complex, a hilltop spa, and a remote wedding chapel. CLOU architects’ masterplan preserves the island’s natural topography while subtly introducing architectural interventions that maintain the sensation of discovery.
A Rare Site on China’s Southern Coast
Dongluo Island lies just 3 km off Hainan Island and 50 km from Sanya, one of China’s best-known tropical beach destinations. Facing the mainland to the north and open ocean to the south, the island is paired with its twin, uninhabited Xigu Island, forming the local “Dong Gong Xi Gu” or “East Gong West Drum”. As one of the first uninhabited islands officially approved for development, Dongluo is positioned as an exclusive ecological resort.
An Architecture of Arrival and Restraint
Visitors arriving by boat or helicopter disembark at a discreet marina. Instead of a visible landmark structure, the 2,400 sqm public marina building is hidden beneath a single folding green roof that rises from the rocky shoreline and merges into the forested hill. An understated staircase carved into natural stone leads to interconnected public spaces: reception, restaurant, bar, lounge, shop, and cinema. These areas are structured as indoor-outdoor sequences, adjustable to climate through pivoting walls.
Landscape and Function in Harmony
The marina complex opens onto the island’s only flat green lawn, which is kept free of buildings and shaded by preserved mature trees. An infinity pool marks the transition from beach to garden. Major back-of-house functions are embedded in a partially buried service building and basement to reduce visual impact and improve access from the water.
Villas within Nature
The resort includes 31 villas in three zones: east, west, and mountain-top. 22 of the villas retain pre-existing steel frames from a previous development. Each villa maximises mountain and sea views with full-height glazing and timber louvres for shade and privacy. Sixteen different bedroom layouts allow each villa to respond to its immediate surroundings, creating a sense of individuality and place.
A Path to Contemplation
At the island’s southernmost point, a monolithic wedding chapel completes the experience. Connected to the rest of the island by a single path climbing through the forest, the chapel is carved into the topography. Its simple form frames the horizon, where sea, sky, light and scale create a space of reflection.
