Discover Uncle Martin’s secret garden at the Ritz-Carlton, Sanya

Discover Uncle Martin’s Secret Garden which was created by one man in his spare time. For nature and helping city kids and families explore country living. His name? Uncle Martin – the hotel’s Director of Engineering. He led the team to create a luxurious eco-friendly garden as part of the hotel’s environmental protection programme in his spare time as part of the Ritz Kids Club. Such was the acclaim it received from guests and employees that it was expanded into five areas.

Almost every feature is made from recycled materials including the small bridge. The aviary was made from the broken beach chair; the rock features were picked up in a fishing village; while flower pots were donated by one employee; and the coconut stump with tree fungus was a gift from a sister hotel. Naturally, the vegetables in the garden often end up in the hotel’s restaurants when in season.

Uncle Martin still spends most of his day explaining his passion to the guests and maintaining the garden.

Whether it is watching a mother hen and her chicks or hearing the parrots or exploring the gardens filled with fruit and produce, the garden is a natural paradise.

Uncle Martin said: “Parents love to have a real biology lesson for their children here and the stream of ideas from our guests who have taken part is phenomenal. One repeat guest even came back to look for the winged bean which impressed him very much last year. It’s my job to make sure that they see something different every time they come back.”

Michel Goget, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya said: “We crated a wholesome luxurious experience that all the family can enjoy via our new Petit VIP Programme. More importantly for us, it’s more than relaxing. It’s about allowing families the time to reconnect in the most natural way possible.”

"In fact, I believe that for many of today’s tablet computer generation, it might be the first time they even see food growing in soil for real and get up close and personal with a variety of animals such as a sea turtle.”

Parents can revisit their childhood in Uncle Martin’s Secret Garden or simply bring their children as part of the Petit VIP package.

Petit VIP Package

– Welcome drinks
– Daily breakfasts for 2 adults & 1 Child under 12 years old (Free extra bed for child under 12 years, subject to availability upon check in).
– Baby sitting service (first hour free) at Ritz Kids Club.
– Kids passport which includes a range of activities. Children will get a Petit VIP diploma once they have all activities completed.
– Complimentary treasure-hunt and collect your surprise at the end.
– Complimentary use of our Ritz Kids Club.
– Complimentary use of game rooms and selected recreational activities.
– Complimentary kids bathroom amenities.
– Full range of Petit VIP programs.
– A special stamp under Special Occasion under Petit VIP package.
– Complimentary departure gift for children.

Situated on an exclusive site along Yalong Bay in Hainan Province, The Ritz-Carlton, Sanya provides expansive views of the South China Sea and features 450 guest rooms, suites and private villas. Extensive recreational facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centre and a signature Ritz Kids® Club. Guests will also enjoy the largest

Ritz-Carlton spa in the region designed by ESPA. Eight restaurants and lounges offer scenic views of the lagoon and the ocean. In addition to flexible space designed for meetings, conferences and special social events, a waterfront wedding chapel, will be the backdrop for intimate ceremonies. A designer on-site boutique shopping arcade with five of the world’s top brands: Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Feragamo, TOD’S, Paul & Shark and Ermenegildo Zegna are a first for Hainan Island.