CRUISING & DESTINATIONS / DONG’AO ISLAND
An island retreat,
shaped by the sea.
On Dong’ao Island, the pleasures of a voyage continue ashore: a pool suspended above the cliffs, a villa open to the horizon, an afternoon on the sands of Nansha Bay. VOY brings these moments together in a considered island itinerary.
DISTINCTIVE ISLAND RETREATS
Three distinctive stays.
A different view from each.
Alila pairs bold clifftop architecture with sunset views. Ahn Luh draws on Chinese design traditions for a more contemplative stay. At Gree Dong’ao, days unfold around Nansha Bay and time together by the beach.
01 / CLIFFTOP ARCHITECTURE & SUNSET VIEWS
Alila Dongao Island Zhuhai
Architecture, light and an unbroken horizon.
Set on the island’s southern cliffs, Alila finds its character in the meeting of architecture and sea. An infinity pool extends 15 metres beyond the cliff edge; a tranquil water courtyard leads to an open-air lobby overlooking the horizon.
Film: HUUUA STUDIO / © Horizontal Design. Opens on the original publisher’s site. Project & credits ↗
The evening ritual
Singing bowls and island stories accompany the setting sun. Cocktails at CHUN offer another vantage point as the sea settles into dusk.
Time for restoration
Yoga, meditation and Spa Alila bring a restorative dimension to a stay. Guided island tours and craft workshops offer a closer connection to the destination.
A taste of the coast
SEASALT explores seafood and coastal flavours, while HOITONG brings together Cantonese cooking and tea culture. Both offer a distinct sense of place at the table.
Hotel experiences & facilities ↗. VOY can coordinate hotel activities, dining and treatments as part of your itinerary.
02 / CHINESE DESIGN & QUIET SECLUSION
Ahn Luh Dong’ao Island Zhuhai
A quiet expression of Chinese refinement.
Above the southern edge of Paijiao Bay, on the island’s eastern cliffs, natural stone, warm timber and Lingnan craft details lend Ahn Luh its distinctive character. Rooms and villas offer settings for a quiet escape or an extended stay with family.
Tea, culture and time to unwind
The academy’s teahouse, Tai Chi and spa experiences bring a cultural dimension to a stay, complemented by seasonal island-to-table dining. Indoor and outdoor pools provide further opportunities for leisure.
WELL SUITED TO / Couples and families seeking a quieter retreat.
Enquire about an Ahn Luh stay ↓Hotel opening announcement ↗. VOY can help confirm villa facilities, pool availability and the current activity programme when planning your stay.
03 / NANSHA BAY & TIME TOGETHER
Gree Dong’ao Hotel
Long beach days, shared in good company.
A stay at Gree Dong’ao centres on the pleasures of Nansha Bay: a walk by the water, an afternoon on the sand and seafood at the close of the day. It is a setting for families and friends to enjoy the coast together.
An active side to island life
VOY can help incorporate family activities and island watersports into your stay. Options include jet skiing through Gree’s 格旅·浪趣營 leisure operation, subject to weather, availability and operating arrangements.
WELL SUITED TO / Families and friends seeking time together by the coast.
Enquire about a Gree Dong’ao stay ↓VOY coordinates accommodation, island transfers and activities with licensed travel agency partners.
THE ISLAND, EXPLORED
The pleasures
of time ashore.
Coastal walks, time on the water and memorable meals reveal the island at an unhurried pace.
A coast with stories to tell
The coastal paths connect the hexagonal pavilion, 山海經書屋 bookshop and wedding chapel. VOY can shape a route around these landmarks, allowing time for the scenery as well as the sights.
Days by the water
Nansha Bay offers time on the sand, with watersports adding a more active element to an island stay. VOY can coordinate the options and help confirm sea conditions, age requirements and supervision arrangements.
The island, at the table
Sunset drinks at Alila, tea at Ahn Luh or a seafood dinner with friends bring different aspects of the island to the table. VOY can coordinate dining and hotel experiences, including arrangements for non-resident guests where available.
Destination references: Zhuhai Media’s island report ↗; hotel experiences: Alila ↗, Ahn Luh ↗.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Two days,
beautifully paced.
Following the confirmed clearance and berthing arrangements, transfer ashore to your hotel. An afternoon by the pool or along the coast gives way to sunset views and a dinner shaped by local flavours.
Tea, yoga or a walk on the beach offers a gentle beginning to the day. After breakfast, return to the yacht in accordance with the confirmed departure arrangements.
This sample itinerary will be tailored to your yacht, dates and preferences. Hotel accommodation, yacht berthing, landing and island transfers require separate confirmation. Facilities and activities are subject to availability, weather and operating schedules.
CRUISING REFERENCE
Routes and designated activity areas.
Activities in Areas A, B and C in the Pearl River Estuary, and Area D in Shenzhen Bay, must follow the officially designated boundaries and local rules.
Routes and activity areas A, B, C and D
Original image ↗Start with the overview, then choose a close-up below. Green shading identifies the yacht recreation waters shown on the official map. All close-ups retain the original proportions.
Official publication ↗ Full official cruising guide PDF ↗
Area A | Wanshan Islands
Original image ↗Area B | Sanmen Islands
Original image ↗Area C | Dangan Islands
Original image ↗Area D | Shenzhen Bay
Original image ↗Source: close-ups of Areas A, B, C and D from the same official overview. A shaded activity area does not mean landing is permitted on every island within it. The original notes prohibit landing on Dawanshan, Baili and Dangan islands, and drone take-offs or landings within 500 metres of those islands. These images support itinerary planning and are not navigational charts. For the full boundaries and notes, see pages 18–20 of the official guide ↗.
When planning your voyage, also consult the full official cruising guide ↗. Website maps are provided for itinerary planning.
DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE GREATER BAY AREA
Nine cities, each with a character of its own.
Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing. Complete clearance at a designated entry port first, then cruise, berth and explore ashore under the applicable rules.
FURTHER AFIELD
Journeys across the Greater Bay Area.
01 / ZHUHAI ISLANDS
Island stays and coastal discoveries.
Guishan’s island life and dining, and Dong’ao’s sea-view accommodation, offer distinct perspectives on the archipelago. Private yacht berths, landing and reception arrangements require confirmation for each voyage.
02 / GUANGZHOU WATERFRONT
Along the Pearl River waterfront.
Combine the Nansha clubhouse, waterfront dining at Taigucang or a heritage visit to Changzhou Island, according to your yacht’s air draught, the tides, route and berths.
03 / SHENZHEN
Urban character and coastal retreats.
Choose between Shenzhen Bay’s city amenities and the Dapeng Peninsula’s marinas and resorts, depending on your route and available berths.
04 / HUIZHOU
A stay along the Huizhou coast.
Pair berthing at Xunliao Bay or Dongbu Bay with accommodation and dining ashore. Complete clearance at a designated port first, then assess the passage and sea conditions.
05 / FOSHAN & JIANGMEN
Culture and cuisine along the Xijiang.
Explore berthing at Junyu, Rulin Bay or Jiangzhongzhu alongside food and heritage itineraries. Check the inland route and bridge clearances first.
06 / SHENWAN, ZHONGSHAN
A leisurely stay in Shenwan.
Combine a berth in Shenwan with a relaxed visit ashore. Confirm inspection, locks, berths and the route before departure.
BEFORE YOU SET SAIL
Every passage,
carefully prepared.
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Passage, berthing and island access
Review each leg for routes, speed limits, navigable bridge spans, tides, air draught and reception at your destination.
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Reporting and communications
Arrival and departure reporting still applies between the nine cities. Keep AIS operating and maintain the required VHF watch for the waters you are navigating.
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Activity areas and island restrictions
Plan activities within the designated boundaries and local requirements. The guide prohibits landing on Dawanshan, Baili and Dangan islands, and drone take-offs or landings within 500 metres of those islands.
YOUR NEXT VOYAGE
A tailored journey,
from sea to shore.
Your yacht, preferred dates and personal interests form the starting point for a tailored journey. VOY coordinates the itinerary and works with licensed travel agency partners on hotel accommodation and experiences ashore, alongside the application, entry port and berthing arrangements.
