At the southernmost tip of China you will find a tropical island with such exquisite natural beauty, lush highlands, rugged coastlines and green fields it has been named the ‘Oriental Hawaii’. But don’t be mistaken – Hainan Island is a unique location with such a wealth of culture and history, it has a quirky personality all of its own.

Perching in the South China Sea, Hainan Island oozes colour with its verdant uplands, clear blue waters and pristine white beaches. A picture perfect mix of forest and rugged coastlines, merged with the bright colours of local produce, handicrafts and traditional costumes.

Hainan’s multi-ethnicity makes it unique and enigmatic. The mix of traditions, customs and myths of the over 37 different nationalities brings character shaped by variety. You may come for the sun, sea and sand, but you’ll leave feeling high on colour and culture.

If you are a sun worshipper, head for Sanya, Hainan’s second largest – and rapidly developing – city. This is China’s tropical holiday capital – a haven of long white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, beautiful coral reefs, magnificent mountain backdrops and a tropical climate all year round.

Yalong Bay is Sanya’s premier spot for first class beaches, great diving, golf courses and international hotel complexes. The latest addition is the brand new Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa, which opens this month on 746 metres of unspoiled beachfront at the western end of the bay.

Sanya is ideal for rest and relaxation, but it is not all sea and beach. Take a day off from sunbathing and head for Butterfly Valley, a huge garden complex full of feathery winged delights in all shapes and colours – a place ideal for kids. At the Luobi Cave you can view mysterious and exciting stalactites and at the Pearl Culture Centre you might just leave with a jewel of the ocean – a symbol of good luck in China.

Whatever you do, make sure you sample some of the local foods. Sanya is well known for three delicacies of the sea: sea cucumber, shark’s fin and abalone, as well as delicious lychees, gui yuans, pineapples, mangos and bananas – all fresh and newly picked. The Sanya Night Market is a lively and slightly chaotic culinary experience, with a colourful mish-mash of foods and local handicrafts for sale.

Sanya is a great holiday spot, but for the road less travelled take to the west coast where you’ll be awe-inspired by the vast mountains and primitive rainforests such as the Jiangfeng Ling Forest Reserve. Hike along narrow paths through rare trees and exotic plants that are remnants of a time gone by, and look out for endangered animals, cobras and gibbons roaming the untouched forest.

If you like the rugged and untouched, Hainan’s Highlands is a place of coconut, pineapple and rubber plantations – a pretty collection of villages with an enviable pace of life. The locals here – mostly of Li and Miao minorities – were among the first to settle permanently on the island and this is apparent in their unique costumes, dances, folklore and traditions. Watch out for the tattooed faces of the beautiful Li women and take note of their long, semi-circular houses that resemble upside down boats made of bamboo and thatched grass. If you struggle to find lodgings in this untouched land, you may be able to experience a boat house first hand. Just be polite and ask if you can stay – they may say yes!

On the Island’s east coast you’ll find the garden counties of Hainan Island. The abundance of rainfall during the summer months makes this a lush, green paradise famous for its hot springs and vibrant nature parks. This is a melting pot of tradition and culture, with a high proportion of Han Chinese nationals. The seafood is truly splendid – sample freshly caught crab and lobster, and make sure you try the local coffee.

Just off the east coast shore is Coconut Island, with a massive coconut palm forest and panoramic sea views. Nanwan Monkey Island is another getaway option for families, with monkeys of all sizes frolicking in rocky ridges and tropical forests. It’s the hot springs, however, that is the real pull of this area. Try the Xinglong or Guantang Hot Spring Resorts famed for their healing properties – the resorts are top class and the perfect retreats after trekking through the Highlands.

Hainan Island is like a diamond in the rough, just waiting to be discovered. There is so much to do and see and as a visitor it is up to you to choose the pace at which you explore. One thing is certain – with its mix of culture, history and natural delights, you won’t find yourself at a lose end. Unless of course you want to.