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Playful luxury meets underwater fantasy — W Xiamen is WOW at every turn
From the moment I arrived at W Xiamen, I knew this wasn’t going to be your typical luxury hotel stay — it was so much more. Bold, playful, design-forward, and so in touch with Xiamen’s local soul, this hotel completely blew me away.
The theme is underwater meets the egret, inspired by Xiamen’s old name “Egret Island” — and the concept is woven into every detail. From the lobby (called the “Soundscape”) that feels like an artful underwater scene, complete with fisherman’s nets hanging from the ceiling, to the adorable egret mascots (yes, even the mascots are on-theme!), the hotel fully embraces the spirit of the island. It’s whimsical yet refined.
I enjoyed both cocktail hour and the FUN NOW afternoon tea at the Soundscape — super creative and vibrant presentations, and drinks that tasted as good as they looked. The vibe here was equal parts artsy and energetic.
And let’s talk about my suite — the Corner Suite. Absolutely perfect. Not overwhelmingly large, but beautifully designed with just the right amount of space to feel cozy yet elevated. The escape mural on the wall added an artsy punch, and I adored the custom W plushie in the form of a Chinese dice — such a fun, local touch! Views of the sea from the suite were gorgeous, especially in the morning light.
The dining options were equally impressive:
– NINE served up one of the most expansive and delicious buffet breakfasts I’ve had in China. Everything from local Minnan dishes to international classics — plus I returned for dinner buffet and was equally blown away.
– HEAT, the rooftop bar next to the pool, was such a vibe — sultry, energetic, and with incredible cocktails. It’s definitely one of the best spots in town for a stylish night out.
– The WET rooftop pool is massive and stunning — and indoor, which makes it usable year-round. Feels like a luxury resort floating above the city.
Fitness and wellness are next level here. The gym is huge, fully equipped, and open 24/7 — a dream for any fitness enthusiast. And then the AWAY Spa... I had the Bubble Tea Massage, which was not only relaxing but came with actual bubble tea to sip and inspired ingredients for the massage. So creative, so W.
The design of the rooftop — inspired by an Egret’s house — is another great example of how W Xiamen turns architecture into storytelling. Every floor, every corner has meaning and artistry behind it.
What I love most is that while this is a super high-end, luxury stay, it never feels cold or exclusive. The energy is young, fresh, and welcoming — a luxury hotel where you can truly have fun, no matter your age. If you love vibrant design, thoughtful local themes, and playful elegance, W Xiamen is where you need to be.