The new king's ascension was without suspense, Kimpton Hotel in Clearwater Bay, Hainan

What luck brought me to encounter the year's number one typhoon at Kimpton. Others share sunny skies and blue seas, while I was required to stay indoors, watching the heavy rain and strong winds outside. All outdoor facilities were closed. Sandbags reinforced doors and windows, everything was tied up, delicate decorations were put away, outdoor chairs moved inside, the scenic pool emptied, and all lights and fans on the terrace were temporarily removed. Someone had previously complained about poor service and asked to avoid lightning, but I wanted to avoid the thunder from heaven. The hotel was forced to serve the typhoon and ignored me. Fortunately, the public area was large enough to stroll indoors. Forced to become a botanist, I studied the cleverly scattered green potted plants. It is said there are more than 200 species, tended daily by a dedicated person. The cold brew tea at the lobby bar, the same as the tea bags in the room, both come from the niche kung fu tea brand Basao, which I had tried before at Kempinski Xiamen, unforgettable for its unique aroma. I don't understand the space called Chess View. Hidden in a dim corner, it opens only for an hour and a half daily. It is said to be for socializing with strangers, playing cards, watching shows, and golfing—just hearing it gives me chills. I don't even like to interact with my traveling family, let alone strangers. I could only return to my room, using a magnifying glass to find subtle details: capsule coffee with four capsules, the orange one bigger than the other three, requiring a large cup. The luxurious branded Bluetooth speaker by the bedside can distinguish between Faye Wong and Shan Yichun with one ear. The round bathtub turns light blue when filled with water. The wooden-handle toothbrush and small comb are adorable. The complimentary white West Highland terrier plush has a live version that was sent to the city for training due to excessive barking; once calm, it will be assigned a managerial role. Night turndown service bringing Long Island iced tea is not surprising, but moving all the balcony sofas and chairs inside is. My artistic residence instantly became a storage room. The fierce wind howled all night, waking me several times. I decided to get up early for Kimpton's unique morning wake-up, which is morning coffee and snacks on one side of the lobby. An iced Americano with apple juice and a fondant doughnut, enjoyed alone—this is the vacation rhythm I love. Then I rushed to the brunch I was most looking forward to, a true paradise for white food lovers, with so many types of bread the table couldn't hold them all. Sparkling wine is served at breakfast, perfect for getting tipsy in the stunning restaurant from morning till dusk. Finally, perhaps heaven knew I had been in Hainan for half a month and was tired of the usual island imagery, so it arranged the typhoon as the grand finale. It also seemed to hint at a sudden change of power, with Park Hyatt and Capella humbly stepping aside to welcome the new king Kimpton. Room details: Room number: 8432 Official name: One-bedroom Sea View Suite Area: 96 square meters Mattress: King Koil Bedding: Frette Bedroom TV: Philips Living room TV: Philips Speakers: Bose Speakers: Bang & Olufsen Air purifier: Gree Dehumidifier: Gree Shower and metal fittings: Hansgrohe Sink: Duravit Bathtub: Laufen Master bathroom toilet: Electric Duravit Guest bathroom toilet: Electric Duravit Hairdryer: Dyson Scale: EKS Amenities: Large bottles Maison 21G Electric kettle: SMEG Coffee machine: Nespresso Capsule coffee: Nespresso 4 capsules Tea bags: Basao Bottled water: Baishui Mountain Minibar: Free