Popular Travel Blogger Yana Leventseva on Hainan

Recently, Hainan has been gaining momentum, attracting a growing number of tourists from Russia and former Soviet countries. Beyond regular travelers, the island has also welcomed celebrities—stars of show business, television, and popular travel bloggers who introduce their followers to this breathtaking destination.

A few days ago, renowned traveler and blogger Yana Leventseva visited the island. Known for covering the world’s most fascinating locations and top hotels, she shared her experiences with us.

Seaviewhainan.com had the opportunity to join her upon arrival, coordinate with Atlantis Hotel, and even meet her in person to ask a few questions as an experienced globetrotter.

Seaviewhainan.com: What were your first impressions of Hainan?

Yana: Actually, I’ve been here before as a child, and I remember Hainan as a fantastic island with great resorts and a wide selection of hotels. This time, circumstances aligned—I’d been wanting to take a trip with a friend, and at the same time, we started discussing a visit to Atlantis with you. I’ve collaborated with this brand before and knew it was a top-tier resort, so the decision was easy. Thanks to you, we had an amazing short getaway!

The weather here is perfect, the sea is a stunning deep blue, and the beach surprised me with its cleanliness—I didn’t expect the sand to be so pristine! And the sun is incredible—the tan comes out beautifully, and believe me, I have plenty to compare it to.

Seaviewhainan.com: Let’s do a comparison! How does Hainan stand out from other tropical destinations for you?

Yana: Every country and every destination has its own unique vibe. I travel a lot, and I’m very sensitive to energy, so I pick up on it immediately. Here, it’s shaped by the locals, the tourists, the nature, and the climate. The weather feels incredibly comfortable—today, for example, it was 32°C, but without the heavy humidity you get in Bali. It reminds me more of Phuket. The nature has that classic tropical Asian feel, though I realize we won’t have time to explore everything the island has to offer beyond its coastline.

I love places where culture is palpable—where there’s a rich variety of local cuisine and strong national traditions. Here, culture and tradition go hand in hand with modern technology, which is absolutely mind-blowing! Everything from Face ID to payment apps creates this sense of novelty. It’s so convenient and refreshing.

Seaviewhainan.com: Did you encounter any noticeable challenges or inconveniences during your stay?

Yana: Overall, my impressions are very positive. I understand this destination is developing rapidly, so some of my observations might soon be outdated—and I hope they will be. But visitors should be prepared for the language barrier. Most staff don’t speak Russian or even English—maybe just one or two employees in a large hotel. While you don’t expect much from small guesthouses, major players in the hospitality industry should ideally offer service in at least English, if not your native language.

Another minor issue was food—though in my case, it worked out for the best since I’ve just started a fitness challenge with my followers. I love Chinese cuisine, all those sweet and sour sauces, and there’s no shortage of variety here. Overeating isn’t a problem, but since I’m currently focusing on clean eating, getting detailed information about dishes was tricky—again, due to the language barrier. Communicating through translators took extra time and effort.

Seaviewhainan.com: So, would you say visitors to Hainan should come prepared with a good translator?

Yana: Absolutely! China in general is a country where preparation is key to maximizing enjoyment and minimizing frustrations. For example, I’d recommend researching banking cards and payment systems in advance. I use a Dubai-based card and had no issues—I didn’t even need the physical card, paying through my phone instead.

Definitely download a taxi app if you plan to leave the resort. But again, payment is a factor—you’ll need a linked app like Alipay. Also, think about a VPN beforehand—it’s essential for staying in touch with loved ones, and for someone like me whose work revolves around social media, it’s non-negotiable.

And, of course, have a translator app ready—better yet, install a few in advance. By taking these small technical precautions, you’ll free up time and energy to fully enjoy this incredible island!