The difference between Xiamen and Sanya is that the climate may have a slight temperature difference. Xiamen and Sanya are both relatively popular coastal cities, attracting a large number of tourists every year.
Because they are both coastal cities, and apart from a little temperature difference and urban attributes, the difference should be the attractions.
It mainly depends on which city you prefer to visit when traveling.
Traveling, food, whether to go out to sea late at night, shopping for treasures, etc.
It depends on personal preference.