Okinawa is a unique part of Japan, completely different to any other part of the country. For centuries, the Ryukyu Kingdom was the crossroads of many cultures as they passed through on their trading routes and this influence has made the local culture here unlike anything else your clients may have experienced on any previous trips to Japan.
Okinawa is known for its island life pace, living a good and wholesome life and the charm of the Okinawan community. Okinawa’s breathtaking beaches, as well as its delicious and healthy local cuisine, has made this region recognised as one of the world’s blue zones, however, what you may be unaware of are the wide variety of luxury stays that are on offer here which are perfect when choosing the next tropical island getaway.
Here are a collection of some of the luxury accommodation offerings available in Okinawa.
HOSHINOYA Okinawa
Located in the centre of Okinawa Island in the coastal village of Yomitan is the HOSHINOYA Okinawa, one of the most luxurious properties in the Hoshino Resorts hotel group. With 100 villas, the property promises a stay that not only captures the island’s natural charms but feels like your own home by the sea.
Built along the coastline, the low-rise villas have gobsmacking ocean views and range from 64 sqm to 94 sqm in size.
Hoshinoya Okinawa offers a fine dining experience with a focus on the farms of the sea, referring to the local produce sourced from the nearby coral-rich shallow waters.
The property also offers a very unique Okinawa Blue Zone Stay package. Okinawa is renowned as one of only five Blues Zones in the world, where the population enjoys a particularly long and healthy life. The package aims to share the secrets of the local’s longevity with meals, classes and activities included.
Halekulani Okinawa
Open in 2019, Halekulani Okinawa is located 75 minutes’ drive north of Naha airport, situated on the stunning beaches of Onna Village and protected by the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi National Park. The location of the hotel is regarded as a hidden paradise.
The property has 360 guestrooms, including 45 suites and 5 villas. Some feature private pools and natural hot springs.
Dining is a special highlight at Halekulani Okinawa, with four signature restaurants and a bar, menus featuring many of Okinawa’s celebrated dishes and local produce, and overseen by some of Okinawa’s most awarded chefs.
Halekulani Okinawa offers a range of ‘Halekulani Okinawa Escapes’ including wellness experiences, karate classes, cultural discoveries as well as kayaking through nearby Yambura National Park.
Halekulani Okinawa brings a new era of luxury to Okinawa, synonymous with the hotel’s sister property in Hawaii.
IRAPH SUI, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, MIYAKO OKINAWA
Located on Irabu Island, the pearl of the Miyako Islands of Okinawa, IRAPH SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Miyako Okinawa is a majestic resort which honours the untouched natural beauty, crystal clear Irabu blue waters and sparkling white sand beaches on this island sanctuary that surround it.
Beautifully appointed locally-crafted art welcomes guests in the lobby, the elevated infinity pool gently blends the scenery with the wide ocean that sits in front. There are 58 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites designed with the inspiration of the island’s beaches along with natural wooden tables and art pieces to compliment the styling.
The resort’s beautiful grass garden and beach club facing the ocean, features places to unwind, as well as dining areas that provide captivating, endless views.
Taking inspiration from the island’s admiration of nature, emblematic epicurean experiences with locally grown ingredients, such as freshly fished Bonito and locally-harvested one-of-a-kind vegetables, are innovatively prepared in the local cooking style at Restaurant “TIN’IN”.
Soothing local wellness rituals come to life at SUI Spa, venerable morning Yoga on the beach, indelible star watching in the garden, and immersive island excursions await guests in this beautiful place – creating an enriching, transformative wellness journey.
See marriott.com/en-us/hotels/okalc-iraph-sui-a-luxury-collection-hotel-miyako-okinawa/overview/
The UZA Terrace Beach Club Villas
The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas are located among stunning natural backdrop of the Yomitan region of Okinawa’s main island. The property consists of 48 private villas each with their own private pool and separate living space.
One of the eleven-member properties of the Relais & Chateaux collection in Japan, and the only Relais & Chateaux property in Okinawa, this luxurious property promises to make your stay memorable with true Japanese hospitality.
Located at the resort is the “Fine Dining” restaurant and a lounge bar where guests can relax and enjoy a drink while the sun sets over the East China Sea.
There is also “Our Farm” where pesticide-free fruits, vegetables and herbs are grown throughout the year at the resort. All of this produce is used in food and drink menus throughout the hotel.
Besides relaxing in the luxury of their villa, there are also yacht trips, a harvest experience at Our Farm or tours of historic sites near the property.
More info at terrace.co.jp/en/uza/
THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS GINOZA
THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS GINOZA is located on the quieter eastern side of the main island near the village of Ginoza. Approximately 70 minutes’ drive from Naha airport, the resort is perfectly positioned between the ocean and subtropical greenery inland.
THE HIRAMATSU HOTELS & RESORTS GINOZA is a very exclusive resort in Okinawa with just 19 rooms, set on a gentle slope. The rooms have many different sizes and layouts. All have their own whirlpool baths on the terrace.
The property is regarded as a gourmet, luxury hotel. A true highlight of staying at the resort is the fine-dining experience in the elegant dining room, specialising in French cuisine with local Okinawan influences.
Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of Okinawa’s unique island liqueur, “awamori”.
The property also offers spa treatments with customised beauty programs to suit guests’ individual needs.
Visit the Okinawa Australian Travel Trade Page for more information: https://okinawa.walshegroup.
Your local contact for Okinawa in Australia is Antonio Khattar. Connect with Antonio by email at antonio.khattar@walshegroup.com.
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