Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost prefecture, is a tropical paradise that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and longevity-promoting lifestyle. This archipelago of 160 islands boasts pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a subtropical climate that makes it an ideal year-round holiday destination.
Okinawa’s luxury resorts provide an unparalleled blend of Japanese hospitality and tropical indulgence for the elite traveller seeking a truly exceptional getaway. From private villas with infinity pools overlooking the East China Sea to exclusive spas offering traditional treatments, we take a look at some of the best luxury resorts in the tropical hotspot, as handpicked by the experts at JR Pass.
The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa
The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa offers an unparalleled luxury Japanese experience nestled within the Kise Country Club. This exquisite resort features 97 spacious guest rooms, an award-winning spa set in a separate building, and three distinctive dining outlets. These include the elegant Chura-Nuhji, which blends local ingredients with traditional Italian recipes, and offers alfresco dining on a terrace with stunning sunsets views. The property boasts a championship 18-hole golf course, perfect for golf enthusiasts, and offers a driver service so guests can explore the Ritz-Carlton’s beachfront and the local sights. For ultimate relaxation, visitors can pamper themselves at the spa, which offers treatments using indigenous ingredients like the Getto plant and tiger clam shells.
Halekulani Okinawa
The Halekulani Okinawa borders the Okinawa Kaigan Quasi-National Park, and stretches out over one mile of pristine coastline, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, diving and snorkeling. The resort offers 360 luxury accommodations, including 45 suites and five villas, each equipped with private pools and natural hot springs. Guests can indulge in culinary delights at four signature restaurants, including the innovative SHIROUX helmed by two Michelin-starred chef Hiroyasu Kawate. The resort’s SpaHalekulani offers holistic healing treatments inspired by Okinawan traditions, while five outdoor pools, including the iconic Orchid Pool, provide ample opportunities for relaxation and live music performances amidst stunning ocean vistas.
Hyakuna Garan
Hyakuna Garan, perched atop a beach at the end of a cape in southern Okinawa, offers an immersive luxury experience that blends Japanese aesthetics with natural beauty. This adults-only, boutique resort is small and intimate, with only 14 executive rooms, and so is ideal for a honeymoon, wedding, or romantic getaway. Six houjouan, private rooms with seaside views and rooftop outdoor spas, can also be reserved for an intimate evening gazing at the stars. The seaside restaurant offers innovative Japanese fusion meals, emphasising traditional Japanese dishes with an Okinawan influence, featuring local fresh seafood. Specialties include wagyu and lobster prepared on volcanic rock, paired with awamori, a unique rice liquor from Okinawa.
The Terrace Club at Busena
The Terrace Club at Busena offers a wellness-focused retreat on Okinawa’s stunning coastline. This resort combines luxurious accommodations with innovative thalassotherapy treatments, utilising the healing properties of seawater. The resort’s amenities include a heated thalasso pool, private yoga sessions, and bespoke wellness plans Guests can also explore the stunning coral reefs off the coast with the on-site scuba diving center, underwater observatory, or via glass-bottomed boat. Beyond the resort, guests can visit the nearby Churaumi Aquarium or marvel at the cherry blossoms surrounding ruins of Nakijin Castle if visiting in spring.
Hiyori Ocean Resort Okinawa
Hiyori Ocean Resort Okinawa offers a luxurious “resort where you can live your everyday life”, with amenities including a fitness center, infinity pool, and terrace. Guests can indulge in culinary delights at the hotel’s 2 restaurants: Hill Side Grill or and Sunset Steak House, which serves up mouthwatering teppanyaki. The resort also serves as an ideal base for exploring the natural wonders and attractions of Onna Village and its surroundings. Guests can embark on underwater adventures at nearby dive sites, and take a boat tour to visit the famous Blue Cave, a stunning natural cavern known for its ethereal blue glow.
Sankara Hotel and Spa Yakushima
Located on the island of Yakushima, often known as the Alps on the Sea’, Sankara Hotel and Spa Yakushima offers a luxurious retreat nestled between mountains, cedar forests, and the beach. This secluded sanctuary features stylish suites and villas, including the opulent Sankara Suite with in-room spa treatments and outdoor baths. Guests can indulge in French cuisine with a Japanese twist at the Okas and Ayana and restaurants, relax by the pool with stunning ocean views, or rejuvenate at the spa with Thai-style herbal treatments. The resort provides an ideal base for exploring Yakushima’s UNESCO-listed mountainous forests and hiking out to the famous Jomon Sugi, a giant cedar tree believed to be up to 7,000 years old.
