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Ritz-Carlton opens Okinawa resort

9 Comments

Ritz-Carlton has opened its first luxury resort in Japan, on the tropical island of Okinawa.

Okinawa has been a popular getaway for generations of Japanese visitors but remains relatively unexplored by the international luxury traveler.

The island features championship golf courses and is surrounded by pristine emerald waters that are perfect for waterborne activities.

The Okinawan concept of hospitality or “gusuku” which translates as “castle” or “guest house” has been carefully reflected throughout the property to give it a welcoming sense of place. The new Ritz-Carlton resort embodies this spirit through its landscaping and contemporary architectural design which extensively features the Shurijo face motifs, distinctive red clay roof tiles, white walls and holy water ponds.

“We are delighted to be able to bring our first true luxury resort hotel to Japan to complement our city hotels in Tokyo and Osaka,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. “We have no doubt that Okinawa has the potential to be a resort island of true international appeal, attracting visitors from all over the world, whether they are visiting the island for business or pleasure. It really is a hidden gem and the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa helps to put this destination on the map for discerning luxury travellers.”

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa enjoys sweeping panoramic views that overlook the East China Sea and the Kise Country Club.

Inspired by the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, manicured golf courses and the sea, the luxurious resort has been designed to be in harmony with its natural surroundings.

Restaurants at the resort include:

-- Chura-Nuhji – an Italian fine dining restaurant which takes its name from the Okinawan word for beautiful rainbow. The restaurant with its own outdoor terrace overlooking the sea and the golf course is led by Executive Chef Koji Hayakawa who has been at the forefront of restaurants which have helped to popularize Italian fine dining. He previously was head chef of Ristorante La Granata Ginza and Ristoranted La Granata, TBS.

-- Kise, a Teppan-yaki restaurant offers local seafood and renowned Okinawan, Kuroge and Wagyu beef.

-- Gusuku, an all-day dining experience that serves Japanese, Okinawan and international dishes.

Guests can also enjoy traditional afternoon tea and a variety of finger foods in the Lobby Lounge, in a space that offers views of the emerald green sea overlooking the golf course. The Bar serves special cocktails, international favorites and a selection of the Okinawan spirit, Awamori.

Poolside guests can also relax in the Library which offers a selection of books as well as a bar and casual dining.

Located a short stroll through landscaped gardens is The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, in its own separate enclave. The Spa features four treatment rooms, four dry treatment rooms, outdoor Cabanas offering Shiatsu or Thai massage. It also offers the Heat Experience (Steam Sauna, Jacuzzi hot tubs, Stone Sauna with weathered coral tiles). Two special Retreat Suites are also available (Forest Suite and Ocean Suite) with their own private decks and stone baths. The spa retreat also houses a Nail Studio, Relaxation Room, Indoor Pool, and the fitness center.

© ASIA Travel Tips.com

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

9 Comments
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I was thinking about going to Okinawa for a holiday this summer. It turns out to be cheaper to fly to Singapore and the Philippines and stay in very nice hotels there, so that's what we'll do.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

if thats your reason you are missing out. Okinawa is such a wonderful price and a higher price is well well worth it

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Okinawa vs other Asia beaches to me at least is time vs money. If I have a week I'll definitely go to a beach resort in Malaysia or Thai... if I had only 3 - 4 days though Okinawa is so much more accessible. Taking a look at the rates its at least within the same price range of some of the other nicer hotels in Naha.. although lack of pictures on their website makes it hard to see what you are getting yourself into

1 ( +1 / -0 )

CajunH2O: It's all about value for money and I don't believe Okinawa can compete with other Asian countries on that. Did you know it's cheaper to fly from Sendai to Singapore than it is to fly from Sendai to Miyakojima? (Y73300 vs. Y90000, flights operated by ANA).

This Ritz-Carlton hotel mentioned above doesn't look anything like as good as the ones I've booked in Singapore and the Philippines, yet it costs nearly twice as much. My ever-reducing salary doesn't allow me the luxury of holidaying in Japan any more.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Did you know it's cheaper to fly from Sendai to Singapore than it is to fly from Sendai to Miyakojima? (Y73300 vs. Y90000, flights operated by ANA).

Try googling 沖縄格安.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Stay on topic please.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Much rather would stay at the newly opened Hoshinoya, after reading the int'l press reviews of their stunning place in Kyoto.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Scrote: All about value for money? How about the luxury/service/convenience aspect. Its only 2.5 hours from Tokyo. Sure, I'd love to be going to the Maldives every weekend but time doesn't make it possible. I shall certainly be trying the Ritz in Okinawa for a weekend. Sod the 'value for money' I'll take the convenience.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

and another thing Scrote, start staying on hotels of this quality in South East Asia, the rate will be pretty much the same anyway - Banyan Tree Koh Samui for example..no change from 75,000 Yen a night.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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