If you’re mulling over a visit to Okinawa, the most southerly of Japan’s main islands (and which of us isn’t?), then we’ve news of no fewer than six spectacular new hotel openings that would take any trip to these subtropical islands to another level…
The Emil Nakijin offers panoramic ocean views
Emil Nakijin – where luxury design meets minimalist living
Opened in October 2020, minimalist luxury resort Emil Nakijin encourages guests to escape city life and experience a retreat free from clutter and distraction. The property, located high upon a north facing cliff and surrounded by serene countryside, offers five suites with panoramic ocean views and a private open-air terrace with infinity pool. Prices start from JPY45,000 per night.
U-MUi Forest Villa , surrounded by lush forests (obviously)
U-MUI Forest Villa – your private hideaway
On the western coast of Okinawa Island is U-MUi Forest Villa. The resort opened December 2020, with 18 private villas surrounded by manicured gardens and forest. Facilities include a fitness centre, golf simulation experience, communal outdoor swimming pool and restaurant serving French cuisine made with fresh local produce. All villas come with a sun garden and outdoor jacuzzi. Private pools are available in the Executive and Luxury Suites. Prices start from JPY78,800 per night for two persons.
Face recognition tech is used at the Hotel Third Ishigaki
Hotel Third Ishigaki – a base for island hopping in Yaeyama
Another recent opening, Hotel Third Ishigaki is proving a popular base for travellers looking to island hop around the Yaeyama Region. It’s located a short walk from Ishigaki Ferry Terminal. Attractions include a spectacular rooftop terrace (pictured top), plus café, bar and book lounge with a library of over 700 publications. Suitably hi-tech, contactless check-in is standard and room entry is by facial recognition. Room types include suites, family and twin rooms and light refreshments are included in the room price. Prices start from JPY20,000 per night.
Feliz Villa Suite Kouri Island View – set to open on Yagaji Island
Scheduled to open this summer on Yagaji Island, Feliz Villa Suite Kouri Island View will feature eight self-contained beachfront villas with ocean views to Kouri Island beyond. Each villawill boast its own resort-style terrace, private infinity pool leading down to the sea and a fully equipped kitchen. Villas will sleep between two and six adults, making them a smart option for families or friends, or those extended ‘workoliday’.
Torifito Miyakojima – a handy base for island hopping
Hotel Torifito Miyakojima Resort – opening on Miyako Island
Opening this March, within local access of Miyako Airport, Hotel Torifito Miyakojima Resort promises 207 spacious and contemporary style rooms, each with their own terrace, a seasonal hotel pool and buffet style restaurant. Consider it a handy base if you want to explore Miyako or hop between island groups.
OMO5 Okinawa Naha – coming soon from Hoshino Resorts
The OMO5 Okinawa Naha, set in the prefectural capital, is set to be Hoshino Resorts’ first opening in Okinawa under the company’s ‘OMO’ urban tourism hotel brand. The concept of the 190 room hotel is to inspire those of us seeking a more cultural travel experience.
Artist HIGA Satoru’s digital installation on display at Naha Airport
Finally, when passing through Okinawa’s Naha Airport, take time out to visit Culture Gate to Japan, a new digital arts exhibition. Running until September 2021, it features the works of 29 artists and promises a new perspective on the diversity of Japanese culture.
The 12 course Nigiri tasting menu at Sushi on Jones has got to be London’s best value Japanese Omakase. Seated, served and sorted in less than an hour, and priced at £48 a head, it’s as much an experience as an oishi meal. Sushi on Jones is one of a handful of eateries located inContinue Reading
It’s been some time since holiday makers were allowed into Japan, but when we finally return expect to see some big changes, particularly on Japan’s rail network, where robots are moving centre stage, and new, even faster Shinkansen trains are waiting in the wings. JR East, which runs a Shinkansen network in the Tohoku Region,Continue Reading
A new luxury ryokan opening on Naoshima, a small Japanese island in the Setouchi Inland Sea, hopes to become a magnet for lovers of contemporary art and design. Roka opens in April 2022, to coincide with the island’s Triennale culture and arts festival. The island of Naoshima has been transformed by an ambitious project thatContinue Reading
The Luxe Review 
If you’re mulling over a visit to Okinawa, the most southerly of Japan’s main islands (and which of us isn’t?), then we’ve news of no fewer than six spectacular new hotel openings that would take any trip to these subtropical islands to another level…
Emil Nakijin – where luxury design meets minimalist living
Opened in October 2020, minimalist luxury resort Emil Nakijin encourages guests to escape city life and experience a retreat free from clutter and distraction. The property, located high upon a north facing cliff and surrounded by serene countryside, offers five suites with panoramic ocean views and a private open-air terrace with infinity pool.
Prices start from JPY45,000 per night.
U-MUI Forest Villa – your private hideaway
On the western coast of Okinawa Island is U-MUi Forest Villa. The resort opened December 2020, with 18 private villas surrounded by manicured gardens and forest. Facilities include a fitness centre, golf simulation experience, communal outdoor swimming pool and restaurant serving French cuisine made with fresh local produce. All villas come with a sun garden and outdoor jacuzzi. Private pools are available in the Executive and Luxury Suites.
Prices start from JPY78,800 per night for two persons.
Hotel Third Ishigaki – a base for island hopping in Yaeyama
Another recent opening, Hotel Third Ishigaki is proving a popular base for travellers looking to island hop around the Yaeyama Region. It’s located a short walk from Ishigaki Ferry Terminal. Attractions include a spectacular rooftop terrace (pictured top), plus café, bar and book lounge with a library of over 700 publications. Suitably hi-tech, contactless check-in is standard and room entry is by facial recognition. Room types include suites, family and twin rooms and light refreshments are included in the room price.
Prices start from JPY20,000 per night.
Feliz Villa Suite Kouri Island View – set to open on Yagaji Island
Scheduled to open this summer on Yagaji Island, Feliz Villa Suite Kouri Island View will feature eight self-contained beachfront villas with ocean views to Kouri Island beyond. Each villa will boast its own resort-style terrace, private infinity pool leading down to the sea and a fully equipped kitchen. Villas will sleep between two and six adults, making them a smart option for families or friends, or those extended ‘workoliday’.
Hotel Torifito Miyakojima Resort – opening on Miyako Island
Opening this March, within local access of Miyako Airport, Hotel Torifito Miyakojima Resort promises 207 spacious and contemporary style rooms, each with their own terrace, a seasonal hotel pool and buffet style restaurant. Consider it a handy base if you want to explore Miyako or hop between island groups.
OMO5 Okinawa Naha – coming soon from Hoshino Resorts
The OMO5 Okinawa Naha, set in the prefectural capital, is set to be Hoshino Resorts’ first opening in Okinawa under the company’s ‘OMO’ urban tourism hotel brand. The concept of the 190 room hotel is to inspire those of us seeking a more cultural travel experience.
Finally, when passing through Okinawa’s Naha Airport, take time out to visit Culture Gate to Japan, a new digital arts exhibition. Running until September 2021, it features the works of 29 artists and promises a new perspective on the diversity of Japanese culture.
Sushi on Jones review: This brilliant Japanese Omakase is the best way to spend an hour eating in London
The 12 course Nigiri tasting menu at Sushi on Jones has got to be London’s best value Japanese Omakase. Seated, served and sorted in less than an hour, and priced at £48 a head, it’s as much an experience as an oishi meal. Sushi on Jones is one of a handful of eateries located inContinue Reading
Even faster bullet trains and robot baristas are waiting for us when we return to Japan
It’s been some time since holiday makers were allowed into Japan, but when we finally return expect to see some big changes, particularly on Japan’s rail network, where robots are moving centre stage, and new, even faster Shinkansen trains are waiting in the wings. JR East, which runs a Shinkansen network in the Tohoku Region,Continue Reading
New luxury ryokan to attract culture vultures to Japanese modern art island
A new luxury ryokan opening on Naoshima, a small Japanese island in the Setouchi Inland Sea, hopes to become a magnet for lovers of contemporary art and design. Roka opens in April 2022, to coincide with the island’s Triennale culture and arts festival. The island of Naoshima has been transformed by an ambitious project thatContinue Reading
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