Travel

These luxury resorts have just opened on Japan’s Okinawa Love Island, and we’re smitten

Heart-shaped rocks in the sea at Kouri island

Two new luxury resorts have just opened on Kouri Island, in Japan’s subtropical southern prefecture of Okinawa, and we’re smitten. The properties, Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort and Loisir Terrace & Villas Kouri both offer hillside views over emerald-green seas and picturesque beaches.

Dubbed Love Island by Okinawans, because of two heart-shaped rocks (if you squint) on Tinu Beach (and a local legend similar to the tale of Adam and Eve), Kouri is located two hours north of Okinawa’s capital Naha.

The Loisir Terrace & Villas Kouri Resort offers  44 rooms with four different room types, including Villa Suites which overlook Kouri Beach and feature their own infinity pool and jacuzzi, and Terrace Maisonnettes which are ideal for families and larger groups with two separate rooms and a kitchen.

Dubbed Love Island by Okinawans, because of two heart shaped rocks (if you squint) on Tinu beach…

The Living dining kitchen in the Okinawa Kouri Island Resort
Inside a Loisir Terrace & Villas Kouri resort suite

The luxury property is home to a 142m long infinity pool as well as a poolside café. When you want to wonder,  tuk-tuks will  transport you in style to Kouri Beach.

The 5-star Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort has a hillside location overlooking a white sand beach, and has 38 spacious boutique-style suites. Guests can choose from three room types all equipped with kitchenettes, eco-friendly bathtubs and balconies offering seafront views. Star View Suites come with an in-room telescope, while the deluxe Villa Suite is located in a separate building with private parking and a small garden for extra privacy and tropical seclusion.

Aerial view of the LOISIR Terrace & Villas KOURI with infinity pools
The 5-star Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort has infinity pools a plenty

The Japanese resort also boasts an outdoor pool, while the resort’s Rest La Sacro restaurant serves Italian dishes made with locally grown ingredients.

Accessible via a two-kilometre bridge from neighbouring Yagaji Island, Kouri is renowned for snorkeling and swimming in the summer. The island can be explored on foot or by car, a full lap taking a leisurely  10 minutes to complete.

For further information on Kouri Island and Okinawa, visit:  www.visitokinawa.jp

Suntory Toki x Technics: Tokyo listening bar culture returns to London, Manchester and Edinburgh this summer

Fans of Japanese whisky and serious Hi-Fi are being offered a taste of Tokyo nightlife this summer, thanks to a collaboration between Technics and Suntory Toki whisky. The Japanese titans have joined forces for Toki-O Nights, a rolling programme of listening bar events inspired by Japan’s celebrated kissaten cafés and vinyl-led listening spaces. Running from…

Hibiki Japanese whisky launches global cultural campaign with Shōgun star Anna Sawai

Hibiki has unveiled its first-ever global marketing campaign, placing actress and Shōgun star Anna Sawai at the centre of a project designed to connect Japanese whisky with broader themes of craftsmanship, heritage and artistry. Titled The Masterpiece of Japanese Artistry, the initiative marks Sawai’s debut as Hibiki’s first global ambassador and reflects a growing focus…