HOSHINOYA Okinawa, Okinawa

• The hotel's innovative architecture mimics an ancient Ryukyu fortress, with a long, low design that maximizes panoramic ocean views.
• All of the guest rooms are spacious and sea-facing; book a larger suite to sleep four comfortably or reserve a villa for a second bedroom and a private pool.
• The on-site restaurant serves an innovative fusion of Okinawan and Sicilian flavors, showcasing local ingredients with haute cuisine skill.
• You can sunbathe around the large infinity pool area, enjoy a shiatsu treatment in the spa, or head to the Activity Studio to learn traditional Okinawan pastimes like karate or bingata textile art.

• The quieter setting means you'll need a car or taxi if you plan on dining off-site or exploring farther afield.
• There are no TVs in the rooms; guests here are encouraged to unplug.
• This property is in high demand, and you'll need to book well in advance, particularly during peak seasons.

Authenticity

First opened in 2020, HOSHINOYA Okinawa is one of the newest additions to the Japanese Hoshino group's exclusive luxury collection. Tokyo-based architect Rie Azuma drew inspiration from the gusuku (castles) of Okinawa's ancient Ryukyu Kingdom to create a modernist fortress, surrounded by curved walls constructed from local limestone and perforated with intricate designs that evoke traditional bingata textile patterns. Inside, you'll find acres of lush gardens and orchards and a series of low, cube-like buildings that hug the coral beach. The hotel's respect for island traditions extends to its cultural offerings, which include karate lessons, craft workshops, and evening dance performances.

Location

You'll be located on a strip of coral beach on Cape Zanpa, a rural peninsula on the west coast of Okinawa (the archipelago's main island). The quiet village of Yomitan and historic sites like Cape Zanpa Lighthouse and the UNESCO-listed Zakimi Castle ruins are under 10 minutes away by car. An hour's drive south takes you to the airport in the island capital, Naha, where direct 3-hour flights connect with Tokyo. The hotel's beach has sharp coral and isn't recommended for swimming, but staff are happy to drive guests two minutes south to the white sands of Nirai Beach.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The 100 rooms and villas all overlook the beach and the East China Sea. Options range from standard king units to spacious multi-room villas, with two bedrooms, private swimming pools, and direct beach access. The luxe, contemporary interiors are inspired by traditional Okinawan design (think wood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and focal walls decorated with traditional bingata textiles), and each unit includes a shaded indoor patio with a well-stocked kitchenette. Bathrooms are sleek and spacious, with deep soaking tubs, robes and slippers, and Hoshinoya-branded bath salts and face masks.

Amenities

The central infinity pool area is the heart of the property, with shaded loungers, floating gardens, and spectacular sunset views. The renowned Belleza restaurant serves a surprising (and delicious) fusion of Okinawan and Sicilian flavors, while next door the Banta Café and OLU Grill offer more casual options like seafood and steaks. You can also order chef-prepared meals to heat up in your kitchenette. Cultural activities (including karate) are on offer at the on-site Activity Studio; for something more relaxing, book a shiatsu or acupuncture session in one of the spa treatment rooms.

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome here, and the hotel offers thoughtful extras to make the littlest travelers comfortable, including safety nets for the terrace railings and life vests and swimming diapers for pool and beach time. Babysitting services are available, and there's a dedicated playroom off the main dining area. Suites are a good choice for families (sleeping four comfortably); teens and older kids might prefer the villas with a separate second bedroom and a private pool.