The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa

This hotel seems to have a more quiet, relaxed ambience than other Ritz-Carlton properties, but that’s not to say it’s any less luxurious. Set within the Kise Country Club, the hillside location is impressive, and the dramatic and well-tended grounds add to the sense of tropical seclusion. A long private road leads to the striking Japanese-style entrance where golden statues stand sentry, while the lobby’s vaulted ceilings convey unmistakable elegance. Clusters of neutral-toned couches and cushioned wicker chairs encourage guests to linger. The reception desk has striking wooden beams overhead, and floor-to-ceiling windows with beautiful black-wood frames look on lush greenery. Bamboo-lined tunnel-like hallways add another local touch, while, outside, stone paths meander through the imposing grounds. A picturesque lake surrounds the championship golf course -- the whole picture all adds up to secluded tranquility. 

The Ritz-Carlton is set inside an expansive country club, and there’s not a huge amount to do within the immediate vicinity. But the Busena Marine Park, Kariyushi Beach, and Kise Beach are all within a four-minute drive, and the hotel runs a free shuttle service to Kise Beach. Cape Manzamou and its beach are a 20-minute drive from the hotel, as is the Nago City Office, while the Neo Park Zoo is about a half hour's drive. Sesoko-jma Island is connected to Okinawa by a bridge, and it’s a 40-minute drive from the hotel; the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel. The Yambaru Wildlife Center and Hiji Waterfall are close to an hour away by car, and it’s about a 75-minute drive to Hedo Cape. Naha Airport is about an hour's drive, or 90 minutes sway by airport bus. Given how limited public transportation is, guests are advised to rent a car if they plan to do any exploring.

The 97 rooms at the Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, are spacious, sleeping up to three adults. Their modern decor utilizes plenty of pale wood that accentuates their airiness. Large beds rest against floor-to-ceiling white-paneled headboards with built-in lamps; free-standing bedside tables are equipped with built-in electrical controls (which look a little dated). There’s plenty of space to spread out on chunky wooden sofas with neutral upholstery. Wood-paneled flooring and soft rugs add to the ambience, and large desks have speaker phones. Bathrooms are huge, with double sinks built into marble vanities, and mirrors and lamps set against elegant panels of dark wood. Large shower/tub combos are set in black marble beside floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views; separate walk-in showers have rainfall and power showerheads and gorgeous glass-cabinet-style walls.

Deluxe and Premier Deluxe Rooms offer more space adding large dark-wood dining tables and attractive sea-view balconies. Ultra-private Cabana Rooms have gated entrances that lead into walled terraces with chic seating; they also include daybed-style mattresses beside hot tubs. Presidential Suites have enormous wraparound balconies that incorporate all the features of the Cabana Rooms’ terrace, plus large padded wicker sofas. Inside, these rooms are more spacious still, with separate living spaces plus dining tables that seat up to four. Floor-to-ceiling windows look onto the patios, offering views of the grounds and ocean. Bathrooms add additional hot tubs.

All rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, large flat-screen TVs, pre-loaded iPods, and slippers and robes. There are also mini-safes, Nespresso coffeemakers, and well-stocked minibars. Bathrooms have high-tech toilets with electronic controls, plus hairdryers, individual soaps, body washes, and bath salts by Asprey, along with other cosmetic items. Wi-Fi is free and fast, and turndown service is provided. Guests have complained that some rooms get outside noise.

The hotel’s long list of features is what's expected of a Ritz-Carlton property. The indoor pool has an elegant terrace with modern sunbeds and sofas, and floor-to-ceiling windows afford lovely views of the grounds -- though the pool itself is on the small side. The attractive outdoor infinity pool (open April to October) overlooks palm trees. The stylish and well-equipped gym -- with gorgeous hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows -- is open 24/7, and includes cardio machines, weight-lifting machines, and free weights. The spa offers excellent massages and makes strong use of bamboo in its bright, warm, and elegant decor. Well-styled treatment rooms overlook hillside greenery, and outdoor cabanas sit alongside water features. There’s a championship golf course, too, and snorkeling and paddle surfing can be arranged. The buffet breakfast, included in the room rate, offers a broad range of Japanese and Western dishes, though the breakfast area can get crowded, and guests report the offerings are better on weekends. The hotel’s three elegant restaurants serve lunch and dinner, focusing on local and Italian cuisine, and room service is available around the clock. The warm Lobby Lounge serves drinks and snacks all day, as does the airy Library with its dark-wood bookshelves and picture-frame pool-view windows; the chic and intimate cocktail and cigar bar opens in the evening. High-speed Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and valet parking also comes at no extra charge. A free shuttle runs to the nearby Kise Beach, where the hotel provides sunbeds, towels, drinking water, and sun lotion.