The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa

It’s difficult to put into words just how magical of an experience we had at Ritz Carlton Okinawa. It was our first stop on our honeymoon through Japan and it smashed all expectations. From the very get go we were welcomed with open arms by the staff, to the point we felt we were with family at home. Every detail of the hotel and our experience was impeccable. The views, the comfort of our room, the kind and compassionate hospitality provided by staff and management is unlike anything we’ve experienced. They sprinkled treats and trinkets throughout our stay to congratulate us on our marriage. Even on our way out, everyone who worked with us throughout the week came to say goodbye and provided very thoughtful gifts, goodies, and hand written cards that hit us right in the feels. A few highlights, the buffet breakfast is out of this world. Kise is an incredible restaurant experience, with so much attention to detail and quality of food, almost personalized experience. The club lounge is an absolute must add-on. The perks, meals, and extra concierge attention pays back your experience tenfold. The views are picture perfect. The amenities, gym, pool areas, and spa are other worldly. If you are looking for paradise in every sense of the word, Ritz Okinawa is it. Special thanks to Sushant for his kind and thoughtful nature, setting the stage from our welcome to seeing us off. Anda and Naoki also raised the bar throughout the week answering questions and ensuring we had what we needed around every corner. And to Hitomi who helped set us up for our day off the grounds and answered many questions throughout. Protect these staff at all costs. They are what set the bar so high and made our stay extra special. Can’t thank them and the broader team enough! It took 34 years to discover this place, and it will be much sooner before we return.

• Stunning Views and Serene Setting: The hotel is built on a hill overlooking Nago Bay and is surrounded by the Kise Country Club golf course and lush gardens. The design emphasizes tranquility, with open-air hallways, water elements, and a calm atmosphere. • Dining: The food is highly rated, particularly the Kise Teppanyaki restaurant for its superb Okinawan Wagyu beef, and the luxury breakfast buffet featuring local delicacies. • The Spa: The dedicated spa building is described as a peaceful sanctuary, offering treatments using indigenous Okinawan ingredients. • Complimentary Shuttle Service: While not directly on the beach, the hotel offers a complimentary driver service to nearby attractions, beaches (including the hotel's own area at Kise Beach), and local restaurants. most highly recommended for couples, golf enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a secluded, quiet, and service-focused retreat in Northern Okinawa.

A superb and relaxing weekend. Had the "Club Experience" and was wowed by the attentiveness of all of the staff. The chef made a special effort to accommodate allergies and food sensitivities. The highlight of the visit was the superb Okinawan teppanyaki chef at the Kise restaurant. The chef far exceeded my wildest expectations with the melt-in-your-mouth Okinawan Kuroge Wagyu Beef. The reputation that KISE has for the best black Okinawan Wagyu Beef is well deserved. The long drive from the airport is worth this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa is a prime example of true luxury and world-class service. From the minute that we entered the hotel, we were met with warmth, kindness, and supreme hospitality. The check-in process was a breeze and we were both provided lovely welcome drinks to kick off our 5 year anniversary. Having just travelled from the airport, it was nice to be taken care of so well immediately. Overall, the property is impeccably maintained and luxurious. The hotel grounds are tastefully appointed, clean, and whisper (not scream) luxury with ornate and timeless art and décor. However, the staff members are the true gems of The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa. Everyone that we spoke to (in particular, Maya from Gusuku during breakfast who went above and beyond to provide us exceptional service and Wes - I hope I translated correctly - from Housekeeping) truly embodied The Ritz-Carlton pinnacle of service. I would also love to spotlight the kind lady who was maintaining the lobby floor and cleaning the windows, she was absolutely a gem to say hello to, although I did not get her name. ROOM: We were located on the 4th Floor and had a beautiful view of the grounds and Okinawa; the room was immaculate, had every single item imaginable that we could need during our stay, and most importantly - comfortable! We had already been in Japan for about 2 weeks as this point, but my most relaxing sleep was during our stay at The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa! AMENITIES: I spent my time at the pool during our stay at The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa. It felt like an oasis in the midst of a heatwave, and after braving a few rainy days, I truly loved being in the sun. Additionally, the grounds leading up to the spa and gym are a wonderful adventure. Although the gym equipment could be modernized a bit, it still proved useful during our stay. We also took advantage of the complimentary yoga classes offered by the hotel and loved them both! The instructors were pleasant, patient, and truly wonderful. Overall, the highlight of our 3 weeks in Japan had to be The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa. However, if I may, I would like to politely provide some feedback regarding potential guidelines for other guests - our first night at The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa was soured a bit due to some loud guests who were yelling and using their phones on speakerphone. This was the only time that the magic of The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa was a bit shattered, but the rest of our stay proved to be absolutely magnificent.

Our third stay at the Ritz Okinawa was nothing short of awesome. From the moment we arrived we were welcomed with warm intuitive service that defines true luxury. The staff here are exceptional. They're genuine, attentive, and passionate about making your stay perfect. A sincere thank you to Mathieu from the Club Lounge, Ashok at the Bell Desk, Kei from Gusuku, the team at Kise restaurant, and Akari at the Front Desk. Each of them brought their own unique charm and hospitality that elevated our experience. The newly remodeled rooms are a perfect blend of comfort and traditional Okinawan style. Thoughtful touches, rich textures, and a calming palette make the space feel both luxurious and rooted in place. The design of the hotel as a whole reflects a deep appreciation for Okinawan heritage: timeless, serene, and deeply connected to its environment, yet undeniably unique within the portfolio.The pool area is tranquil and beautifully maintained, ideal for a relaxing day in the sun. Dining throughout the property was superb. A true highlight of the stay was the spa, easily one of the best I’ve experienced anywhere in the world. The serene atmosphere, world-class treatments, and highly skilled therapists make it a sanctuary of wellness and relaxation. It’s an experience I would travel back for alone.One more gem worth noting is the hotel’s gift shop. It’s beautifully curated with local goods, crafts, and souvenirs that you won’t find anywhere else, thoughtful, stylish, and deeply tied to Okinawa’s cultural richness. I love the rope bracelets and Okinawan Ritz lions. If you’re seeking an experience that combines refined luxury, heartfelt service, and a profound sense of place, The Ritz Okinawa delivers on every level.