LOUNGE /
TRAVEL
December 29, 2021
A 24-hour hot pool accessible even in mid-winter, paired with Sicilian-inspired Okinawan cuisine. HOSHINOYA Okinawa is a meticulously crafted paradise for adults | TRAVEL
TRAVEL | Hoshinoya Okinawa
Series Restart | "To Know is to Savor." Returns: Hoshinoya Okinawa (Part 1)
If you had to describe Hoshinoya Okinawa in one word? Hmm, that's tough. Perhaps a "bento box" carefully curated with Okinawan traditions, culture, and delicious foods? And an exceptionally exquisite one at that...
Photographs by Kaku Ohtaki | Text by Aya Hasegawa | Edit by Takashi Tsuchida
Packed with Features to Satisfy Even the Desire to Stay In!
Hoshinoya's theme is "Rest that Captivates." Hoshinoya Okinawa, the eighth facility in the Hoshinoya brand, opened on July 1, 2020, along the coast of Yomitan Village.
About 70 minutes by car from Naha Airport. The concept of this facility, built along the natural coastline of the East China Sea, is "Gusuku (Castle) Residence." It is surrounded by walls resembling tall castle walls, inspired by the historical sites called "Gusuku" found in Okinawa and the Amami Islands. These walls, known as Gusuku Walls, are truly breathtaking.
Given the long, narrow shape of the property, these Gusuku Walls stretch for about 1 kilometer. Beyond them lies a captivating resort. My heart was already pounding with anticipation.
What is this feeling of having arrived somewhere incredible?
All 100 guest rooms face the ocean, and the sea is to the west. Yes, you guessed it (laughs).
There are four types of guest rooms, but even the most compact room is 64 square meters. Beyond the large windows, a calm sea unfolds, and the design, which allows the sea breeze to flow through when the windows are open, is truly evocative. Frankly, any room type would be comfortable; it's just a matter of preference...
After settling in, let's explore the room. As the 1 million (approximate) Hoshino Resorts fans nationwide know, the guest rooms at this resort are often brimming with local character. Of course, it depends on the facility. I wonder about Hoshinoya Okinawa... let's see...
Particularly striking was the Ryukyu Bingata wallpaper in the bedroom. Motifs of animals and plants familiar in Okinawa depicted legends and customs of Yomitan Village. There seemed to be several variations, making me think, "Oh, I want to see the others too."
A strong commitment was evident in the "Doma Dining," a large table installed in all guest rooms. It was designed as a place for guests to gather, eat, and drink. Please remember this, as it will come up again later.
After checking out the room, let's take a stroll around the facility.
The familiar "Gathering Hall" from the Hoshinoya brand is also present here in Okinawa. It's a "Ryugu Palace" (my own impression, perhaps not quite accurate?) where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks 24 hours a day. Books and photo collections related to Okinawa are also available. In the evening, "Yoi no Za" is performed here, featuring Ryukyuan music and powerful karate demonstrations. The content varies daily, but the time spent surrendering to the gentle sea breeze and Ryukyuan music is truly luxurious... I felt as if my spirit had been cleansed, but perhaps that was just my imagination.
And may I share the highlight of my visit to Hoshinoya Okinawa? Of course, I'll tell you whether you want to hear it or not. Behold, the 40-meter long infinity pool! This is actually my second visit to Hoshinoya Okinawa. Based on my previous experience of spending so much time in this pool, I strongly advised my editor, Tsuchida, and photographer, Ohtaki, who were visiting for the first time, to bring their swimsuits, even if they forgot their laptops and cameras (firmly).
Gazing at the sunset over the East China Sea while in the pool... What an absurdly wonderful situation. It's a divine spot where you can effortlessly merge with the sea and sky.
I heard that when Hoshinoya Okinawa was being planned, the decision to build the pool in this part jutting out into the sea was made immediately. Kudos to whoever made that bold decision! If this isn't an infinity pool, what is? The pool is available 24/7, heated in winter, so you can swim even in the middle of winter. It's fun just to splash around in the 10cm shallow area.
The "Dojo." Every morning at 7 AM, a wake-up exercise activity called "Morning Tuning Deep Breathing" is held. You inhale deeply with poses inspired by karate kumite, filling your lungs. This really stimulates the appetite...
The "Dojo," with its red-tiled roof and veranda, offers a variety of activities. If you're wondering, "Dojo?" yes, there is one. Let me quickly mention that Okinawa is the birthplace of karate.
Bukubuku-cha is quite difficult to drink, but it's recommended to take a gulp of the foam first.
The frothy bubbles are made by whisking sanpin tea with water in which roasted rice has been boiled.
And at this "Dojo," you can enjoy "Bukubuku-cha" (free of charge) between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Bukubuku-cha is a tea that has been popular in Okinawa since ancient times. It is said to have been served to heal travelers' fatigue and wish them safety. Let's enjoy it, getting foam all over our mouths. Additionally, lessons in Ryukyuan dance, sanshin (Okinawan three-stringed instrument), and Ryukyuan karate are offered (paid, reservation required). If you're interested, please check them out.
Shall we move on to the topic of meals now...? While the purpose of travel varies from person to person, the spirit of travel and food are inseparable; or rather, I don't want them to be separated (laughs).