The best hotels in Okinawa

What are the best hotels in Okinawa?

With its beaches lined with palm trees, turquoise waters and laid-back island atmosphere, Okinawa is not short of tempting places to stay. From polished five star beach resorts to intimate boutique hotels and wellness-focused retreats, there’s something for every kind of traveller. If we had to pick our favourites from this selection, Iraph Sui and Halekulani Okinawa would have to be our top choices. Iraph Sui is ideal for a more intimate, sophisticated island escape, with just 58 rooms on beautiful Irabu Island, superb dining, a serene spa and dreamy sea views, while Halekulani is the standout for a classic five star resort experience, with an exceptional beachfront setting, polished service and beautiful ocean facing rooms.

Translated as ‘the rope in the open sea’, Okinawa is a stretch of islands in the ocean between Japan and Taiwan. These islands have long appealed to romantic couples, fun-loving families and friends seeking idyllic beaches, snorkelling, diving and outdoorsy adventures galore. The largest of the islands — also called Okinawa — is particularly popular. Trekking, horse riding and cycling are brilliant ways to explore beyond the city. For a more tranquil retreat, venture to the smaller islands of Miyakojima or Ishigaki.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Okinawa.

The Best Places to Stay in Okinawa

For City Style

• Hotel Collective is a chic, contemporary hotel in the heart of Naha. Swish rooms feature expansive city views and smart bathrooms. Facilities include a rooftop pool, spa, meeting rooms and excellent dining options. One for well-heeled travellers.
• Rihga Royal Gran Okinawa is another city hotel, with 157 chic rooms, top-notch cuisine and a friendly team ready to help organise excursions across the island. Larger suites have bathtubs and seating areas perfect for unwinding after a busy day in Naha.

For Families

• Ritz-Carlton Okinawa is moments from Kise Beach. A big resort brimming with activities for guests of all ages, the Ritz has a great kids club, wonderful, earthy-toned family suites and three dining options. Grown-ups can kick back at the spa or the atmospheric bar.
• Halekulani Okinawa has spacious rooms, suites, and villas, some of which have their own private pools. Set right on the beach in the Kaigan Quasi-National Park, this is a top spot for active families looking to hike, cycle, dive or snorkel. A beautiful resort.
• Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island boasts six restaurants, a spa, a sprawling pool, and a fun kids club. Seragaki Island has a great beach, and it's a lovely place for kayaking, snorkelling and diving. Fitness enthusiasts will find a range of classes and a well-equipped gym, too. Excellent for the whole family.
• Okinawa Spa Resort Exes is about five minutes from the beach, but offers impressive ocean views. Larger rooms have space for multiple beds, making this a good choice for a trip with family or friends. Highlights include French and Japanese fare, as well as the indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
• Hotel Nikkō Alivila Yomitan Resort is another one for active travellers. There are eight dining options, a large spa, a tennis court, swimming pools, direct access to Nirai Beach and a plethora of watersports. Zampa Golf Club is also within 10 minutes' drive. For outdoorsy guests of all ages.

For Couples

• The Uza Terrace Beach Club Villas offers a collection of luxury villas, some with private pools and multiple bedrooms. Expect opulent interiors, butler service, a spoiling spa and a real sense of privacy. This is a top spot for honeymooners or romantic couples, though larger villas can be booked for fun-filled family trips.
• Hoshinoya Okinawa has minimalist rooms and suites overlooking the ocean, perfect for guests dreaming of a romantic hideaway. Enjoy nature-led spa treatments, hone your karate skills, go horse riding on the beach, or embark on a whale watching tour. An indulgent, exclusive hotel for couples.
• Nestled in Okinawa’s coastal highlands, The Atta Terrace Club Towers is a chic 5-star retreat offering panoramic views and a blend of luxury and serenity. Infinity pools, teppanyaki bars, and a spa create a perfect romantic escape for couples.

For Wellness

• The Terrace Club at Busena is a smart coastal hotel with a strong wellness focus. Set on its own private stretch of beach, the hotel has an extensive spa with a range of thalassotherapy treatments. There are yoga and fitness classes, natural rejuvenating wraps and fresh, healthy dining options, too. Round off your day with drinks at the trendy bar to reset in style.
• Hayakunagaran offers sea-facing suites with restful interiors inspired by the style of a traditional ryokan. Guests are invited to relax in private, open-air baths or to enjoy reflexology and traditional healing treatments. The kaiseki cuisine is superb. A classic Japanese choice.

For Beachfront

• Experience serenity on Irabu Island at Iraph Sui, with minimalist elegance and stunning sea views. Unwind at the spa, dine on exquisite French cuisine, and enjoy romantic sunsets. Ideal for those seeking a peaceful, luxurious beach escape.
• Sesoko Sansui is a collection of eco-conscious villas with stunning ocean views in Motobu, where modern luxury sits alongside traditional Japanese design. An authentic beachfront escape with sustainable luxury at its heart.
• A paradise for families and couples alike, Fusaki Beach Resort offers spacious rooms, a splash park, and a romantic poolside bar. Enjoy a range of activities including snorkelling, yoga, and beach fun, in a serene setting.
• Set on Kohama Island, Haimurubushi offers spacious rooms, direct beach access, and thrilling watersports. Relax in the Ocean View Suite, explore nearby islands, or unwind by the pool for the ultimate beachfront retreat.

For Great Value

• Kafuu Resort Fuchaku Condo Hotel has more than one hundred rooms with ocean views. A luxurious spa and large outdoor pool, make this a good family or couples' choice. A well-priced holiday base.
• Embrace Okinawan culture at Tissage Hotel, a charming retreat in Naha. Enjoy locally-sourced breakfasts, vibrant sea-inspired decor, and heartfelt hospitality for a culturally rich experience at great value.
• Nest Hotel Naha Nishi is modern, chic, and conveniently located near Asahibashi Station. You can expect sleek rooms, craft art in common areas, and a rejuvenating beauty centre, all at an unbeatable price for a stylish escape.
• Nest Hotel Naha Kumoji, where island charm meets modern comfort in spacious rooms, is perfect for families. With lush greenery and balcony barbecues, it's a relaxing, affordable stay with a touch of Okinawan hospitality.

For an Apartment or Holiday Villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Fly to Tokyo or to another big Japanese hub before taking a connecting flight to Naha Okinawa Airport. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up.
• You may want to drive if you're exploring the island independently. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel during the summer for the warmest weather and to make the most of the island's natural beauty. Expect temperatures of 23 - 30°C. Avoid the typhoon season in September and early October, and the rainy season in May-June. January to March are cool but calm and quiet.

Still not sure?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Miyakojima.
• Expand your search to include all our recommendations in Japan.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.