The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. has expanded its presence in Japan by opening its first luxury resort in the country. So far their presence was limited to city hotels in Tokyo and Osaka. The tropical island of Okinawa was chosen carefully for the new property as it has been the getaway destination for the Japanese visitors for generations now. It has only recently come onto the radar of international luxury traveler. The Ritz Carlton, Okinawa pioneers luxury hospitality on an island that is rich in championship golf courses and has enormous potential for waterborne activities in the pristine emerald waters that surround the island.
The Okinawa island has a traditional concept of hospitality that is known a ‘gusku’ which can be loosely translated as ‘guest house’, The property developed for the resort embodies this spirit throughout. There is a sense of welcome in the place. The contemporary architectural design has been combined with the Shurijo face motifs, distinctive red clay roof tiles, white walls and holy water ponds. Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer of the Ritz Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. expressed his happiness on the occasion. He also expressed his optimism about the possibility of Okinawa evolving into a resort island of true international appeal. He believes that potential exists in the island to attract visitors from all over the world. The Ritz Carlton Okinawa is just the beginning; however it will get the attention of the discerning luxury traveler to the island as a luxury travel destination.
The resort has 97 modern guest rooms and two suites. Each one of them have balconies or terraces that afford the guests sweeping panoramic views of the East China Sea and the Kise Country Club. The property has been designed to be in complete harmony with its surroundings which include ancient forests, manicured golf courses and the sea. Apart from luxurious accommodations the resort features sophisticated restaurants and a bar. Chra-Nuhji is an Italian fine dining restaurant. Kise is a Teppan-Yaki restaurant featuring local seafood and is also renowned for the Okinawan beef it serves. Gusuku is an all day waterside, relaxed and informal dining experience that serves Japanese, Okinawan and international dishes on its outdoor deck.
Victor Calvell, the Area Vice President, Asia for the Ritz Carlton, sees the opening of their first resort in Japan as the commencement of a process. He reaffirmed the commitment of the company to the Japanese market. He is confident that Ritz Carlton would be able to bring the island’s incredible culture to the world. The highlight of the resort is the Ritz Carlton Spa by ESPA that operates out of a semi independent enclave on the landscaped property. The treatments offered combine the essence of ancient and modern Chinese, Indian, European and Balinese spa cultures. Apart from treatment rooms the spa also has outdoor cabanas. The spa also boasts of a Nail Studio, Relaxation Room, indoor pool and a fitness centre. The experience the spa provides brings you close to the nature. The motifs, the materials and ingredients are all organic and the best part is that guests can enjoy the views of the ancient Yambaru Forest from the treatment rooms.
