Okinawa’s 8 Most Beautiful Resorts

Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture and one of its most distinct. The region is a cluster of tropical islands that boast white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, bold coral reefs, and seemingly endless sunny days.

If you want to experience a different side of Japan, spend some time down south enjoying some of the best beach-side resorts in Japan and possibly the world. Here are some of the best resorts Okinawa has to offer.

Hotel Mahaina is situated on the west coast of Okinawa's main island, and is ideally positioned right in the middle of the map. The hotel's easy access to many of the main island's attractions is just one of the stylish hotel' many appealing features.

The hotel boasts stunning pool views backdropped by sweeping ocean scenes and a relaxed, almost retro-resort feel. With its light wood furniture and airy, sun-drenched interior, Hotel Mahaina is the epitome of a simple, elegant Japanese design that works with the natural elements.

The rooms at Hotel Mahaina come in three "floor" styles, "Ocean", "Superior", and "Standard", each offering something a little different in terms of view, style, and needs.

The resort also has excellent on-site dining options, including a classic buffet-style restaurant offering Okinawan and international cuisine and a restaurant serving super local Yanbaru-style dishes prepared with select local ingredients. When you're ready to relax in style, be sure to spend a little time at the lavish Lounge & Bar Karahai, an elegant beachy bar with an excellent cocktail menu.

Vessel Hotel Campana Okinawa is situated right on the sand of Sunset Beach, one of Okinawa's most scenic destinations just south of the American Village. You can feel the nostalgia and flair of the Ryukyuu kingdom beneath your toes with little details like tropical-print carpets and rattan deck seating with ocean views.

The hotel mixes a simple, welcoming design with resort-style flourishes like the ocean views, best enjoyed from the hotel's infinity pool. There is a range of rooms on offer, from family suites to ocean-view rooms and compact twin rooms ideal for those who want a taste of luxury on a budget.

Regarding dining offerings, The Vessel Hotel has breakfast sorted, it serves a hearty buffet at the dining lounge every morning, complete with local Okinawa specialties and freshly baked bread.

Miyakojima is one of Okinawa's shining gems. This island, located 300km to the southwest of the Okinawa main island, is home to some of the most beautiful untouched nature, clear waters, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere that's worlds away from the Japan you thought you knew.

On this stunning island is a hotel well worth booking for a night or two, Hotel Breeze Bay Marina (Miyakojima). The lush greenery of Miyakojima and its ambling coastline are just the beginning of this resort's beautiful amenities. The hotel is comprised of two buildings: the "Main" tropical hotel and the "Tower Building," both of which feature dynamic ocean views.

Beyond the standard facilities, the resort offers access to many incredible attractions, including family-friendly rides, tours, and an impressive selection of restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

A mainstay of the tropical hotel resort scene, Halekulani is a luxury resort that mixes Hawaiian style with Okinawan flair. The brand hails from Hawaii, but its laid-back tropical style blends perfectly with the surroundings of Japan's southern islands.

Rooms feature light air resort accents that sparkle with sunlight that pours in from the floor-to-ceiling windows. Vaulted ceilings and airy furniture add to the open feeling of this resort, where you can easily experience the freedom and bliss of private island time.

The hotel has standard rooms, suites, and villas offering accommodations for all styles, while the four restaurant options and sunset bar offer something for every taste. It's comfort, beach luxury, and tropical style all wrapped into one.

Allamanda Imgya Coral Village (Miyakojima) is not just a resort but a tropical village that will make you feel right at home as you settle back in the charming cabanas, complete with airy tropical design and plenty of privacy. The facility is also home to The Coral Blue restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious Okinawan and international cuisine made from local Miyakojima ingredients.

Enjoy the tropical seascapes and visions of white, sandy Okinawan beaches from your balcony. When you're feeling adventurous, take advantage of the great location to dive into one of the many local snorkeling experiences where you can enjoy the beauty of Okinawa's waters up close.

This 5-star resort combines the cozy experience of a bed and breakfast with sleek modern design. Every room features aroma therapy options and overlooks the crystal waters outside. Enjoy a sea of stars long after Okinawa’s glittering oceans turn dark from telescopes in Star View Suites on the fourth floor.

This resort is perfect for a special romantic getaway. Suites offer dining and kitchenette spaces, or you can stay in the private villa with its own dedicated building and parking. Each room comes stocked with eco-conscious amenities. Focus on wellness with healthy breakfasts at Italian-Inspired REST LE SACRO or sweat out your worries poolside with tent-sauna rentals.

For travelers hoping to bask in the traditional Okinawan ambiance while they visit Japan's southernmost island, there is no better option than Umi no Ryotei.

This traditional ryokan style lodging offers stunning views across the water from its seaside perch, where you can enjoy the local beaches and misty scenes of far-off islands. Umi no Ryotei Okinawa Nakama Inn features all the trappings of Japanese-style accommodations, on-site massage services, and public baths.

Each stay includes Mikimoto brand amenities and luxurious Japanese kaiseki course dining at breakfast and dinner. Their menu uses only the freshest ingredients from both Hokkaido and Okinawa. Restaurant Umi no Bou also offers bento and Japanese classics for lunch.

World-class stays are Hyatt Regency apart. Enjoy the perks of a familiar international brand while you explore coastal hideaways in Okinawa at this gorgeous, contemporary hotel. Club rooms, Regency, and Regency Executive suites feature access to the luxurious Regency club and turn-down services.

The Hyatt is a perfect option for travelers seeking a unique view in Okinawa: stunning street views of the Naha cityscape. Their central location provides easy access to night-time entertainment and shopping, just minutes away from the beach.

Enjoy your meals at one of four dining options. Buffet-style Sakura-Zaka offers Japanese cuisine for breakfast and lunch, and Italian-style Milano operates high-class dinner services.