ORIENTAL HOTEL OKINAWA

Perched gracefully above the lush hills of Yambaru, in central Okinawa, the Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa offers a refreshing blend of Japanese tropical serenity and well-considered modernity. With its distinctive triangular architecture and panoramic ocean views from every room, this expansive resort proves that great hospitality doesn’t always come with fanfare — it often arrives in quiet, considered layers.

Words by Adam Chan.

The first thing you notice is space. Not just physical space — though the property’s scale is impressive, from soaring corridors to oversized rooms — but also the kind that invites you to breathe more deeply. The hotel’s elevated setting, surrounded by subtropical greenery, ensures sweeping views of the East China Sea from every guest room, thanks to the clever design: rooms face outward, while the walkways encircle a lush, open atrium.

All rooms come with private balconies and generous floor plans, averaging over 40 square metres, making them ideal for couples and families alike. The Club Rooms and Suites, located on the top two floors, offer the best vantage points and include exclusive access to the Club Lounge, where we spent a full, blissful day rotating between breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés, and cocktails. The Lounge leans western in its offerings — eggs made to order, burgers, light salads, and juices — but there’s also a separate restaurant for a more traditional Japanese breakfast.

Wellness is central to the experience here. The hotel boasts five swimming pools, including a dynamic outdoor pool complex with zones for families, lap swimmers, and loungers, plus a heated outdoor pool and a serene indoor pool — ideal for rainy days. There’s even a splash-friendly aquatic zone with slides and a climbing structure for children. For adults, jacuzzis, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a public bath offer more tranquil moments. It’s not a spa in the traditional sense, but the facilities easily rival many wellness resorts in comfort and breadth.

When the call of the sea beckons, guests can hop on a complimentary shuttle to the hotel’s beach area, just down the hill. The waters here are a painter’s palette of turquoise, and the shoreline is ideal for safe swimming or simply sinking your toes into Okinawa’s golden sands. Back at the hotel, a vast souvenir shop and a self-service Amenities Room — stocked with everything from skincare to beach kits — mean you’re always well-prepared, without having to ask.

Cultural connection isn’t left behind either. The hotel offers a rotation of Okinawan-inspired activities, from local crafts to seasonal night events, inviting guests of all ages to engage with the island’s heritage. With family-friendly touches, thoughtful design, and authentic charm, the Oriental Hotel Okinawa feels like a true retreat — accessible, grounded, and quietly indulgent.

Oriental Hotel Okinawa Resort & Spa is full of heart for travellers seeking a base that delivers comfort, calm, and coastal beauty in equal measure, this hillside haven might be Okinawa’s most appreciated gem.