HOSHINOYA Okinawa

The service was a real highlight. Everyone we met was kind, hardworking, professional, and humble, and we felt well looked after throughout. Our room and the grounds were clean and beautiful, with a lush, carefully maintained feel. The minimalist rooms were especially lovely, and a top-floor one can have breathtaking views. It gave us a great place to slow down together on our honeymoon. The food was very good too, though sometimes pricey. I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5, but wouldn’t mind rounding up. We spent several days at Hoshinoya Okinawa in mid-June 2026, near the end of Okinawa’s rainy season. The weather meant less beach time than we’d hoped and not much sunshine. That’s not the resort’s fault, and we still did plenty. I love rain and think Japan, Okinawa included, looks beautiful in it. It also kept the island fairly temperate, though still warm, which my heat-sensitive wife appreciated. If sunny weather matters for your plans, look into the rainy season before choosing dates. We also liked the location for tide pools and a short walk to a sandier beach. We prefer wilder beaches where there’s a better chance of seeing fish, but people wanting manicured white-sand beaches may feel differently. It’s good to know what kind of beach you’re after. One downside was dinner at Olu Grill. This is a family-friendly resort, which was mostly fine for us, but children often screamed in the echoey restaurant and it sometimes made conversation difficult. We don’t mind kids being around, and they were often cute, but the noise in Olu was disruptive. Some ground rules might help, especially at an upscale resort. We had a great honeymoon here and would return. It felt like a Japanese-style resort that also accommodates international guests. Some negative reviews seemed to expect a more Western-style experience, so it may help to set expectations accordingly.

The resort felt peaceful and closely connected to Okinawa’s natural setting and culture. From relaxing by the water to simply looking out at the scenery, the time there felt memorable, and we left feeling refreshed and grateful. Our room was roomy, comfortable, and thoughtfully laid out. Waking up to the ocean each morning was lovely. The oceanfront grounds were beautiful and well cared for, with a blend of modern luxury and traditional Okinawan design. We were welcomed warmly from the moment we arrived, and the attentive staff made us feel cared for throughout. Meals were also a treat, with fresh local ingredients and creative dishes bringing out Okinawan flavors. We’re already looking forward to coming back to Hoshinoya Okinawa.

What stayed with us most was the hospitality. The staff were discreet but went out of their way for us several times, including small honeymoon touches and taking charge when our car wouldn’t start. They even loaded our luggage into the car, and were very sweet with our baby. We spent six nights at Hoshinoya with our five-month-old and couldn’t have been happier. The place feels like a little village: small buildings tucked among lush trees, lovely views, and a relaxing atmosphere. The grounds are beautiful. The pool isn’t huge for a resort this size, but it felt private and comfortable even though many guests use it. The heated infinity pool looks out over the wild coastline and is open around the clock, which we really liked. Our room was gorgeous, with comfortable bedding and good amenities. There’s a kitchen area with a sink, oven, and large table, so eating in doesn’t mean sitting on the bed. A big couch faces the sunset, making a nice spot for breakfast by the sea or a drink and snacks in the evening. Food was excellent across the options, from snacks at Banta’s and casual meals at Olu Grill to the lovely breakfasts and dinners in the main dining area. The hotel and restaurants had great baby amenities, which made travelling with a little one much easier. An absolute star of a place!

We visited in late April 2026 and really enjoyed the stay. The blue cave tour booked through the concierge was spectacular. We were the first there that day, so having the whole area to ourselves was incredible and well worth a 5am wake-up. The resort also has paid and free activities that seem to change with the season. We tried the breathing exercises, afternoon tea, and sake night at the lounge. Meals were a pleasure. At OLU grill, the seafood was fresh and cooked just right, and Okinawa soba noodles were a favorite. Banta cafe has a limited menu, though its snacks worked nicely for a light lunch. We had breakfast in our room and in the dining area, and the Ryukyu breakfast was my favorite for its variety. The Gathering Dining Service was fun too. The description says the chef prepares most of the food and guests finish cooking it, so I enjoyed taking the meal at a slower pace. Staff delivered the food and cleared everything efficiently without intruding. They couldn’t really adjust the menu to remove beef, but the vegetarian option was genuinely good, with fresh vegetables and creamy, savory mushroom risotto. Staff were also careful to flag beef stock in dishes I tried to order, both through room dining and at OLU grill. Communication between the resort and restaurant was excellent. The property is quiet, secluded, and spacious, with a long stretch of beautiful ocean. Our Haru room had lovely beach and sea views. I liked the design, including how the balcony doors seemed to frame the ocean. The room flowed well and had tasteful furnishings. Toiletries, indoor and outdoor clothes, and slippers were provided, so I could have managed without most of what I packed. The pillow was a little flat, but two stacked together might do the trick. Everything was clean, and housekeeping promptly topped up supplies. Even in spring heading into summer, we hardly saw bugs. The supplied insect repellent worked well. Staff English wasn’t perfect but was understandable. I was puzzled by reviews criticizing them for that, since pointing or using a translation app can also get a message across. Service was consistently prompt and professional. They weren’t as smiley or chatty as some Western-style hospitality, but they were keen to help. A few guests seemed to be disappointed that they had to cook as part of the Gathering Dining Service, though that’s explained in its description. The activity suited us. I’d happily come back for another quiet, relaxing break.