Unmatched Luxury at Iraph SUI: Discover Okinawa’s Top Resort on Miyako Island

Hello! I’m Taka.

During my recent trip, I had the pleasure of staying at Iraph SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel located on Irabu Island, part of the Miyako Islands in Okinawa. The resort’s stunning location made for an unforgettable experience during my 3-day, 2-night stay.

From the spacious balcony with its breathtaking ocean view to the delightful Champagne service and the indulgent breakfast at TIN’IN, every moment was pure luxury.

I hope this article inspires those planning a special trip to Okinawa or Japan!

Please note that this information is from a stay a few years ago, so I recommend checking the official website for the latest updates.

Review Site	Hotel Rating
Rakuten Travel One of the largest online travel booking platforms in Japan	LUXURY SELECTION, Higher Quality (Top 4.0%)
Readers’ Choice Awards (2024)	Ranking #5 The five-ranked hotel in the top hotel category in Japan.

Iraph SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Miyako Okinawa, opened in 2018 as the third property in Japan under the prestigious ‘Luxury Collection’ brand.

Additionally, it earned a prestigious spot in Condé Nast Traveler‘s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking 5th in the “Top Hotels in Japan” category, further cementing its reputation as a world-class destination.

イラフ SUI ラグジュアリーコレクションホテル 沖縄宮古

Free Shuttle Service to “Iraph SUI”

I flew to Miyako Island with an ANA flight to Miyako Airport. By using ANA miles, I was able to significantly reduce my travel costs for this trip.

Getting to Iraph SUI was also a breeze. With prior arrangements, you can take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary taxi service from the airport. The ride takes about 20 minutes (typically costing ¥2,000–3,000), but both ways are free, which is a great perk.

For those who prefer to rent a car, the hotel offers free parking. They can also arrange a rental car for you, making it convenient even if you only need one for a day during your stay.

Turquoise Blue “Irabu Bridge”

Iraph SUI is located on Irabu Island, adjacent to Miyako Island, and you can reach it by crossing the stunning Irabu Bridge. This bridge, stretching 3,540 meters, is Japan’s longest free bridge, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise blue ocean as you drive across.

During your trip to Miyako Island, this bridge is a must-see attraction!

On the second day of my trip, I crossed Irabu Bridge multiple times in a rental car.

The elevation changes made for an enjoyable drive, and the views from the bridge were absolutely stunning and unforgettable.

Relaxed Early Check-in

After a 20-minute complimentary taxi ride from Miyako Airport, I arrived at Iraph SUI. The hotel has four floors, with the entrance and lobby located on the second floor.

As soon as I stepped out of the taxi, the staff kindly took care of my luggage and brought it to the room.

Walking through the large automatic doors at the entrance, I was greeted by the luxurious carpets of The Luxury Collection, and a beautifully designed pathway leading further in.

The approach instantly set the tone for a special, out-of-the-ordinary experience.

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With a welcome drink in hand, I relaxed on the lobby sofa, soaking in the breathtaking view of the infinity pool and the vivid “Miyako Blue” ocean.

While standard check-in starts at 3 PM, as a Marriott Bonvoy member, I was able to enjoy early check-in over an hour ahead of time. Despite it being peak season, they even extended my checkout by an hour, allowing for a truly leisurely stay.

Scenic Lunch at TIN’IN

After completing check-in, I headed to the highly anticipated restaurant “TIN’IN” for a reserved lunch.

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TIN’IN is the sole restaurant at Iraph SUI, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During our stay, we enjoyed breakfast here on both mornings.

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Sipping on a refreshing Orion Beer, I admired the stunning view before me. The Okinawan specialties, including “Tankan Citrus Dressing” and “Sea Grapes,” offered a perfect balance of tartness and saltiness!

The two types of homemade bread were delicious, whether eaten with olive oil or on their own. For lunch, we chose the highly recommended “Pasta Lunch,” which included a drink and provided a satisfying culinary experience.

The ‘Pasta with Island Shallots and Miyako Island Caught Bonito Ragu Sauce’ was packed with hearty chunks of ingredients, making it a satisfying and flavorful dish!

Breathtaking Views from the Upper Ocean View Room

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For this stay, we booked the “Upper Ocean View Room,” located on the top (4th) floor.

Compared to the similarly sized “Ocean View Room” on the 3rd floor (45 sqm), this room came at an additional cost of around ¥10,000.

The room’s highlight is the expansive 12 sqm balcony offering a stunning panoramic view! With a table nestled between the sofas, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a drink and soak in the luxurious atmosphere.

The chairs inside the room were also extremely comfortable, allowing me to enjoy the refreshing breeze and ocean views in pure bliss—a truly serene experience.

From the left side of the balcony, you can see the terrace seating of the previously mentioned TIN’IN restaurant.

What really catches the eye is the enormous 80 sqm balcony of the “Iraph Coral Suite.” This suite also comes with a jacuzzi, perfect for fully embracing the resort atmosphere.

Next to the terrace is an exclusive “pool” for guests, offering a luxurious place to relax.

The Beach Club also features a fireplace and comfortable daybeds, enhancing the resort experience.

To the right of the balcony stretches a beautiful sandy beach. In the distance, I was captivated by the stunning view of “Toguchi-no-hama,” often considered the top beach on Irabu Island.

On the second day, I visited the “Blue Turtle” café and restaurant, as well as Toguchi-no-hama, fully taking in the breathtaking coastline.

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On the room’s table, I found a wooden box filled with welcome sweets, including Okinawan specialties like “chinsuko” and dried fruits, which I enjoyed with an espresso.

The fridge in the room was stocked with a variety of drinks, complimentary for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members.

While there are no vending machines at Iraph SUI, plenty of bottled mineral water is provided in the room, and it’s also available for free in the lobby, ensuring a comfortable stay.

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The bathroom is equipped with a shower room and bathrobes, and from the bathtub, which comes with blinds for privacy, you can still enjoy stunning ocean views.

The amenities provided are from “JUNE JACOBS,” a world-renowned luxury spa brand known for its high quality.

In your room at Iraph SUI, you’ll also find beach sandals with the hotel’s logo, which you can take home!

They were incredibly useful during my time at the pool and beach.

Indulge in the Infinity Pool Experience

The stunning infinity pool seems to merge seamlessly with the blue ocean and sky, creating a breathtaking view.

Lounge chairs surround the pool, making it the perfect spot to fully immerse yourself in the resort atmosphere. You can also order a cocktail from TIN’IN nearby and relax while enjoying the gentle breeze.

At the “Beach Club,” you can enjoy breathtaking views up close.

Since the sun can be quite strong during the day, I highly recommend visiting around sunset for an even more magical experience!

At night, the pool is illuminated, creating a stunning, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

In the early morning, some guests even participated in SUP yoga (yoga on a paddleboard) in the pool, adding a unique and serene touch to their stay.

Complimentary Champagne at Sunset Delight

Although Iraph SUI doesn’t have a club lounge, all guests can enjoy complimentary champagne during “Sunset Delight,” held for one hour around sunset (30 minutes before and after).

There’s no dress code, so you can even enjoy your champagne poolside in your swimwear, making for a truly relaxing experience.

The champagne served during “Sunset Delight” is the well-chilled “Billecart-Salmon” (as of 2022).

Despite being a high-end champagne, the attentive staff were always ready with refills, making it a truly blissful and indulgent experience.

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For those who prefer not to drink alcohol, there’s also a non-alcoholic champagne option available. Additionally, a variety of soft drinks are offered, ensuring that guests of all ages can enjoy.

The snacks provided varied on the first and second days, perfectly complementing the champagne. On the second day of “Sunset Delight,” we were treated to live performances of traditional Okinawan songs played on the sanshin, creating a wonderful and memorable experience!

Must-Try Okinawan Cuisine Around the Hotel

Following the delightful Champagne Delight, we ventured out to two different local restaurants over our two-day stay.

Both establishments offered an authentic taste of Okinawa, making them must-visit spots for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the island’s culinary scene.

First Dining Experience: Buta Sho Miyakojima-tei

One standout dish is the “Miyako Beef Shabu-Shabu.” The meat is incredibly tender and packed with flavor, perfectly complemented by their special ponzu sauce. We also enjoyed the “Miyako Soba.”

The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. It was a heartwarming meal that helped us unwind after a day of travel. If you visit Miyako Island, this restaurant is a must-try!

Second Dining Experience: Ryukyu Dining “Faimiru”

If you’re looking for authentic Okinawan cuisine, one must-try dish is the “Miyako Beef Nigiri.” This sushi is renowned for its high quality and flavor, and it’s even been featured on the official JAL website as a popular choice.

Miyako beef is known for its rich marbling and tenderness, making it a true delicacy. The nigiri showcases this premium beef, lightly seared and served atop perfectly molded sushi rice, allowing you to savor the melt-in-your-mouth texture and exquisite taste.

Turn-Down Service for Your Comfort

After finishing dinner and returning to the room, I found the turn-down service (preparation for sleep) had been completed.

The bed features “Airweave” technology, providing just the right amount of firmness to support the body, allowing for an exceptional night’s sleep.

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Additionally, they replenished towels and drinks, and even left some chocolate made from Okinawan sugarcane for a sweet touch.

Luxurious Semi-Buffet Breakfast

For breakfast on both days, we dined at “TIN’IN.” While reservations aren’t required, it’s best to aim for later time slots if you want a table by the window.

The breakfast is offered in a half-buffet style, allowing guests to enjoy as much juice, salad, and fruit as they desire from the buffet counter, in addition to a main dish (either Western or Japanese).

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On the first day, I had planned to try a Japanese breakfast, but the Western options were so delicious that I decided to stick with them on the second day as well.

Even though it was the same style, the small plates varied between the two days, letting me fully experience the flavors of Okinawa.

The main dishes included an omelet (on the first day) and eggs Benedict (on the second day), both of which were exceptional, and I was thoroughly satisfied with the accompanying vegetables and sausages.

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The bread selection changed between the two days, featuring different types of muffins.

The high-quality bread had a perfect crunchy exterior and a moist interior that was irresistible.

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The fruit selection included seasonal varieties, with watermelon on the first day and pineapple on the second.

Dragon fruit and mango were available both days, and I was particularly impressed by the sweetness of the “exquisite mango.

Recommended Spots Around Irabu Island

One must-visit spot near “Iraph SUI” is Blue Turtle.

1. Just a five-second walk to the breathtaking beach!
2. Enjoy your meal in your swimwear!
3. Free parking and showers available!

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During lunch, I enjoyed the Miyako Beef Hamburger Curry. The juicy hamburger was bursting with flavor, delivering a luxurious taste from the very first bite.

The passion fruit juice was a refreshing treat, with a delightful aroma and a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness!

The complimentary shower, resembling a palm tree, was perfect for rinsing off the beach sand.

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Afterward, I visited Wataru Beach, which was almost like a private beach at the time of my visit. I fully enjoyed the stunning Miyako Blue waters.

Next, I headed to Makiyama Observatory, just a few minutes’ drive from Wataru Beach.

This breathtaking spot offers a panoramic view of the Irabu Bridge!

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From this viewpoint, perched at the highest point on Irabu Island, you can gaze out over the stunning Miyako Blue sea.

Bittersweet Checkout

Thanks to the late checkout, I was able to extend my stay by an hour, allowing me to leisurely stroll through the beach club and relax on the balcony.

After checking out, I asked the staff to take a couple’s photo for us. Initially, we planned to take the photo at the entrance, but the staff kindly suggested, “How about taking it inside for a nicer backdrop?” This thoughtful suggestion made our experience even more special.

Throughout our two-night stay, every staff member provided outstanding service, and I was truly impressed by the high level of hospitality! I already know where I’ll be staying for my next trip to Miyako Island!

Conclusion

During our first visit to Miyako Island, we had the incredible opportunity to stay at Iraph SUI, which allowed us to create countless unforgettable memories. The luxurious accommodations, stunning ocean views, and exceptional service made our experience truly special.

From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality, and the unique amenities, such as the complimentary sunset champagne and the breathtaking infinity pool, enhanced our stay. Dining at the restaurant, TIN’IN, was a highlight, featuring delicious local cuisine and spectacular views.

We also explored the beautiful surroundings, including the iconic Irabu Bridge and pristine beaches, which further enriched our experience.

I hope this article serves as a helpful reference for those considering a trip to Miyako Island.

Thank you for reading until the end!