Hello! I’m Taka.
At KAYATSUMA OKINAWA HOTEL & RESORT, an adults-only private villa resort overlooking the stunning ocean and Kouri Island, I experienced the best sauna of my life.
Surrounded by nature, this exclusive retreat features just four villas, each offering a secluded escape. We stayed in the “Premier Room (No.4)” with its own private sauna, making for a truly unforgettable stay.
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.
- Villas: 4 ocean-view suite villas
- Check-in: 15:00 (standard)
- Check-out: 11:00 (standard)
- Access: Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Naha Airport
- Parking: Available
- Note: Guests must be 16 years or older
| Review Site | Hotel Rating |
|---|---|
| Rakuten Travel One of the largest online travel booking platforms in Japan | LUXURY SELECTION, Higher Quality (Top 4.0%) |
As of 2024, Kayatsuma Okinawa has earned nearly perfect ratings on Japan’s largest travel site, Rakuten Travel. The unforgettable “sauna experience” with breathtaking views alone makes it a once-in-a-lifetime memory.
Additionally, the exceptional hospitality from the staff contributed greatly to an overall satisfying and memorable stay.
- A Luxurious Escape to Nakijin Village
- Private Sauna and Ocean-View “Premium Room”
- Infinity Pool with the Majestic Nakijin Blue
- Dinner Featuring Luxurious BBQ Ingredients!
- The Ultimate Sauna Experience: Private Sauna
- A Luxurious “Japanese Breakfast” Featuring Okinawan Ingredients
- After Check-Out, Off to the “Private Beach”
- Nearby Attraction: Churaumi Aquarium
- Conclusion
A Luxurious Escape to Nakijin Village
Getting to “KAYATSUMA OKINAWA” from Naha Airport takes just 1.5 hours by rental car. But before arriving, we made a worthwhile stop at “On the Beach Cafe,” located only 15 minutes from the resort.
Though our first day in Okinawa was overcast, “On the Beach Cafe” was a great start! We enjoyed fluffy pancakes, a hamburger made with Okinawan ingredients, and refreshing tropical drinks, all while soaking in the resort vibes.
On sunny days, you can catch breathtaking views of the vivid Nakijin Blue.
After setting the GPS to “KAYATSUMA OKINAWA” (沖縄県国頭郡今帰仁村字運天５０６−１), we left the cafe. The drive took us through narrow roads, passing by other villas, before leading us up a hill where our destination awaited.
The resort’s spacious parking area made for an easy, relaxed arrival.
Beyond the parking area, a lush lawn and breathtaking ocean views stretched out before us (photo taken the following day).
As we approached the entrance, a friendly staff member warmly greeted us and guided us to our villa.
Each of the four villas stands independently, providing an exclusive retreat for adult guests thanks to its age restriction.
Here, amidst the sound of birds chirping, insects humming, and waves crashing, guests are assured an unparalleled experience of tranquility and luxury.
Private Sauna and Ocean-View “Premium Room”
At the entrance of our room, two “shisa” lion-dog statues—symbolic of Okinawa—stood guard, welcoming us warmly.
Just beyond the first set of doors was a second entrance, creating an appealing sense of anticipation as we entered.
Inside, the room exuded a refined “woody modern” aesthetic, with the warmth of natural wood balancing a sophisticated design.
The expansive terrace beyond opened up to breathtaking ocean views, enhancing the room’s tranquil ambiance.
The minibar offered an impressive selection, featuring high-end wines like Opus One, along with a variety of champagnes and beers.
Additionally, the top shelf of the fridge was stocked with complimentary mineral water and soft drinks!
In the kitchen area, high-quality appliances, including a Balmuda toaster and an espresso machine, added convenience and style.
A selection of premium Dilmah teas and a freezer with ice cubes were also thoughtfully provided.
The bathroom featured two charming sinks with an array of well-curated amenities between them, such as cleanser, facial wash, and lotion—everything needed for a comfortable stay.
The space also included a generous luggage area with a drum-style washer-dryer, complete with detergent. This convenient feature made it easy to clean swimsuits and other items used in the sauna, ensuring a smooth and comfortable stay without any laundry concerns.
The room included durable beach sandals, which were available as a take-home item. For sauna enthusiasts, a complete set was thoughtfully provided: a bucket and ladle for löyly (steam rituals), sauna mats, a poncho, and water for hydration—all ensuring a fully satisfying experience. Additionally, bathrobes and two-piece pajamas were available for added comfort.
The restroom was equipped with an automatic lid toilet, enhancing cleanliness and offering a modern, high-quality feel.
Moving into the bathroom area, a spacious shower booth and bathtub were complemented by a long bench, allowing guests to unwind comfortably.
The amenities included premium products from “YUMEJIN,” a brand featuring hibiscus-based shampoo and body soap. These products had a rich lather, a smooth feel, and left a refreshingly clean sensation, adding a delightful touch to the bathing experience.
Just outside the bathroom, a jacuzzi awaits, providing a perfect spot to relax. Guests can also enjoy a refreshing cold plunge with water maintained at a brisk 16 degrees Celsius, offering an invigorating experience after a sauna session. This combination enhances the overall relaxation and wellness offerings, making it an ideal setting for rejuvenation.
The bedroom, elegantly unified in shades of gray, epitomizes sophistication and style. The inclusion of louvered shutters seamlessly integrates the air conditioning into the design.
The bed boasts high-quality materials, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep, making it a perfect retreat for relaxation.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with a delightful welcome treat of Okinawa’s famous sweet, chinsuko, accompanied by a thoughtful message card. Savoring the chinsuko with a rich espresso was the perfect way to start our stay.
After this lovely welcome, we set our sights on the stunning infinity pool!
Infinity Pool with the Majestic Nakijin Blue
We arrived at the stunning infinity pool! (The photo was taken the following day.)
In front of the infinity pool, there’s a cozy lounge area where you can enjoy soft drinks and sparkling wine for free.
With a gentle breeze blowing, we were guided to a cave-like sofa bed, where we sipped sparkling wine while taking in the breathtaking views. It was the perfect setting to indulge in a moment of luxury!
Dinner Featuring Luxurious BBQ Ingredients!
During our stay, we had three dinner options at KAYATSUMA OKINAWA. This time, we chose the BBQ:
- Shabu-shabu
- Italian-inspired creative dinner
- BBQ (some rooms may not allow this option)
Originally, we were set for a charcoal grill BBQ on the terrace, but due to strong winds, it was moved indoors. Surprisingly, enjoying the BBQ in the cool indoor environment, free from insects, turned out to be a blessing!
The staff kindly brought the BBQ set to our room, so all we had to do was start grilling!
Here’s the full spread of the BBQ! It’s an incredible amount of food, and believe it or not, this is just for two people!
You can indulge in the luxurious Okinawa black wagyu beef, “Yamashiro Beef,” paired with the rich flavor of “Agu Pork.” The seafood is equally enticing, featuring fresh treasures from the sea like scallops, shrimp, and salmon. The combination with oil and cheese is exceptional, delivering a burst of incredible flavors with every bite.
The grilled vegetables and salad are also outstanding, and I’m always amazed by the deliciousness of the island’s produce every time I visit Okinawa. Choosing this barbecue experience to savor the abundance of these ingredients was definitely the right decision!
Additionally, the meal includes juicy chicken, adding to the variety of flavors. For dessert, tropical fruits provide a vibrant and refreshing finish.
I poured a chilled Orion Beer into a Ryukyu glass, enjoying its crisp taste alongside the meal. It truly was the perfect way to spend an unforgettable evening!
The Ultimate Sauna Experience: Private Sauna
After a relaxing dinner, we took some time to unwind before heading to the “Private Sauna” the next morning. On the spacious terrace, we discovered a genuine “SCANDINAVIAN SAUNA.” With its magic mirror design, the sauna allowed us to see the breathtaking views outside while enjoying the warmth inside!
Additionally, there is a paid sauna near the infinity pool, so guests in rooms without private saunas can also indulge in a refreshing sauna experience.
Among the various accommodations available, there are very few places where you can enjoy a sauna experience in a private setting. Moreover, the opportunity to soak in breathtaking ocean views is almost unique to this location.
The sofa beds arranged on the terrace offer exceptional comfort, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning scenery right in front of you! You can even see Kouri Island and the Kouri Bridge from the terrace, making your stay here a truly blissful experience.
The sauna at “KAYATSUMA OKINAWA” is a genuine Finnish sauna produced by the industry expert, Dai Matsuo. It offers a fully immersive experience, allowing guests to enjoy self-directed sauna sessions.
You can easily adjust the temperature settings via a panel inside the room, and it even features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling you to listen to your favorite music while you relax.
The sauna is equipped with an hourglass and thermometer, allowing you to customize the temperature to your preference and fully enjoy your sauna experience.
You can indulge in this luxurious moment as many times as you like, truly savoring the freedom of your own personalized “sauna experience.”
To fully enjoy the sauna, a refreshing cold plunge was prepared! The lid of the jacuzzi was removed, and it was filled with water at an ideal temperature of around 16 degrees.
From the terrace, you can see the infinity pool, and the views are open between the two areas, so a swimsuit is required when using the cold plunge or jacuzzi.
Enjoying the fresh air while taking in the magnificent view, we refreshed ourselves with an ice-cold Coca-Cola! Being surrounded by Okinawa’s rich nature, we occasionally spotted insects and geckos, but our beach sandals came in handy.
Through this wonderful sauna experience, we felt completely rejuvenated, both physically and mentally.
A Luxurious “Japanese Breakfast” Featuring Okinawan Ingredients
The breakfast is by reservation only, offering “Japanese Cuisine” on odd days and “Western Breakfast” on even days. Since our stay fell on an odd day, we indulged in the “Japanese Cuisine.” It felt incredibly luxurious to enjoy such a lavish breakfast after a morning sauna!
Similar to the barbecue, the staff brought the meal to our villa and set everything up for us.
Three-Tiered Bento Box:
- Top tier: Jimami tofu, mentaiko, and aspara-agu rolled
- Middle tier: Sashimi (tuna and scallops) and seasonal fruits
- Bottom tier: Braised pork belly (rafute) and local beef steak with a Japanese-style sauce
Cedar Box:
- Okinawan mozuku vinegar, tenderly simmered anago, and chirimen sansho
Grilled Fish:
- Grilled flounder marinated in yuuan sauce and dashi rolled omelet
Rice:
- Hokkaido-grown Nanatsuboshi
Soup:
- Miso soup and pickles
This extravagant breakfast, filled with Okinawan ingredients, set us off to a wonderful start to our day!
After Check-Out, Off to the “Private Beach”
After savoring our luxurious breakfast, we relaxed on the terrace with a cup of coffee, soaking in the moment. Feeling a bit nostalgic, we made our way to the front desk (located on the upper floor of the lounge) before check-out at 11 AM.
Once the check-out process was completed, a wonderful suggestion came from the staff: “Would you like to take any drinks from the lounge with you?” We happily accepted some sanpin tea. We were truly grateful for their exceptional hospitality!
Even after check-out, we inquired if we could enjoy a stroll along the private beach located on the hotel grounds. The staff responded with a cheerful, “Of course! We’ll take you there in a cart!”
As we hopped into the cart and descended the slope, we were greeted by breathtaking views of Kouri Island right in front of us. It was a perfect way to end our luxurious stay!
As we descended the stairs, a stunning natural coral beach revealed itself before us, with soft white sands stretching out along the shoreline. The crystal-clear emerald waters were breathtaking, leaving us in awe of their beauty.
Not only can guests enjoy activities like swimming and snorkeling, but this picturesque spot is also a popular choice for wedding photography, making it the perfect destination for honeymooners.
Nearby Attraction: Churaumi Aquarium
Getting to Churaumi Aquarium from KAYATSUMA OKINAWA is convenient, taking just a 30-minute drive. At the aquarium, you can admire a vibrant array of fish and marine life up close, making your Okinawa trip even more special!
The Ocean Expo Park, home to Churaumi Aquarium, boasts a vast expanse of land. The breathtaking views of the ocean and Ie Island from the park are truly impressive.
At Churaumi Aquarium, you can’t help but be captivated by the immense size of the whale sharks. The dolphin show features incredible performances that make your heart soar as you watch the charming dolphins in action.
Additionally, getting up close and personal with the sea turtles is a soothing experience, making it a truly wonderful outing.
Conclusion
Our stay at “KAYATSUMA OKINAWA” was an unforgettable experience that beautifully combined luxury, relaxation, and the natural wonders of Okinawa. From the private sauna and stunning ocean views to the delicious barbecue dinner and exquisite Japanese breakfast, every detail was thoughtfully arranged for our enjoyment. The exceptional hospitality of the staff made us feel truly welcomed.
We also enjoyed the private beach and explored nearby attractions like the Churaumi Aquarium, which added a delightful adventure to our stay. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a chance to unwind, KAYATSUMA OKINAWA is the perfect destination. We left feeling rejuvenated and excited for our next visit.
Other Recommended Hotels in Okinawa:
Iraph SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel
If you’re considering a trip to the Kansai region, here are some additional recommendations:
Thank you for reading until the end!
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