Rosewood debuts in Japan
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Rosewood Miyakojima, its debut property in Japan.
Sitting on an untouched peninsula on a tropical island located off the south coast of mainland Japan, the property’s design draws on the history, landscape and culture of the Ryukyu Islands. The resort’s design was completed by Studio Piet Boon, whose founder Piet Boon was intrigued by what he calls “a serene and unspoiled destination”.
Designed to frame the surrounding landscape, the resort’s architecture accentuates the area’s natural beauty throughout, prioritising natural materials, clean lines and textures that reflect the island’s pristine beaches and turquoise waters.
Local Ryukyu stone plays a central role in the architectural palette, used in various ways to establish a strong connection between the resort and the island’s natural aesthetics. “At Studio Piet Boon, we feel a deep connection to Japanese culture, particularly in design principles such as simplicity, balance, and harmony,” says Piet Boon. “These elements were essential in shaping the property, allowing us to create a seamless blend of luxury and tranquility – one that celebrates both the local environment and our shared design values.”
Overlooking Oura Bay with direct access to the beach, the resort comprises 55 guest accommodations. Bathed in natural light, with accents that draw on local materials, the villas and houses draw inspiration from the serenity of Ryukyu architecture.
Accommodations are divided into five different zones across the peninsula, each showcasing a distinct aspect of Miyakojima’s natural beauty. Villas take their names from the Okinawan dialect, referring to the topography of each location. Daya villas look out onto the cliffside; Mui villas sit in the peace of the mountains; Miji villas are on the tip of the peninsula by the sea; Uru villas are directly on the sand; and Isu villas are nestled on the rocky beach.
The culinary offerings at Rosewood Miyakojima span four distinct dining experiences, each rooted in the island’s provenance. The all-day dining concept Nagi offers a curated fusion of Italian cuisine and Japanese cooking techniques; Maas is an oceanside restaurant that highlights the simple flavors of the sea; and Yukuu is the resort’s poolside bar, offering a curated selection of drinks and casual dishes with panoramic views of the ocean. Opening later in 2025, Choma will bring together four distinct areas of washoku – sushi, tempura, teppanyaki and yakitori – served in an open pavilion overlooking the sea.
Okinawa is home to some of the longest-living people on earth, known for their innately healthy and easygoing lifestyles. Combining this time-honoured wisdom with Asaya, Rosewood’s wellbeing concept, the property’s spa comprises six treatment rooms, a yoga studio and a fitness centre.
“It is with great pleasure that we introduce Rosewood’s first property in Japan on the beautiful island of Miyakojima – a destination rich in cultural heritage and natural splendor,” says Noriko Nakayama, Managing Director of the hotel. “Rosewood Miyakojima embarks on an exciting journey to embody Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy, offering a curated selection of experiences, from exceptional culinary journeys to immersive encounters with local wildlife. I am especially excited to invite our guests to become sea turtle ambassadors, where together we will explore Miyakojima’s undiscovered ecology and gain a deeper understanding of these incredible creatures that call the island home.”
