Island Hopping Through Okinawa: A 7-Day Private Tropical Escape
Soft white sand beaches, jungle-covered landscapes and untamed tropical rainforests; this 7-day journey is the perfect way to explore the remote islands of Okinawa.
A Tropical Adventure
Days 1–3: Taketomi Island & Iriomote
Begin your journey on Taketomi Island, a coral island where white-sand lanes and red-tiled villas preserve the traditional pace of Ryukyu life. Embark on a private cycling tour through the village and nearby Kondoi Beach, arriving before the crowds. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Iriomote Island via private boat, where a private mangrove canoe tour leads you through winding jungle waterways, with chances to spot rare wildlife in this untamed ecosystem. Return to Taketomi for dinner under subtropical skies, and head out on a private Sabani sunset sail — paddling aboard a traditional wooden Ryukyuan boat with a local guide who shares stories of the island’s culture.
Days 3-5: Miyakojima
Arrive in Miyakojima, a luminous coral island defined by its clear shallows and slow rhythms. Staying at the luxurious Rosewood Miyakojima, enjoy sunrise paddleboarding at Yonaha Maehama, followed by guided snorkelling through Sunayama Beach’s natural limestone arch. Spend the afternoon exploring Irabu and Kurima Islands by private car, with stops at secluded beaches and scenic bridges overlooking the reef. Dive into the Yabiji Reef, Japan’s largest coral system, for a private underwater adventure — snorkelling among sea turtles, tropical fish, and thriving coral gardens stretching over 15km of protected marine landscape. Back on land, visit a Tsuboya pottery workshop with a master artisan from Kinjo Pottery and learn to shape and decorate your own piece with traditional Ryukyuan motifs.
Days 5-7: Naha Island
Return to Okinawa’s main island and transfer privately to The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa, where subtropical forest meets open coast. With a local nature guide, explore trails through Yanbaru National Park, home to rare flora and endemic wildlife. Swim at quiet coves near Cape Manzamo, or relax on the unspoiled sands of Okuma Beach, far from the main resort clusters. Unwind with a signature spa appointment at a refined resort hidden among bamboo groves and gardens. Treatments incorporate local ingredients like sea salt, Alpinia flower, and Okinawan sea clay. Evenings are unhurried; Awamori tastings, charcoal-grilled pork, and sea-to-table dishes served just steps from the shore.
