Hoshinoya Taketomi Island

Hoshinoya Taketomi Island is on Taketomi Island in the Okinawa islands, and has an off-the-beaten-track, tranquil village setting.

The spacious villas are typically Japanese in design, with wood floors and tatami straw matting, alongside traditional gukku and hinpun stone walls and shisha figurines on top of the roofs ('shisha' means 'lion' in Okinawan) - these walls and lions are believed to ward off evil spirits. Wall-less living areas provide a cooling ocean breeze, while there are generous bath tubs alongside floor-to-ceiling windows, verandas to relax on and private gardens full of the sounds of tropical birds. The beach can be reached via a short walk along white-sand paths.

Wake up to breakfast in the shade of the indigenous trees in your private garden, and in the evening dine on French-Okinawan fusion cuisine served on handmade ceramic plates created by artist Jissei Omine. The dishes feature ingredients found on the island and in its coral-rich waters, including fresh fish such as Japanese tiger prawns and locally-grown beef, vegetables, and herbs such as parsley and rosemary. Enjoy a private barbecue in the gardens or dine in the comfort of your room or on your veranda.

The pool at the centre of the village is always open and the furnished terrace area provides a haven for relaxation under the shade of ancient banyan trees, as does the wellness centre, which offers a range of treatments designed to reset the mind and body to the slower pace of island life. You can also while away some time in the comfortable lounge, which has books, newspapers and a drinks stand. 

Unwind on the pristine beaches, and enjoy swimming, snorkelling and diving - the colourful fish and corals and the chance for close encounters with manta rays make the surrounding waters a paradise for water sports. You can also visit nearby islands.

Back on dry land, explore the island on leisurely treks, learn about local handicrafts and age-old techniques that have been passed down the generations, such as minsa weaving and tool-making with local plants, and listen to the local musicians playing traditional shamisen music. There are colourful festivals throughout the year which offer an excellent way to discover local traditions. In the evening, experience sunset on the beach and some night-time stargazing.