Okinawa, JapanNakijin
MAGACHABARU OKINAWA
Brutalist forest villas
Brutalist forest villas
Eleven concrete villas stand across the subtropical Yanbaru forest like an isolated village, conceived to showcase the wild woodland.
What it’s good at
Notable
Floating villa pool breakfasts and private compounds stocked with Guerlain bath amenities.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Deep in the dense subtropical Yanbaru Forest of Northern Okinawa’s mountainous Motobu Peninsula is a luxurious little gem of a resort: Magachabaru Okinawa, an 11-suite escape whose low-profile concrete structures are laid out more in the manner of a village than a traditional hotel.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The UNESCO-listed Nakijin Castle ruins sit minutes away, surrounded by the quiet subtropical hills of the Motobu Peninsula.
The rooms
Bare concrete walls contrast with hardwood floors, and generous bathrooms open straight onto private heated pool terraces.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Every villa has a heated ten-metre pool and a separate shallow pool looking out into the dense forest.
The spa
Therapists come directly to your villa for aroma treatments and reflexology foot massage beside the private pool.
At the table
The dining room looks onto the forest, serving Ryukyu-Italian multi-course dinners made with Motobu beef and local seafood.
How it began
The name Magachabaru comes from the historic tea grounds once cultivated on this land for nearby Nakijin Castle.
Okinawa
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.