Okinawa has no shortage of luxury hotels overlooking the azure sea, but few enjoy a more stunning location than the ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort.
The hotel sits on a bluff above the East China Sea, directly across from the famed Cape Manza (or Manzamo), the uniquely-shaped limestone cliff that is one of the island's most beautiful sunset locations. On the grounds, visitors have access to the white sands of a public beach, a wedding chapel overlooking the ocean and a private beach in a secluded cove.
The inside of the hotel is equally impressive, with a breezy open lobby and rooms on eight floors arranged around an open atrium. Most of the rooms have twin or double beds, and all boast ocean views. Aim for a room on the southern side of the hotel so you can see the sunset over Cape Manza from the comfort of your balcony. If you're lucky enough to be a member of the hotel's preferred guest program, you'll be greeted with fresh fruit and specially-made Okinawa chinsuko cookies upon check-in.
You don't have to leave the property to enjoy a wide range of local delicacies. The restaurant boasts multiple eateries, from a Chinese establishment to a Japanese restaurant to an eatery that does all-day dining, including a fantastic breakfast buffet. The hotel also has a nightly dinner theater, with two shows (6:00pm and 8:30pm) featuring performances of traditional Ryukyuan dances. The food on offer at the dinner theater's buffet is a selection of typical Okinawa dishes, such as goya champuru and Okinawa soba.
When the weather is warm, there's no better place to spend your vacation than engaging in one of the many water activities the hotel offers. In the summer months, the hotel creates an Ocean Park, a playground on the water for kids and adults alike. Visitors can also rent jet skis and kayaks, or take a ride in the Submarine Jr, which takes adventurers under the sea for a close-up look at a variety of colorful ocean dwellers. Even in the winter months, the outdoor pool remains warm enough for a quick dip.
Rooms at the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort can be easily booked on the hotel's website.
