Northstar

The Indispensable Travel Industry Read Eyes on Southeast Asia Feature Highlight Vol. 3 Issue 16 | 05 June 2012 | www.travelweeklyweb.com | Published by Travel & Meetings Group, Ten Alps Communications Asia Pte Ltd News Accor's 500th hotel Aviation Page 3 The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa's exterior and pool The Ritz-Carlton opens its fi rst luxury resort in Okinawa Island The tropical island of Okinawa is now home to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C's first luxury resort in Japan. Making head- way for luxury hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa is the ultimate destination for the international luxury traveller, offering what it has been most famous for; championship golf courses, surrounded by pristine waters per- fect for waterborne activities. The Okinawan concept of hospitality or "gusuku" which translates as "castle" or "guest house" has been carefully refl ected throughout the property to give it a welcoming sense of place. The new Ritz-Carlton resort embodies this spirit through its landscaping and contem- porary architectural design which extensively features the Shurijo face motifs, distinctive red clay roof tiles, white walls and holy water ponds. "We have no doubt that Okinawa has the potential to be a resort island of true interna- tional appeal, attracting visitors from all over the world, whether they are visiting the island for business or pleasure. It really is a hidden gem and the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Ok- inawa helps to put this destination on the map for discerning luxury travellers," said Herve Humler, president and chief operations offi cer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa enjoys sweep- ing panoramic views that overlook the East China Sea and the Kise Country Club. Inspired by the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, manicured golf courses and the sea, the luxu- rious resort has been designed to be in har- mony with its natural surroundings. Okinawa island, for generations, has been the secret little getaway for the locals and has been relatively untouched by the international luxury traveller. The opening allows for more to enjoy the island's beauty, culture and the return of exquisite fi ne dining, with the estab- lishment of Chura-Nuhji helmed by executive chef Koji Hayakawa who was the forefront CAAS rolls out new initiatives to raise productivity for aviation companies Page 6 runner of Italian restaurants such as Ristorante La Granata Ginza and Ristorante La Granata, TBS. This new hotel presents a host of sophis- ticated restaurants and a bar. Set in a modern and refined environment, the three restau- rants will feature creative and sensational din- ing options. A short stroll through landscaped gardens is The Spa, in its own separate enclave. The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA combines the es- sence of ancient and modern Chinese, Indian, European and Balinese spa cultures. It uses the luxury ESPA products that harness the best of nature's essential oils, botanicals and marine supplements. The exquisite collection of treat- ments represents complete care, personalisa- tion and the ultimate in luxury. The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa joins three other Ritz-Carlton hotels operating or under development in Japan – Osaka, Tokyo and Kyoto (opening 2014).

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