The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA: A Luxurious Okinawa Trip

Okinawa, the premier Japanese resort island, is known for its number of luxury spas. Visitors wishing to refresh their body and mind may have a hard time deciding which spa to go to.

Our recommendation is the spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, a luxurious and dignified hotel standing atop a hill, among the subtropical plants of Kise, Nago City.

This article is about The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, which boasts a high quality facility that offers a wide variety of beauty treatments.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA

The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA is a gorgeous spa located at The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa. The hotel, surrounded by the lush Yanbaru forest, is designed after Shurijo Castle, a prominent World Heritage Site in Okinawa.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA was inspired by the idea of being in harmony with nature. This spa offers beauty treatments by ESPA, a British spa brand, and also handles ESPA skin conditioners.

This spa achieved the grand prix in the Crystal Award 2013 competition, and offers the ultimate relaxation with a wide variety of beauty treatments, supported by credible techniques and premier hospitality.

The high ceiling of the reception area is filled with light filtering through the trees, and the walls are covered with Japanese cedar panels. The interior, enveloped in the subtle sweet fragrance of the wood, is inspired by natural elements such as wood, water, wind and sand. Guests will feel as if they have the grand facility all to themselves, and time will start flowing in a serene, elegant manner.

To ensure privacy, all treatments will be conducted in separate rooms. The spa is also fully equipped with locker rooms and relaxation spaces.

There are ten treatment rooms. Bingata, a traditional Okinawan textile, is used on the beds, and the works of Inamine Seikichi, the modern Ryukyu Glass artist, help to create an Okinawan atmosphere.

Additional Facilities

Guests can also enjoy various services such as Heat Experience, a unique bathing facility separated by gender, and manicures, as well. The indoor pool comes with a relaxation space, complete with jet baths and daybeds.

There is also a fitness gym equipped with TechnoGym equipment, the largest European manufacturer of fitness machines.

Snacks and drinks can be ordered at the terrace outside. Guests can enjoy the atmosphere created by the Okinawan forest, and spend their time in bliss.

Ryukyu Nature Elements

The most popular treatment at Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA is the Ryukyu Nature Elements (120 minute and 90 minute courses), which is available only at this spa.

Luffa, Alpinia flower, red salt made from Okinawa seawater and red sweet potato, along with "nuchimasu" silk salt is used in this treatment. Nuchimasu is a special salt, made from a patented system using Okinawa seawater, which consists of its finest grains. This original treatment uses products made from local Okinawan materials.

In Okinawa, annual events are conducted according to the lunar calendar. Ryukyu Nature Elements has taken this tradition into account, and the composition of oil and lotion is adjusted with the waxes and wanes of the moon. This method helps to adjust the balance between body and mind, and also eases stress.

The 120 minute course starts with foot cleansing, using red salt. The next step is body smoothing, using the nuchimasu silk salt to pare away the old keratin. Then comes the massage, using warm stones and body oil made from Alpinia flowers, which has both a moisturizing and anti-oxidation effect, to revitalize the body.

The oil for the facial treatment is selected according to the guest's skin condition, and the last step is the refreshing scalp treatment. Ryukyu Nature Elements tends to the whole body, from scalp to toe.

Ryukyu Nature Elements
120 minute course: 38,000 yen; 90 minute course: 28,000 yen (tax included, service charge not included)
** The body smoothing using the nuchimasu silk salt is not included in the 90 minute course.

Private Spa Suite

Ryukyu Nature Elements is one way to enjoy this spa, but those who wish to experience something more should try the Private Spa Suite, which comes with an independent bath.

There are two types, the Ocean Suite, which has a lounge space, and the Forest Suite, which is equipped with a steam shower.

The Ocean Suite consists of two individual treatment rooms, so guests can enjoy the treatment all by themselves, or with a friend.

The Forest Suite is perfect for sharing the spa experience side by side with someone special.

The first hour of the Spa Suite course is the relaxation hour, with champagne and sweets. It can also be used enjoying a bath, while viewing the lush Okinawan forest.

Then comes the treatment by the therapist. The course can be chosen according to the guest's condition or feeling. This is the ultimate relaxation, provided by Private Spa Suite.

If you have the chance to visit Okinawa, try the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, to experience serenity and relaxation.

******

Those looking for a luxury spa in Okinawa should try the facilities authorized by the Okinawa Esthetics Spa Cooperative Society.
Please take a look at their official site.

Visitors are being asked to take part in surveys at some of the Okinawa Aesthetic And Spa Association facilities. At that time, if you mention "I read about this place on MATCHA", you have the chance to receive some of the following special privileges (first come, first serve basis, only valid until March 31st, 2018).
- At Creer Du Qi Ocean Spa location: free use of the Mori no Yu/Umi no Yu in the hotel.
- At Ryujin no Yu Hot Spring: receive a free Sengajima Hotel original water.
- At Amami Spa: get an optional head massage (10 minutes), or add a hot stone treatment option to your visit for free. And, you can receive a 2000 yen gift certificate to use on your next visit (limited to the first 30 customers).
To learn more about special privileges available at other facilities, please inquire at that specific facility.

Written by Miyako Endo
Photos by The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa
Sponsored by Okinawa Esthetics Spa Cooperative Society