In Motobu Town, northern Okinawa Island. Nestled within this area surrounded by Yanbaru’s nature and the blue sea, home to the Ocean Expo Park featuring the Churaumi Aquarium, lies a private villa reminiscent of a secret hideaway. Its name: “The Pool & Sauna Villa Motobu.” Limited to one group per day, this retreat features a private pool and sauna in its courtyard, making it the perfect place for adults to savor the luxury of doing nothing.
Point 1: ‘The Pool&Sauna Villa Motobu’ Location – Perched on a hill in Motobu Town, surrounded by Yanbaru’s natural beauty
The Pool&Sauna Villa Motobu is located in a quiet, elevated area of Motobu Town. It’s an ideal base for sightseeing, being about a 2-hour drive from Naha Airport and just a 15-minute drive to the Churaumi Aquarium.
Surrounded by a lush, residential neighborhood with little traffic, you’ll hear only birdsong and the rustle of the wind. Stay here to gently blend into the local atmosphere, a little removed from the hustle and bustle of tourist spots.
Within a few minutes’ drive, you’ll find charming, welcoming spots popular with locals, such as the seafood restaurant “Kaiboumaru,” the Motobu Town Market, and the cafe “fuu cafe.” It’s a quiet yet convenient location—a truly luxurious setting.
Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
By bus, take the Yanbaru Express Bus to the “Hotel Orion Motobu Resort” stop, then walk 32 minutes. Alternatively, take Ryukyu Bus Route 111 to Nago Bus Terminal, transfer to Route 66, and get off at the “Shinzato” stop. From there, it’s a 6-minute walk.
While the northern region might seem less accessible, it boasts tourist attractions like the Churaumi Aquarium and Fukugi Tree Avenue. Consequently, transportation options are plentiful, including route buses and express buses.
Check-in and check-out during your stay are contactless, utilizing a tablet for self-check-in. This system, balancing privacy and peace of mind, is another appealing feature.
Point 2: ‘The Pool & Sauna Villa Motobu’ Room Introduction – 2 Bedrooms + 1 Japanese-style Room, Ideal for Families or Groups of Friends
The Pool&Sauna Villa Motobu features a spacious layout with two bedrooms and one Japanese-style room. It can comfortably accommodate up to six guests, making it perfect for family trips or getaways with close friends.
Each bedroom is furnished with a semi-double bed, offering a plush, comfortable sleep for a restful night’s rest.
The interior design is simple yet sophisticated, featuring warm wood-toned furniture and a calming color palette inspired by Yanbaru’s natural surroundings. The Japanese-style room is laid with Ryukyu tatami mats, providing a safe environment for families with young children.
The kitchen is fully equipped with an IH stove, microwave, refrigerator, cooking utensils, and tableware, making it a pleasure to shop for local ingredients and cook your own meals. The bathroom features a spacious bathtub, perfect for soaking away the fatigue of travel. There are two separate toilets, ensuring comfort even for larger groups.
Point 3: ‘The Pool & Sauna Villa Motobu’ Amenities and Facilities – The villa’s stars are the pool and sauna!
The villa’s greatest appeal lies in its private pool and authentic sauna nestled within the courtyard. The pool is designed to be open to the outdoors while shielding guests from prying eyes, and at night, it’s illuminated for a magical ambiance. Enjoy a dip to indulge in a little luxury, perfect for summer and even winter.
The sauna is a Finnish-style experience with the pleasant scent of wood. Temperature is adjustable, and it comes complete with an outdoor cooling-off area and shower. Here, you can enjoy the full “rejuvenation” routine—sauna → pool → outdoor cooling-off—without being disturbed by anyone else.
Since saunas are installed in 5 out of 7 buildings, be sure to book a “sauna-equipped” room.
Additionally, amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, washing machine, dryer, and toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body soap, towels, etc.) are well-stocked. Everything you need for daily life is more than adequately provided, creating an environment well-suited for extended stays.
Dinner is at your own expense, but you can order BBQ or Aguu pork shabu-shabu. BBQ equipment is free to use, and you can also bring your own ingredients.
Breakfast can also be ordered as a daily-changing deli-style bento box (¥2,000 per person). It will be delivered to your room between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
However, there is no mention of room wear or seasonings, so it’s best to bring your own.
The Pool & Sauna Villa Motobu in Motobu Town, northern Okinawa Island, accommodates up to 6 guests. Each room features a private pool and barrel sauna.
Saunas are available in 5 of the 7 villas. If you wish to use a sauna, be sure to book a “sauna-equipped” villa.
While places offering ample daily necessities plus pools and saunas are becoming more common, many people still don’t know about this spot. Book early to enjoy it!
