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Home to sea turtles and other marine life, Rosewood Miyakojima is in great hands with managing director Noriko Nakayama
Rosewood marked its Japan debut in April with something rather unexpected—Rosewood Miyakojima, a resort on an untouched, remote peninsula on a tropical island off the southern coast of Japan, near Okinawa. The property’s design—by Dutch designer Piet Boon—frames the unique landscape, caressing and playfully curving around the natural rock formations and coastline.
The surrounding waters are pristine, teeming with marine life that call its striking blue waters home. As part of its efforts to prioritise environmentalism and sustainability, Rosewood appointed Noriko Nakayama as the resort’s managing director who—along with decades of experience in the hospitality industry—has a master’s degree in Environmental Science from Yale University.
She’s also a sea turtle expert, which is fitting as Miyakojima is home to many and the gentle creatures play an important role in local Ryukuan lore.
We spoke with Nakayama about how Rosewood Miyakojima creates a meaningful connection between its guests and the local environment, and how her passion for sustainability guides her in this exciting role.
Above Noriko Nakayama, managing director at Rosewood Miyakojima
Noriko Nakayama, managing director at Rosewood Miyakojima
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This being Rosewood’s first property in Japan might surprise people, as it’s a fairly off-the-beaten-path destination. How does this hotel embody the Rosewood ethos?
Rosewood Miyakojima embodies the brand’s philosophy of [creating] “a sense of place”. When designer Piet Boon first visited the site, he was captivated by the untouched natural landscape, which inspired him to prioritise harmony with the environment in his design.
The architecture and design draws inspiration from Okinawa's legends and history, and thoughtfully incorporates indigenous materials such as Ryukyu limestone, harmonising with Okinawa's traditional aesthetics. The hotel grounds feature gentle elevations, intentionally preserved to maintain the original terrain.
How does the resort create an authentic connection between guests and Miyakojima?
The resort collaborates with the local community to promote sustainable tourism and regional economic development. Initiatives include environmental conservation, activities like litter collection, and an emphasis on using local ingredients. This includes mozuku seaweed harvested from Miyako's waters, traditionally made miso and tofu, fresh vegetables from local farmers and fish sourced directly from local fishermen.
Guests can also engage with Okinawa's rich cultural heritage through various activities, including hands-on Tsuboya pottery workshops guided by master artisans, visiting workshops that produce Miyako-jofu, a luxurious handwoven kimono fabric, and karate lessons led by a Ryukyu karate sensei.
Above Rosewood Miyakojima sits on a pristine peninsula
Rosewood Miyakojima sits on a pristine peninsula
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Ryukyuan culture is fascinating. What are some other ways Rosewood Miyakojima honours this?
Ryukyuan culture is thoughtfully incorporated into various aspects of the resort experience. The resort's architecture features traditional Okinawan motifs, including sculptural patterns and art inspired by local legends.
You are a passionate environmentalist. What are some eco-friendly and sustainable efforts at Rosewood Miyakojima that you’re particularly proud of?
The resort is located on a pristine part of the island, where we have kept the coastline in its original form and avoided the runoff of red soil to the sea during the construction phase. We have removed most of the invasive species that have existed over several decades and, together with the landscapers, have transformed it into a space that enables native plants to thrive.
Above Three species of sea turtles call the region home
Three species of sea turtles call the region home
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How does your master’s degree in environmental science influence your philosophy and approach as Managing Director at Rosewood Miyakojima?
It is often said that development and environment do not typically coexist, and developing hotels is often considered to be environmentally unfriendly. I believe this is not necessarily true, and hotels should strive to find unique ways for guests to learn about the environment. Such initiatives enable possibilities to learn about things that they would not otherwise have had the opportunity to know about, all while creating special memories. It is also an opportunity for hotels to focus on social impact and create opportunities for the communities that we operate in. '
You are a sea turtle expert—what can you tell us about the sea turtles that call Rosewood Miyakojima home?
There are three species of sea turtles that can be seen in Miyakojima: the green turtle, the loggerhead turtle and the hawksbill turtle. The green turtle is the most abundant, with many sub-adult turtles with a carapace length of approximately 40–80 centimetres often
seen in the surrounding waters of the island. Turtles of this size are typically not seen in other parts of Japan, and there are many beaches on the island which are suitable for nesting turtles. We do not know the abundance of nesting or the status of nesting females as no studies are carried out locally on a constant basis.
Using the flow of the Kuroshio current, the sub-adult green turtles that are abundant in Miyakojima likely come from rookeries in Southeast Asia, such as in Vietnam or Borneo. However, this would need to be verified through DNA testing.
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
