Ritz-Carlton Opens First Luxury Resort in Japan

---

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. recently announced the opening of its first luxury resort in Japan on the tropical island of Okinawa. The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa will pioneer luxury hospitality on an island that has been the secret getaway for generations of Japanese visitors, but remains relatively unexplored by the international luxury traveler.

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa is the ultimate luxury destination for visitors to an island that is rich in championship golf courses and surrounded by pristine emerald waters that are perfect for waterborne activities.

The Okinawan concept of hospitality or "gusuku," which translates as "castle" or "guest house," has been carefully reflected throughout the property to give it a welcoming sense of place.  The new Ritz-Carlton resort embodies this spirit through its landscaping and contemporary architectural design, which extensively features the Shurijo face motifs, distinctive red clay roof tiles, white walls and holy water ponds.

"We are delighted to be able to bring our first true luxury resort hotel to Japan to complement our city hotels in Tokyo and Osaka," said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.  "We have no doubt that Okinawa has the potential to be a resort island of true international 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, Okinawa helps to put this destination on the map for discerning luxury travelers."

The 97 modern guestrooms and two suites of the Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa have balconies or terraces which enjoy sweeping 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 luxurious resort has been designed to be in harmony with its natural surroundings.

This new hotel presents a host of exquisite sophisticated restaurants and a bar.  Restaurants include: Chura-Nuhji, an Italian fine dining restaurant; Kise, a Teppan-yaki restaurant featuring local seafood and renowned Okinawan beef; and Gusuku, an all-day waterside dining experience that serves Japanese, Okinawan and international dishes on its outdoor deck.

Located a short stroll through landscaped gardens is The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, in its own separate enclave.  The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA combines the essence 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 Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 79 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR).