Star Resort Inc. (Headquarters: Naha City, Okinawa; President: Yuya Sasaki), a developer of resorts that serve as travel destinations in beautiful locations around the world, has announced the rebranding of 'Ayanna Miyakojima' on Irabu Island, Miyakojima City, Okinawa, to 'JIVANA Miyakojima.' Design supervision will be provided by HOKULEA Co., Ltd., a first-class architect office and member of the Star Resort group.

Following facility expansion and renovations, including new villas and a restaurant, the rebranded hotel is scheduled to open in June 2027.

As a pre-opening initiative, a limited-time dinner event titled 'Local Terroir – Atelier of Jun'ya Akita' will be held from June 17 (Wed) to September 30 (Wed), 2026, featuring Chef Jun'ya Akita, who has received both a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star.

'JIVANA Miyakojima' is situated in Ikemasoe, Irabu, Miyakojima City, and boasts an exceptional oceanfront location with sweeping views of the Irabu Island sea. Spanning over 9,000 square meters of coastline, the property currently operates as a small luxury hotel with 7 units, including executive, sauna, and villa suites.

Known as the 'Galapagos of the East,' Miyakojima offers untouched nature and highly transparent waters, attracting global high-net-worth travelers. Access to Irabu Island has improved dramatically since the opening of the Irabu Bridge in 2015 and Shimojishima Airport in 2019. Its greatest appeal lies in the balance between accessibility and protected, rare natural environments.

Since its opening in April 2024, it has been supported by many guests as a leading small luxury hotel on Miyakojima. The company aims to further enhance service quality and increase the facility’s competitiveness and profitability by adding 7 new maisonette-style suites and private sauna facilities.

1. Expansion of Villas Building on the success of the existing 7 villas, which maintain an annual occupancy rate of over 90%, the company will add 7 new villas equipped with private pools. This will bring the total number of guest units to 14. This expansion aims to provide a luxury stay experience to more guests while maintaining a high level of privacy.

2. New Private Saunas As a new wellness facility in harmony with the rich natural environment, private saunas will be installed. These facilities are designed to enhance the 'silence' and 'space' advocated by JIVANA, creating a unique retreat.

3. Opening of 'JIVANA KITCHEN' The restaurant will be revamped and opened as 'JIVANA KITCHEN.' It will reinterpret Okinawan ingredients and local food culture with a contemporary sensibility. The goal is to create a memorable gastronomic experience that becomes a destination in itself.

Pre-Opening Event: Limited-time dinner by Chef Jun'ya Akita In anticipation of the rebranding, the restaurant will host Chef Jun'ya Akita for a limited dinner event. Chef Akita has refined his skills at star-rated restaurants in Europe and at 'Noeud. TOKYO,' where he won both a Michelin star and a Green Star.

The course will be based on French techniques using ingredients sourced within a 50km radius of Miyakojima, such as daily catches of seafood, local vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The menu will also incorporate the nuances of Ryukyuan food culture. Vegan and vegetarian courses will also be available.

Wine pairings will be supervised by General Manager and Sommelier Rikako Yamaji, who has extensive experience in luxury hotels worldwide. The menu will feature 7 types of drinks, focusing on natural wines and incorporating local island sake, designed to complement the dishes and allow guests to deeply experience the essence of the land.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: New Product
  • Products / services: JIVANA KITCHEN