Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort Guide: South Tower Luxury & Oceanfront Living
01 Arrival & Overview
Driving north along National Route 58 in Okinawa, the gentle coast of Onna Village opens up before you. Originally built in 1987 as the iconic Sunmarina Hotel, this property underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2016 alongside the construction of a brand-new South Tower, officially joining Marriott International under the Sheraton brand.
| Address | 66-1 Fuchaku, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 904-0494, Japan |
|---|---|
| Phone / Fax | +81-98-965-2222 / +81-98-965-2211 |
| Opening & History | Opened in 1987 (Main Tower), rebranded to Sheraton in June 2016, South Tower added Dec 2016 |
| Property Scale | Main Tower (10 floors, 200 rooms), South Tower (6 floors, 46 rooms). Total 246 rooms |
| Check-in / Check-out | 15:00 / 12:00 (Marriott Elite late check-out available upon availability) |
| Access | 60-min drive from Naha Airport via Okinawa Expressway (Ishikawa IC); 80 mins by Airport Limousine Bus |
| Parking Fee | 1,000 JPY per night (Capped at 3,000 JPY per stay; complimentary for South Tower & Elites) |
Unlike modern high-rise glass resorts, Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort retains the expansive footprint characteristic of bubble-era Japanese beach resorts. The Main and South Towers form a wide V-shape, embracing a private cove rated AA for water quality by Japan Ministry of the Environment. Arriving guests are advised to drop off luggage at the main porte-cochere before parking in the surface lot.
02 Lobby & Aquarium
Stepping into the Main Tower lobby, your gaze rises up a 10-story pyramid atrium. Sunlight filters through the top glass skylights, illuminating a large saltwater lagoon that stretches across the ground floor.
This indoor lagoon draws ocean water directly from the outer bay, maintaining a natural water flow. It hosts tropical fish and stingrays, creating a living marine ecosystem. Guests should note that the pyramid atrium creates natural acoustic resonance; music from evening fountain shows (19:45 and 20:45) carries upward, making higher floors or South Tower rooms preferable for early sleepers.
03 Tower Comparison
Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort is composed of two distinct structures: the original Main Tower and the newer South Tower. Your choice of building shapes your room experience and walking distance.
| Category | Area (Sqm / Sqft) | Ceiling Height | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Tower Deluxe | 32 - 36 m² (344 - 387 sq ft) | 2.6 meters | All rooms feature private oceanfront balconies near the lobby and pools |
| Main Tower Maisonette | 52 - 82 m² (560 - 882 sq ft) | Two-Story Duplex | Located on 9F-10F with Japanese tatami area, ideal for multi-gen families |
| South Tower Premium | 50 m² (538 sq ft) | 3.4 meters | Built in 2016, oceanfront facing marina with 2-min indoor corridor walk |
| South Tower Lanai | 50 m² (538 sq ft) | 3.4 meters | Ground floor room with private patio, semi-open stone tub, and beach path |
The Main Tower keeps its original 1987 concrete layout, refreshed in 2016 with coastal blue accents and Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience beds. However, ceilings are standard height (2.6m). The 2016 South Tower features impressive 3.4-meter high ceilings and wide double vanities, though reaching the main restaurant requires a brief walk through the connecting bridge.
04 Bath & Amenities
Bathroom configurations are among the most frequently discussed features in guest feedback. Understanding the layout differences ensures proper expectations.
Main Tower guest rooms feature compact Japanese modular unit baths (UBR) where the shower and tub are combined, requiring a higher step over the bathtub rim. The South Tower features standalone deep soaking tubs, separate rain shower stalls, and double vanities.
| Bath Products | Sheraton Signature Bath Amenities / Gilchrist & Soames (South Tower exclusive) |
|---|---|
| Sustainability Policy | Toothbrushes, wooden combs, and razors available at the green lobby bar upon request |
| Kids Amenities | Child-sized toothbrushes, slippers, and soft bath towels provided at check-in |
| Beach Gear | In-room beach sandals and an oversized canvas tote bag provided for beach use |
| Hair Dryer | Panasonic Nanoe Hair Dryer (Premium model in South Tower) |
05 SENSES Dining
Dining Room SENSES on the first floor of the Main Tower serves as the resort culinary hub, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the ocean.
Sheraton Okinawa offers an extraordinarily accommodating human-centered policy: guests on breakfast-inclusive packages can transfer their unused breakfast credit to the lunch period at SENSES (set menus on weekdays, full buffet on weekends) at no additional charge, eliminating early morning rush stress.
| Meal Period | Operating Hours | Culinary Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet Breakfast | 07:00 - 10:00 | Made-to-order Okinawan black pork patties, sea urchin omelets, live Okinawa Soba station |
| Lunch (Set / Buffet) | 11:30 - 14:00 | Skip morning queues and enjoy Aguu pork shabu-shabu or seafood specialties at ease |
| The Grill Dinner | 18:00 - 22:00 | Open-kitchen grill featuring Ishigaki beef, local pork, and fresh catches from local ports |
06 Sunset Bar & Lounge
Evening refreshments at the resort offer two distinct settings: the beachside Sunset Bar & Terrace and the private South Tower Lounge.
Located on the ground floor of the Main Tower, Sunset Bar sits right beside the sand. Daily from 17:00 to 18:00, a complimentary Happy Hour is held for Marriott Platinum Elites and select package guests. Because the outdoor terrace directly faces west, choosing umbrella seating provides optimal sunset viewing comfort.
| Venue | Access Eligibility | Operating Hours & Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| Sunset Bar & Terrace | All guests (Happy Hour for Elites & specific packages) | 17:00 - 23:00 (Happy Hour: 17:00 - 18:00) |
| South Tower Lounge | Exclusively for South Tower & Ocean Suite guests | 24 Hours (Self-service espresso, tropical juices, sodas) |
07 Activities & Spa
Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort functions as a full-scale ocean playground, ranging from tranquil Japanese hot baths to thrilling ocean ziplines.
The resort packages several key recreation facilities into a "Resort Pass" (including the Japanese Bath & Sauna, indoor heated pool, water slides, beach umbrellas, lounge chairs, kayaks, and pedal boats). South Tower guests and Marriott Platinum Elites receive full access included; Main Tower guests can purchase day or stay passes.
| Facility | Location & Hours | Access Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness & Spa Nuchigusui | Spa Complex / 06:30-10:30, 14:30-23:00 | Japanese public bath, cold plunge, dry sauna (Resort Pass required) |
| Indoor Pool & Jacuzzi | Wellness & Spa 1F / 09:00 - 21:00 | Open year-round with hydromassage jets and shallow kids pool |
| Garden Outdoor Pool | Resort Grounds / 08:30 - 18:00 | Features "The Tornado" and "The Twister" water slides |
| MegaZIP Zipline | Marina Tower / 09:00 - 17:00 | 250-meter zipline gliding across the ocean (Separate fee applies) |
08 Reviews & Insights
Synthesizing feedback from international travelers, we categorize the objective highlights and considerations to aid your decision.
✔ Key Praises & Highlights
- Pristine Water Quality: Protected by curved sea breakwaters, Sunmarina Beach features calm, crystal-clear water ideal for young children and water sports.
- Meal Flexibility: The option to seamlessly convert unused breakfast vouchers into lunch is universally lauded by guests.
- South Tower Excellence: High ceilings, spacious 50-sqm floor plans, and 24-hour lounge access in the South Tower earn praise from luxury travelers.
- Abundant Activities: Fish feeding, light shows, indoor game rooms, water slides, and ziplining keep multi-generational families engaged.
✘ Structural Considerations
- Main Tower Bathrooms: Compact modular unit bathrooms in the Main Tower feature higher tub entry rims.
- Resort Pass Add-ons: Guests staying in standard Main Tower rooms must pay extra for bath and pool pass access if not holding Elite status.
- Peak Season Crowds: During summer holidays, lobby check-in and breakfast queues can get busy. Off-peak timing is recommended.
Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort excels as a comprehensive ocean destination. Selecting the right tower (South Tower for space, Main Tower for convenience) and utilizing the meal flexibility ensures a balanced island vacation.
09 Booking & Elite Perks
Understanding Marriott Bonvoy Elite privileges and resort package options brings significant value to your stay.
| Channel / Status | Privileges & Benefits | Advisor Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott Platinum / Titanium Elite |
• Complimentary Resort Pass access (Japanese Bath, indoor pool, beach gear) • Complimentary 17:00-18:00 Happy Hour at Sunset Bar • Free resort parking during stay (Save 1,000 JPY/night) • Choice of daily buffet breakfast for two as welcome amenity |
Highest value experience. Waiving the Resort Pass and parking fees alongside breakfast provides substantial value. |
| Direct Package Booking (Non-Elites) |
• Select packages including breakfast and Resort Pass • South Tower room bookings automatically include Resort Pass, 24/7 Lounge access, and free parking |
If not holding Elite status, booking South Tower rooms or inclusive packages provides a smooth experience without individual add-ons. |
10 Architectural History
Behind the resort lie remarkable engineering feats and historical details that reveal themselves upon closer inspection.
Sunmarina Beach maintains its AA water quality rating due to two massive curved breakwaters constructed during the original 1987 build. These jetties shelter the white sand beach from heavy coastal currents and erosion, maintaining crystal-clear waters year-round.
The 10-story pyramid atrium built in the 1980s was designed with natural air convection and daylighting in mind. Skylights bring sunlight down to the indoor lagoon while encouraging natural airflow, serving as an early example of sustainable resort architecture.
11 Itinerary & Checklist
Here is an unhurried daily rhythm alongside a 12-item checklist designed for your stay at Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort.
The 12-Item Sunmarina Experience Checklist
(Note: None of these are mandatory; select those that fit your personal rhythm. Items marked with ★ represent complimentary resort highlights.)
- ★ Collect complimentary fish food at the front desk and feed rays in the atrium lagoon (Daily at 16:30)
- ★ Watch the evening projection mapping water fountain show in the atrium lobby (19:45 / 20:45)
- ★ Stroll out along the marina pier to the white lighthouse for panoramic sea views
- Convert your breakfast voucher to a relaxed lunch at SENSES for a stress-free morning
- Fly 250 meters across the turquoise bay on the MegaZIP ocean zipline
- Stay in the South Tower to enjoy 3.4-meter high ceilings and 50 sqm of airy oceanfront space
- Wear the provided Japanese Jinbei set to the Wellness & Spa Japanese Bath and sauna
- Sip a sunset cocktail on the outdoor terrace at Sunset Bar & Terrace
- Rent a pedal boat or kayak to explore the calm, sheltered Sunmarina cove
- Dine outdoors at The Grill for grilled Ishigaki beef and local Aguu pork
- For South Tower guests: enjoy 24-hour self-service espresso and juices in the 1F Lounge
- Read on your oceanfront balcony while listening to the calm waves below
Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort is ideal for families with children (pristine water and extensive kid activities), Marriott Bonvoy Elites (generous benefits and dining flexibility), and travelers seeking spacious living (when booking the South Tower). It functions as a complete, relaxing island base on Okinawa's west coast.