Kouri Island, in Japan’s subtropical southern prefecture of Okinawa, has welcomed the opening of two new luxury properties: Away Okinawa Kouri Island Resort and LOISIR Terrace & Villas KOURI. The island, known by Okinawan’s as “Love Island” thanks to its two distinctive heart-shaped rocks on Tinu Beach and a historic local legend similar to the tale of Adam and Eve, is perfect for those looking for a remote and secluded getaway. Located 2 hours north from Okinawa’s capital Naha, the small island is surrounded by dreamy emerald-green seas and is home to picturesque beaches, idyllic rural fields of sugarcane and sweet potato and is well known for snorkeling and swimming in the summer. Accessible via a two-kilometre bridge from neighbouring Yagaji Island, the peaceful escape can be explored on foot or by car – with a full lap of the island taking only 10 minutes to complete by road.
