Three reasons Seven x Seven Ishigaki would make a wonderful island holiday in Okinawa

Head down to the southern end of the Okinawan archipelago to chill in style without breaking the bank at this new hotel

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Photos courtesy of Fav Hospitality Group Co., Ltd.The infinity pool at Seven x Seven Ishigaki

Written by Time Out. In partnership with Seven x Seven Ishigaki

Monday 30 September 2024

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If your idea of a dream getaway in Japan involves sun, beaches and tropical relaxation, you might as well narrow down your travel options to one: Ishigaki Island. This laid-back piece of paradise in Okinawa’s southern Yaeyama Islands boasts some of the country’s most beautiful beaches as well as great snorkelling and diving, thanks to an abundance of coral reefs. At the same time, it’s not too secluded: a direct flight from Tokyo takes you to Ishigaki in just under three hours, and the vibrant city of Ishigaki, population 49,000, has a nice variety of restaurants and cafés.

With the scorching heat of summer giving way to balmy days and sweat-free nights, now’s the ideal time to plan an Ishigaki vacation. And we’re not saying that only because of the weather: the island has just levelled up with the opening of a new hotel offering an exceptional mix of leisure, indulgence and adventure. Overlooking the azure ocean beyond the white sands of Maesato Beach on the edge of Ishigaki city, Seven x Seven Ishigaki opened on September 9 as the flagship property of Seven x Seven, a new Japan-based cosmopolitan hotel brand launched earlier this year.

With architecture by the London-born Studio PDP and designed by New York-based creative and brand director David Miskin, the sumptuous hotel provides top-of-the-line facilities from a rooftop infinity pool and designer saunas to a remarkably diverse selection of rooms, combining bespoke luxury with a relaxed vibe. Here’s why you should book a stay at Seven x Seven Ishigaki before the word gets out.

It’s where laid-back and luxury blend into one

Photo: Fav Hospitality Group Co., Ltd.

A ‘self-hospitality’ concept hotel, Seven x Seven provides a luxury-level experience at an affordable price point, where you can customise your stay down to the smallest details. Extending across three buildings, the property includes 121 rooms – among them a villa-like suite with a private pool and a penthouse that sleeps eight – plus two gorgeous pools inspired by the local scenery and a pair of elegant Finnish-style saunas. It’s the place to soothe both your mind and body under the Okinawan sky.

Features such as QR-code-based smart check-in and keyless room access contribute to a smooth stay, while the spacious rooms are equipped with full-fledged kitchens and washing machines for those who prefer to keep things hands-on. Not in the mood to cook? Head down to Batida, the in-house restaurant, for ‘Latin-Italian’ fusion fare including tacos, tapas and stone-baked pizza.

The hotel has just the room for you and yours

Photo: Fav Hospitality Group Co., Ltd.

Seven x Seven’s commitment to letting you curate your own experience starts with giving prospective guests a whopping 21 different types of rooms to choose from. Headlined by a range of tasteful suites complete with features such as spacious dining areas, Jacuzzis and private saunas, the selection is particularly rich in options for groups of four to eight. Families with young children will enjoy rooms like the Tatami Executive Bunk, which combines bunk beds that are sure to get kids’ approval with inviting tatami-mat areas that are perfect for lounging on the ground.

The bars are simply stunning

Photo: Fav Hospitality Group Co., Ltd.

No island getaway is complete without at least one flower-garnished cocktail sipped at a poolside bar, and you can count on Seven x Seven Ishigaki to deliver in this department, too. Unlike the kid-friendly Family Pool on the ground floor, the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool is a grown-ups-only milieu anchored by the Sky Bar by Batida, where you can enjoy frozen margaritas and shisha all day long while gazing out at the ocean.

Later at night, the party goes on in the basement bar Red., an indulgent space illuminated with intense crimson LEDs. It comes complete with a pool table and private karaoke booths set around an octagonal bar stocking some 200 varieties of gin.

*The restaurant and bars are operated by Fridays Inc.

3 questions with David Miskin, Seven x Seven chief branding director

Photo: Leslie Kee

David Miskin is known as the go-to creative and brand director for global luxury brands from Automobili Lamborghini to Bentley. He has previously developed hotels for Marriott International under the Moxy and Edition collections. He’s been working on Seven x Seven since 2023 and hopes to take the brand’s vision of playful luxury beyond Japanese shores soon. Here’s what he loves about Seven x Seven Ishigaki…

What’s your favourite place in the hotel?

I have two. One is the infinity pool, because you get the beautiful greenery, the ocean and the sky right there in front of you. The other is Red., our underground lounge bar. It has a chic, urban vibe, and since it’s underground, it transports you completely, making you forget where you are.

What’s your favourite place on Ishigaki?

Other than Seven x Seven [laughs], it’s Kabira Bay – the landscape there and the starry nights.

Name one food or drink item to try at the hotel.

Try the squid ink paella at Batida – it’s phenomenal.

To find out more about Seven x Seven Ishigaki, check out the website.