Ryokan Romance

By Elyse Glickman

Nobu Ryokan Malibu

22752 Pacific Coast Hwy

Malibu, CA 90265 noburyokanmalibu.com

For many Los Angeles-area couples, the Pacific Ocean is an absolute go-to for a couple’s retreat destination, especially on Valentine’s Day, honeymoons, engagements, babymoons, a special anniversary, or a birthday. Nobu Ryokan Malibu does one better by integrating a lovingly conceived taste of authentic Japan into the fabric of the city’s most prestigious backyard. At the best waterfront spas in both Japan and Southern California, the sensory bounty of nature is built into the romantic setting, from the calming rush of ocean waves to natureinspired minimalist interior design, thoughtfully prepared meals, and carefully manicured gardens inspiring meditation and reflection.

The exclusive lifestyle-driven beach destination begins with a oneof-a-kind ambiance achieved through collaboration between design firms Studio PCH, Montalba Architects, and TAL Studios artfully melding Malibu’s world-famous oceanfront luxury lodging with the graceful simplicity of a traditional Japanese ryokan. Dramatic architectural elements, custom artwork, and minimalist aesthetic run through the public areas and the property’s 16 rooms. Guests become immersed in traditional Japanese design elements such as Tatami mats, teak soaking tubs, shoji-style closets, and limestone walls beautifully frame the stunningly lush-yet-rustic Southern California landscape.

All 11 guest rooms and 5 beachfront bungalows are further elevated with bamboo towels by Peacock Alley, bath amenities by Mauro Spina of Beverly Hills and The Detox Market, a Bose Mini Sound System, complimentary in-room Nespresso and Ikaati Tea, complimentary Wi-Fi, cashmere robes by Loro Piana, custom made linen yukata robes, goose down duvets, pillows and featherbeds, Italian 800 thread count bed linens by Anichini and more. Additionally, each room boasts either a garden, beach or ocean view. Select rooms offer a fireplace and/or indoor-outdoor seating options.

Nobu Ryokan Malibu is also unique in that it offers a 3-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio. This means that the management and 24-hour concierge service can make planning a customized getaway a breeze, and offers private transportation to other luxury wellness destinations, nearby hiking trails, high-end shopping, gorgeous state parks and beaches. Guests also have exclusive access to the best seats at Nobu Malibu. The property also has a relationship with CURE Spa (noted for its mix of traditional and modern modalities). Treatments at the property or a visit to the spa with transportation can be arranged through the concierge.

Anybody interested in making the stay a wellness-focused experience can create a personalized itinerary with Malibu Fit Concierge. Whether that be personal training sessions in the by appointment on-site gym (featuring equipment from Woodway, Cybex, and Schwinn), yoga on the deck, surfing at the private Carbon Beach, stand-up paddle boarding and more, guests can truly embrace the Southern California lifestyle by indulging in the wellness activities of their choice. There is also access to a private, membersonly racquet club featuring eight fully-lighted outdoor hard courts, and locker rooms with saunas and steam showers.

Nobu Ryokan Malibu guests can enjoy priority seating, elevated fine-dining and breathtaking views of the coast on the deck at Nobu Malibu while indulging in Chef Nobu’s extensive menu of inventive Japanese-fusion dishes and bold cocktails. Guests also have the option for in-room service from Nobu Malibu, as well as the ability to venture off property to try one of the many local famed restaurants, such as Malibu Farm, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Ollo, Tra di Noi, Moonshadows, and Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market.

Couples interested in elevating their experience at Nobu Ryokan Malibu can also reserve a variety of curated packages. The “Art of Bathing” package enables guests to dive deep into an authentic Japanese wellness journey that includes an onsen (Japanese spa) bathing ritual. The elegantly-appointed Suiheisen Suite, which is the couple’s heavenly home during the stay, boasts an outdoor teak soaking tub complemented by expansive views of the Pacific Ocean. Other authentic elements include green tea and matcha cake on arrival and custom amenities including bath salts from Detox Market, face serum by Be Here + Farm, breakfast for two to enjoy in-room or on the relaxation deck overlooking Carbon Beach, and setup of the outdoor tub with pillar candles, half bottle champagne, and Nobu bath salts

The “Cruise the Coast Package,” in partnership with Beverly Hills Car Rental, allows guests to select a car from an array of luxury vehicles to explore the Pacific Coast Highway and coastline in grand style. Options include Lamborghini Huracan EVOs, Bentley GTC Convertibles, Rolls Royce Ghosts, and more. The package also includes complimentary drop-off and pick-up of the vehicle, daily breakfast for two, and priority reservations at Nobu Malibu.

The “Private Jet Experience”/Nobu Ryokan Retreat Experience pulls together an ultimate stay at both Nobu Hotel Palo Alto and Nobu Ryokan Malibu. A private jet furnished by Schubach Aviation transports guests between the two properties, by way of Van Nuys (VNY) and San Jose (SJC) airports, with a special Nobu dining experience in the air. Private roundtrip airport transportation is provided to and from each property for a two-night stay in each locale. The package includes an Omakase dinner for two at Nobu Palo Alto and priority reservations at Nobu Malibu; daily breakfast for two; wellness turndown amenities; complimentary one hour virtual live session with a personal Fit instructor through Malibu Fit Concierge App; and a Ridge Vineyards tasting experience in Silicon Valley.

Rooms year-round start at $2,000/night, and there is a two-night minimum stay requirement. Complimentary valet parking and a lot with twelve Parking Spaces and two SemaConnect Hybrid Charging Stations are available.

For more information, visit www.noburyokanmalibu.com or write ryokan@nobuhotels.com.