Nobu Ryokan

The oceanfront Nobu Ryokan elevates the traditional Japanese ryokan experience with 16 exquisite rooms and suites, Nobu in-room dining and beach access.

• The gorgeous setting right on Carbon Beach
• Nobu cuisine served on fine china in your room
• The incredible Nobu Suite decorated with Nobu's own artwork and furniture

Fusing a traditional ryokan design with an airy Californian aesthetic, the Nobu Ryokan is a serene hideaway in Malibu. The hotel was originally Casa Malibu, a beachfront motel, which was transformed after three years of renovations into a sleek Nobu property. The 16-room retreat sits between Highway 1 and Carbon Beach, just a few steps from the popular Nobu Malibu. While staying at the ryokan doesn't guarantee a reservation at the restaurant, guests have preferential booking there and also have the option to enjoy Nobu take-out served on fine china in their rooms. The property grounds are reminiscent of a traditional Japanese garden mixed with some tropical elements, combining softly flowing rock fountains, stone pathways, open fireplaces, Japanese stone sculpture and lush foliage, such as soaring palm trees. The open-air design leads down to the sparkling ocean and wide terrace, shaded by umbrellas.

The 16 rooms are peaceful sanctuaries, divided into garden rooms, ocean rooms and beachfront rooms. The garden rooms open onto the hotel’s inner courtyard, and some boast private outdoor fireplaces or private garden patios. The ocean rooms offer views over the Pacific with outdoor seating, Japanese soaking tubs and fireplaces, and the beachfront rooms are the largest and many have terraces that peer out over the beach. The top accommodation is the spacious Nobu Suite, which is where Nobu stays when he visits. It is decorated with paintings and furniture from Nobu's own collection and offers two fireplaces, a large living room and an outdoor deck. Our other favorite rooms include the Ocean Suite, which has beautiful garden-to-ocean views, and the "Rockstar" corner room, with two full walls of windows overlooking the water and a soaking tub on the balcony. In addition, there are two beach houses, with two and three bedrooms respectively, which have private parking and access to the hotel concierge, but no turndown service. Throughout the ryokan's interiors, the décor is airy and Japanese-inspired, with a neutral color palette of creams and ivories, wood-held paper lanterns, reclaimed teak floors, tatami mats, bamboo accents, traditional oufro tubs, rainfall showers and plush bed linens. All of the rooms boast king beds, flatscreen TVs, complimentary minibars (excepting alcohol) and smart room systems.

The property houses a fitness center, but no spa, and there are two beach access points and complimentary standup paddle boards for guests. Once the permit is approved, the property’s swimming pool that juts out over the Pacific will re-open. Private meditation, surfing, yoga, hiking and personal training can all be arranged on property.

There is no restaurant on site, but there is a catered breakfast every day. Guests can have food delivered and served from nearby restaurants, such as Nobu Malibu (guests also get priority for reservations at the restaurant). There is a house car that can chauffeur guests to Malibu’s best restaurants and shopping.

The Nobu Ryokan is best for couples or solo travelers as the vibe is decidedly hushed and serene. No children under 18 are allowed.