Opened last spring on the site of the former 1950s Casa Malibu Inn, overlooking Carbon Beach in Malibu, Nobu Ryokan is a reinterpretation of the ryokan, a traditional Japanese spa-like inn. Designed by Studio PCH with Montalba Architects and TAL Studio, the new hotel has 16 rooms and is the first in a series of planned luxe retreats called the Nobu Ryokan Collection; the goal is to channel omotenashi, the elusive Japanese art of “selfless” hospitality. Join us for a tour.
Above: Oracle magnate and Japanophile Larry Ellison bought the Casa Malibu Inn in 2007 (he owns several properties along the coast) and collaborated with restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa on the concept. The hotel is the first of the Nobu Ryokan brand, owned by Ellison, Matsuhisa, Robert DeNiro, and film producer Meir Teper. Above: In the lounge, a custom bronze staircase leads to the hotel’s second floor. A Noguchi Floor Lamp Model 10A illuminates a corner. Above: Throughout the hotel, the palette is muted and neutral. Above: Bedrooms have tatami mats and shoji screens. Above: No detail overlooked: The Muku Wooden Desk Top Clock is from Japanese company Lemnos. Above: A pair of tatami-style table lamps flank the bed. Above: Each room has a board-formed concrete fireplace and ocean views. Above: The walls and floors of the bathrooms are wrapped in Jerusalem limestone and the soaking tubs are made of teak; the hardware is bronze and the fixtures are from the Dornbracht MEM Line. Above: Traditional Japanese Hinoki Wood Bath Buckets with copper trim are available from Nalata Nalata. For a range of options, see High/Low: The Japanese Wooden Bath Bucket. Above: A meandering path leads to the guest rooms.
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