Frequently Asked Questions

Nobu Ryokan Malibu is the world’s first Nobu Ryokan, an intimate 16-room retreat set directly on Carbon Beach. Inspired by the tradition of a Japanese inn and the relaxed beauty of coastal California, the experience is centered on privacy, thoughtful service, natural materials and understated luxury.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn known for gracious hospitality, tranquility, simplicity and a connection to its surroundings. Nobu Ryokan Malibu offers a contemporary interpretation, blending Japanese minimalism and craftsmanship with the oceanfront character of Malibu.

The Ryokan is intentionally intimate and residential in feel. With only 16 rooms and suites, the experience is centered on privacy, personalized service, Carbon Beach, Nobu dining, wellness and individually curated Malibu experiences rather than the scale of a traditional resort.

Yes. Nobu Ryokan Malibu is an adult-oriented retreat designed around privacy, tranquility and a quiet residential atmosphere.

The Ryokan offers Beachfront, Ocean and Garden accommodations. Beachfront rooms offer direct access to Carbon Beach from the first floor, Ocean accommodations provide elevated Pacific views, and Garden rooms offer a more secluded setting. Our Reservations team can help select the room best suited to your preferences.

No. Beachfront and Ocean accommodations offer varying views and proximity to the Pacific, while Garden rooms emphasize privacy and seclusion.

Each room combines Japanese-inspired details with contemporary comforts.

Highlights include:

• Japanese AIRWEAVE mattress
• Italian bed linens by Anichini
• Autonomy in-room matcha machine
• Nespresso coffee and Ikaati tea
• Private deck or garden
• Handmade teak soaking tubs in select accommodations
• Indoor or outdoor fireplaces in select accommodations
• Japanese TOTO toilets
• Natura Bissé bath amenities
• Smart room controls and blackout shades
• Linen yukatas and luxurious robes
• Complimentary minibar snacks and Wi-Fi

Every guest room features a Japanese AIRWEAVE mattress. Together with Italian Anichini linens, blackout shades and the quiet setting of the Ryokan, it creates a restorative sleep experience.

Yes. Guest rooms feature an Autonomy matcha machine, allowing you to prepare fresh matcha in the privacy of your room as part of a simple Japanese-inspired morning or afternoon ritual.

Select accommodations feature handmade teak soaking tubs inspired by Japanese bathing traditions. If a soaking tub is important to your stay, please let our Reservations team know when booking.

Omotenashi is the Japanese philosophy of sincere, thoughtful and intuitive hospitality. At the Ryokan, it is reflected in personalized service, attention to detail and respect for each guest’s privacy and preferences.

Yes. Nobu Malibu is moments from the Ryokan and overlooks the Pacific near Malibu Pier. Although the restaurant and hotel operate as distinct properties, Nobu dining is an important part of the Ryokan experience.

Yes. Confirmed Ryokan guests receive preferred reservation assistance at Nobu Malibu through our Concierge. We recommend sharing your preferred dining dates and times with us in advance.

Yes. Breakfast is available from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by an all-day menu from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Nobu Malibu menu is available for in-room dining from 12:00 PM to 9:45 PM daily.

Yes. Please share any allergies, dietary restrictions or preferences with us in advance so our team can coordinate appropriately.

Yes. Carbon Beach is quite literally our backyard. Beachfront accommodations offer direct access to the sand, while Ocean accommodations provide elevated views of the Pacific.

Carbon Beach is a public beach, as are California’s coastal beaches. The Ryokan provides direct beach access through the property for registered guests and offers personalized beach service to make your time on the sand comfortable and effortless.

Absolutely. Subject to weather, tides and beach conditions, our team can prepare chaise lounges, umbrellas and towels for you on Carbon Beach. We can also provide a selection of complimentary non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy while relaxing by the Pacific.

Yes. Complimentary paddleboards are available for registered Ryokan guests, subject to availability and appropriate weather, tide and ocean conditions.

Yes. Our Concierge can arrange private surf instruction and customized surfing experiences through local partners, subject to availability and ocean conditions.

Guests may access the Pacific directly from Carbon Beach. Ocean conditions can change quickly with tides, waves and weather, and there is no hotel lifeguard on duty. Please use appropriate caution before entering the water.

Yes. Massage, facial and wellness treatments can be arranged through our trusted wellness partners. Our Concierge can provide the current treatment menu and assist with appointments.

Yes. Through Malibu Fit Concierge, we can arrange private yoga and Pilates sessions, personal training, guided hikes, surfing excursions and other customized wellness experiences.

CURE is a Malibu wellness destination combining Western medicine with holistic care. Specialized Nobu Health Retreat experiences may include consultation, IV therapy, meditation, massage and other personalized treatments. CURE treatments take place at the CURE location.

Yes. Ryokan guests receive access to the private, members-only Malibu Racquet Club, subject to availability and club policies. The club features eight lighted outdoor hard courts, fitness facilities, locker rooms, saunas and steam showers. Our team can assist with priority bookings.

Yes. Private guided hikes can be arranged through Malibu Fit Concierge and tailored to your fitness level, preferred duration and the type of scenery you would like to experience.

Depending on current trail access, weather and conditions, our Concierge may recommend:

• Solstice Canyon, for canyon scenery and historic ruins
• Point Dume, for a shorter coastal walk and panoramic Pacific views
• Escondido Canyon and Escondido Falls, known for its seasonal waterfall
• Mishe Mokwa Trail and Sandstone Peak, for a more challenging Santa Monica Mountains experience
• Point Mugu State Park, for extensive coastal and mountain trails farther west

Depending on your interests, our Concierge can help arrange surfing, paddleboarding, guided hikes, yoga, Pilates, personal training and other personalized ways to experience Malibu.

Yes. A short drive west along Pacific Coast Highway brings you to Malibu’s Cross Creek area, home to open-air shopping, dining, wellness and lifestyle destinations including Malibu Country Mart and neighboring retail collections.

Our Concierge is always happy to tailor recommendations.

A few favorites include:

• Kith Malibu & Kith Treats, combining fashion, footwear and lifestyle collections with its signature dessert bar
• James Perse, known for understated California style and elevated casualwear
• Malibu Country Mart, with a mix of fashion, lifestyle, dining and specialty boutiques
• Cross Creek and neighboring open-air retail, an easy area to explore on foot for shopping, cafés and local discoveries

Kith Malibu combines the brand’s fashion, footwear and lifestyle collections with an in-store Kith Treats bar. Kith and Nobu have also collaborated on limited-edition dessert concepts inspired by Nobu flavors. Seasonal treats vary, and our Concierge can help check what is currently available.

Palisades Village in neighboring Pacific Palisades is an upscale open-air shopping, dining and lifestyle destination with a curated collection of boutiques and services. Our Concierge can assist with transportation arrangements and current recommendations.

Yes. Complimentary house-car transportation is available to registered guests within a five-mile radius of the Ryokan, subject to vehicle and driver availability.

The service area includes many nearby Malibu destinations such as Nobu Malibu, Cross Creek shopping, Kith Malibu, Malibu Country Mart, Malibu Lumber Yard, Malibu Pier, local restaurants and cafés, and select wellness appointments within the five-mile radius.

Advance arrangements are recommended, particularly during busy dining periods, weekends and holidays. Our Concierge can coordinate transportation around dining, shopping, wellness appointments and other plans.

Absolutely. For airports, Beverly Hills and other destinations beyond our complimentary house-car radius, our Concierge can arrange private transportation through trusted partners.

Not necessarily. Carbon Beach is directly outside the property, Nobu Malibu is moments away and the complimentary house car serves many nearby Malibu destinations. For experiences farther afield, our Concierge can arrange transportation.

Yes. Our experiences are designed around Nobu, Japanese traditions, wellness and the Malibu lifestyle. Offerings may include Taste of Nobu, The Art of Bathing, Surf with Nobu, Love Nobu, Cruise the Coast, Sake at Sunset and Ryokan Wellness. Experiences and inclusions may change seasonally.

Absolutely. Your day might begin with breakfast overlooking the Pacific, followed by a guided hike or private surf lesson, shopping around Cross Creek, a massage or time on Carbon Beach, and dinner at Nobu Malibu. Or the perfect itinerary may be having very little planned at all.

Yes. Personalized guest and Concierge assistance is available around the clock for registered hotel guests.

Absolutely. Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals and other meaningful occasions can be personalized in advance. Our team can assist with flowers, amenities, dining, wellness and other thoughtful arrangements.

Privacy and discretion are fundamental to the Ryokan experience. Guests with specific arrival, transportation, privacy or security requirements are encouraged to contact our team in advance.

Yes. Our intimate 16-room setting can be well suited to select executive retreats, wellness stays, intimate celebrations and private groups. Our team can create a customized rooms-only proposal based on dates, accommodation needs and the desired experience.

Exclusive-use opportunities and full-property buyouts may be considered on select dates. Please contact our team to discuss accommodation needs, privacy, dining and personalized experiences.

The Ryokan does not have traditional ballrooms or conventional meeting rooms. For select private groups and exclusive-use stays, our team can explore experiences appropriate to the intimate nature of the property.

A two-night minimum generally applies, although requirements may vary by date, accommodation, offer and availability. Our Reservations team can confirm requirements for your preferred dates.

Yes. Complimentary valet parking is available for registered Ryokan guests.

Yes. Early arrival and late departure requests are welcomed and accommodated whenever availability permits.

Malibu is relaxed by nature. Comfortable resort attire works well during the day, with layers recommended for cooler mornings and evenings along the coast. For hiking, surfing or other outdoor activities, appropriate footwear and clothing are recommended.

Slow down. Begin the morning with breakfast overlooking the Pacific. Walk Carbon Beach, paddleboard, surf, hike the Santa Monica Mountains, enjoy a massage or wellness experience, explore Malibu’s boutiques or simply spend the afternoon without leaving the property. End the day with sunset over the Pacific and dinner at Nobu Malibu, or enjoy Nobu in the privacy of your room. The Ryokan experience is about giving you the space, privacy and personalized service to experience Malibu on your own terms.