Miyakojima Paradise: Uncover NATURELA's Hidden Gem in Japan!
Miyakojima Paradise: Uncover NATURELA's Hidden Gem in Japan! - A Rambling Review (and a Plea to Book!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of Miyakojima Paradise that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "drunken diary entry." I've just gotten back, and frankly, I'm still half-dreaming of turquoise water and… well, you’ll see. This isn’t a perfect hotel, but it is a damn good one, and it’s got a certain… je ne sais quoi that's got me hooked.
First Impressions: Accessibility, Safety, and That All-Important Wi-Fi (Because, Duh)
Let's get the boring bits out of the way first, shall we? Accessibility is a mixed bag. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests, but I'm not sure how extensive they are. I didn't need them, so I didn't investigate too deeply, but it's worth double-checking if you have specific needs. The elevator is a godsend for those rooms on higher floors (more on that later!).
Cleanliness and safety? Top notch. Seriously. They're taking this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection, hand sanitizer everywhere, staff in masks… You feel safe. They're also offering room sanitization opt-out, but honestly? With the rooms sanitized between stays and the overall vibe, why would you? They've got CCTV in common areas and outside the property, which is comforting, and a 24-hour front desk and security. Plus, they've got all the usual safety features like fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and a first aid kit. Good job, Paradise. You're keeping me alive!
And the Wi-Fi? Crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually works! You can also access Internet [LAN] if you're old school, but honestly, who even does that anymore? Wi-Fi in public areas is also available, which is handy. Overall, the internet access is solid. I managed to stream my shows, upload my Instagram stories (naturally), and even do a little work (don't tell my boss!).
Rooms: Paradise Found (Mostly)
Okay, the rooms. They’re… nice. Let’s be clear: this isn’t the Ritz. But it’s comfortable. I had a non-smoking room (thank god), and it was spacious enough. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double check. You need those, trust me, for those midday naps after a swim. The bed was comfy, and the linens were clean. They even had bathrobes and slippers! I felt fancy!
The bathroom was perfectly functional. The shower was decent (though the water pressure could be better), and the toiletries were… well, they worked. They had a hair dryer (essential!), a safe box, and a refrigerator to keep your beers cold. But the real magic? That window that opens! Letting in the fresh air and the sounds of the island… pure bliss. (Though I did have to shut it one night because the local geckos were getting a little too friendly.)
The View: A Love Story
And here's where things get REALLY good. I splurged (okay, maybe it was a gift, shush) for a room with a view. And let me tell you, it was worth every single yen. Waking up to that pool with a view of the ocean? Unforgettable. Seriously, I sat on my terrace every morning with my coffee, just staring. It’s the kind of view that makes you forget all your troubles. And the extra long bed was a welcome bonus!
Food, Glorious Food (and My Near-Disaster at the Buffet!)
Right, food. This is where things get a little… interesting. They have a decent selection. Restaurants on site, a coffee shop, a snack bar, and room service [24-hour]. The breakfast [buffet] is the star, and it's a mix of Asian and Western breakfast options. You've got your buffet in restaurant, and then there is a la carte in restaurant.
Now, here's a confession: I'm a buffet enthusiast. I love them. I live for them. And on my first morning, I went a little too hard. Plates piled high with everything from Asian cuisine delights to Western cuisine staples. I ate until I thought I’d explode. And then… well, let’s just say I spent the afternoon in the room, regretting my life choices. Lesson learned: pace yourself, people!
They also have a poolside bar, which is perfect for cocktails (and hiding from the sun). They offer alternative meal arrangement, which is great for those with dietary restrictions. I didn’t see a vegetarian restaurant, but there were plenty of vegetarian options available. They even had desserts in restaurant!
Things to Do (or, How I Basically Did Nothing but Relax)
Okay, this is the best part. The ways to relax at Miyakojima Paradise are plentiful. They have a stunning swimming pool [outdoor]. I spent hours there. Literally. Just floating, staring at the sky. They also have a spa/sauna, a spa, and a steamroom. I didn't get to try the sauna but I did get a massage. It was heavenly. Body scrub, body wrap? I’m not usually one for that sort of thing, but hey, I was on vacation!
They have a fitness center, which I did not use. I was on vacation. The only exercise I did was walking to the buffet. They have a foot bath, which I’m sure is lovely, but I was too busy relaxing by the pool.
Oh, And That One Time I Almost Lost My Mind (in a Good Way)
Okay, so I'm not the adventurous type. Give me a beach, a book, and a cocktail, and I'm happy. But one day, I decided to be spontaneous. I rented a bike (they have bicycle parking) and went exploring. I ended up on a secluded beach, and I swear, I think I saw a mermaid. (Okay, maybe it was just the sun and the rum punch.) But the point is, Miyakojima Paradise gives you the space to do whatever you want. It's a place to relax, to recharge, and to maybe, just maybe, find your inner mermaid.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Life Isn't a Unicorn)
Okay, here's the honest part. There were a few minor imperfections. The Wi-Fi was a little spotty in the lobby sometimes. The room service could be a bit slow. And the signage could be better (I got lost a few times). But honestly? These are tiny quibbles. They don't detract from the overall experience.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offer a ton of helpful services: Air conditioning in public area, daily housekeeping, concierge, doorman, elevator, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, laundry service, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], and taxi service. They even have a convenience store! I was thrilled!
For the Kids: They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal and I saw some kids playing in the pool, I don't have kids, but it seemed like a perfect place for families.
The Verdict: Book It! (Seriously, Do It Now)
Look, Miyakojima Paradise isn't perfect. But it's a damn good hotel. It's got a certain magic. It's the kind of place where you can truly unwind, where the only thing on your to-do list is to relax. The staff are friendly, the views are breathtaking, and the overall vibe is just… good.
My Final, Unsolicited Advice:
- Book a room with a view. You won't regret it.
- Pace yourself at the buffet. Trust me.
- Rent a bike (or a car). Explore the island. You'll discover hidden gems.
- Don't be afraid to do nothing. That's the whole point.
And now, for the pitch!
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Craving sun, sand, and serenity? Then look no further!
Miyakojima Paradise: Uncover NATURELA's Hidden Gem in Japan! offers you more than just a hotel stay; it's an experience. Imagine waking up to the turquoise waters of the Okinawan Sea. Picture yourself lounging by a stunning pool with a view, sipping cocktails from the poolside bar. Envision yourself indulging in a rejuvenating **massage
Paddington Heights Paradise: Your Dreamy 1BR Awaits in Tangerang!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're heading to Miyakojima. Forget your pristine, perfectly-formatted itineraries. This is going to be a beautiful, messy, sun-kissed disaster, just like my life. Here goes…
NATURELA MIYAKOJIMA & IRABU ISLAND: A Chaos-Fueled Adventure (AKA My Attempt at Paradise)
Day 1: Arrival and the Tyranny of the Rental Car
- Morning (7:00 AM): The flight. Ugh. I hate flying. But the promise of Miyakojima's turquoise waters is the only thing keeping me from demanding they turn the plane around. Landed. The humid air slaps you in the face like a warm, wet fish. I’m already sweating.
- Morning (8:30 AM): Rental car pickup. This is where things always start to go south. I booked the cheapest possible thing, which, of course, is a micro-compact. It looks like a clown car. But hey, at least it has air conditioning, which is crucial because, again, the humid air. The rental agent, bless her heart, speaks about as much English as I speak Japanese (which is zero). So, lots of pointing, smiling, and frantic hand gestures later, I have the keys to… the clown car.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Finding Naturela Miyakojima. Okay, I’m lost. Google Maps is failing me. I blame the clown car. The roads are tiny, and the scenery is gorgeous, which is a cruel distraction. I finally find the place. It's beautiful, a little slice of heaven hidden in the trees.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Check-in and immediate regret about my packing choices. I brought way too many "stylish" clothes and not enough practical stuff. This is going to be a sandal and swimsuit kind of trip. The bungalow is perfect. The ocean view is everything. I could cry (in a good way).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch at a local shokudo. The first meal. I’m starving. I stumble upon a tiny, unassuming place. I point at the menu. I have no idea what I ordered. It's some kind of fish with rice and… something green. It's delicious. I accidentally spill soy sauce on my pristine white shirt. Classic.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Sunset at Yonaha Maehama Beach. Okay, this beach. It's not just beautiful; it's stunning. The sand is like powdered sugar. The water is so clear, you can see the bottom. I actually gasped when I saw it. I spent an hour just staring, feeling a sense of peace I haven’t felt in… well, ever. I build a pathetic little sandcastle and promptly get it destroyed by a wave.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a seafood place recommended by the hotel staff. I order everything. I mean, everything. I'm talking sashimi, grilled fish, tempura… I'm pretty sure I ate half the ocean. It was worth it. The food is incredible.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Stargazing. The sky is a black velvet canvas sprinkled with diamonds. I try to identify a constellation, fail miserably, and just marvel at the sheer vastness of the universe. I feel tiny. In the best way possible.
Day 2: Exploring the Island (and My Patience)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. The spread is amazing: fresh fruit, pastries, coffee. I eat enough to fuel a small army.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Drive to Irabu Island via the Irabu Ohashi Bridge. This bridge is long and the views are spectacular. I stop every five seconds to take photos. (Sorry, other drivers!)
- Morning (10:30 AM): Snorkeling at Nakano Shima Beach. I'm not a strong swimmer, but the water is calm, and the coral is vibrant. I see a sea turtle! I almost swallow my snorkel in excitement.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a tiny cafe on Irabu Island. I try the soki soba (pork rib noodles). Comfort food perfection. I spend the next 20 minutes trying not to slurp too loudly.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Exploring the Sagishima Lighthouse. The views from the top are breathtaking. But the climb up the spiral staircase nearly kills me. I'm seriously considering investing in a stair lift when I get home.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Trying to find a secluded beach. I consult Google Maps. I end up on a dirt road that definitely isn't meant for the clown car. I get stuck. Briefly. I manage to reverse out, covered in dust and shame. I found a beautiful beach, though, even if it took me an hour and a minor panic attack.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a restaurant in the port. I order something with a lot of garlic. Because, why not? I’m on vacation.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Nightcap on my bungalow balcony. I drink a local beer and listen to the ocean. Pure bliss. I may or may not have eaten an entire bag of potato chips. Don't judge me.
Day 3: Doubling Down on the Beach (and Maybe, Just Maybe, Finding Inner Peace)
- Morning (9:00 AM): Sleep in! The best part of any vacation, right? Until the sun starts beating down and the birds start chirping at 7 AM. Still, I luxuriate in the late wake-up call.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Breakfast on the balcony. Enjoying the view. Contemplating life. Realizing I need to do this more often. Maybe move here? No, no, I'm not that brave.
- Morning (11:00 AM): Back to Yonaha Maehama Beach. I spend hours there. I read a book (or try to, I mostly people-watch). I swim. I nap. I build another sandcastle. This one lasts a whole five minutes before the waves claim it. I don't care.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at a beachside cafe. Simple, delicious food. I order a massive plate of fries. I don’t even care if I’m getting sand in my food.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): More beach. I’m starting to feel a little… zen. I’m actually relaxing. This is a miracle. I spend so much time stressing about work and life and everything else, and now I'm just… being.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Okay, I get a little bored. I'm not that zen. I wander around and find a tiny shop selling local crafts. I buy way too many souvenirs.
- Afternoon (5:00 PM): Another sunset at Yonaha Maehama Beach. This time, I bring a bottle of wine. I watch the sky turn all sorts of colors. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. The wine helps.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. I order something fancy. I try to eat slowly, savoring every bite. I fail.
- Evening (9:00 PM): Back on my balcony. I'm exhausted but in a good way. I feel like I've actually lived today.
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
- Morning (7:00 AM): One last breakfast. I savor every bite. I'm already sad to leave.
- Morning (8:30 AM): Check out. Say goodbye to the amazing staff at Naturela. I want to stay forever.
- Morning (9:30 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. I buy more things I don’t need but absolutely want.
- Morning (10:30 AM): Drive the clown car back to the rental place. I return it with a pang of sadness. I've grown attached.
- Morning (11:30 AM): Fly back. The plane takes off. I look out the window at the tiny island fading into the distance. I'm already planning my return.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Land. Back to reality. But I’m carrying a little piece of Miyakojima with me. The memories, the tan lines, the feeling of pure, unadulterated joy. And a slightly guilty conscience about all the potato chips.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The Clown Car: It was a disaster, but in a strangely charming way.
- The Food: Incredible. I still dream of that sashimi.
- The Beach: Seriously, go. *
Miyakojima Paradise: Uncover NATURELA's Hidden Gem – FAQs (and a little bit of me rambling!)
Okay, so… Miyakojima? Naturela? What *is* this place, anyway? Is it just another beach vacation?
Alright, picture this: I *thought* I was a beach person. Sun, sand, a good book… paradise, right? Wrong. Miyakojima, and specifically NATURELA (which, for the record, is the name of a specific *area* on the island, not just a hotel or tour company – I got confused at first!), completely blew my mind. It's not just beaches, though those are *ridiculously* gorgeous. It's… well, it’s like stepping into a postcard that’s actually alive. Think turquoise water so clear you can see the bottom a mile out, coral reefs bursting with color, and a laid-back vibe that melts your stress away faster than ice cream on a hot day. And the NATURELA bit? It’s all about the natural beauty – the cliffs, the hidden coves, the… okay, more on that later. Let's just say, prepare to be humbled by nature's sheer, unadulterated *awesomeness*.
What's the deal with the beaches? Are they seriously as good as everyone says? Because, you know, Instagram lies.
Okay, honest moment here: Instagram *doesn't* lie about the beaches. They're even *better* in real life. I'm talking blindingly white sand that feels like powdered sugar between your toes, and water that's so many shades of blue and turquoise, it's insane. I swear, I spent a whole afternoon just staring at the ocean, utterly mesmerized. My personal favorite (and this is a controversial opinion, I know!) was Yoshino Beach. Yes, it's crowded, but for a reason! The snorkeling is phenomenal, like swimming in a giant, vibrant fish tank. My first time, I nearly choked on my snorkel because I was so busy gaping at the coral. And, okay, the second day I got a *tiny* bit of sunburn. Rookie mistake, people! Sunscreen. Lots of it.
Snorkeling and diving – worth it? I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat, to be honest.
Oh. My. Goodness. Yes. YES! Even if you're a scaredy-cat like me. I was terrified of snorkeling at first! I pictured giant squid and sharks and all sorts of underwater monsters. But the water is so clear, you can see everything! And the fish are just… beautiful. Seriously, the vibrant colors, the different shapes… it's like a living, breathing kaleidoscope. I booked a guided snorkeling tour (highly recommended, especially if you're a newbie), and our guide was super patient and reassuring. He pointed out all the cool stuff, like the clownfish (Nemo!), and helped me get over my initial panic. Diving… I chickened out on that one. Baby steps, people! But I saw tons of divers having an absolute blast, so if you're brave, go for it!
Is it all just beaches and water? What else is there to *do* in Miyakojima?
Okay, okay, I get it. Beaches are great, but variety is the spice of life, right? And Miyakojima delivers! * **Hiking:** There are some amazing coastal trails with killer views. I'm not a huge hiker, but even *I* was impressed. The cliffs! The crashing waves! The… sweat. Okay, maybe I'm not a hiker. But the views were worth it. * **Cycling:** Rent a bike! It's a great way to explore the island at your own pace. Just be prepared for the hills! * **Exploring the caves:** There are some cool caves, like the Ryugu Cave, which I'm reliably informed is amazing. * **Trying the local food:** More on that later… because, oh boy, the food! * **Just… chilling:** Seriously, sometimes the best thing to do is nothing at all. Just sit on the beach, listen to the waves, and let the world melt away. Which, let's be honest, is what I spent most of my time doing.
Let's talk food. What are the must-try dishes? I'm hungry just thinking about it.
Oh, the food. Where do I even begin? Okay, deep breath. * **Miyako Soba:** This is a MUST. Thick noodles in a flavorful broth, usually with pork belly and other delicious toppings. I ate it almost every day. Seriously. Don't judge. * **Umi Budo (Sea Grapes):** This is a local delicacy – tiny, green, bubble-like seaweed that bursts in your mouth. It's a weird texture at first, but it's surprisingly addictive. * **Goat Meat:** Yes, goat. I was hesitant at first, but it's actually really good! It's usually served in a stew or grilled. Very flavorful. * **Mango:** Miyakojima mangoes are legendary. They're sweet, juicy, and absolutely divine. I may or may not have eaten my weight in mangoes. Don't tell anyone. * **Awamori:** This is a local rice liquor. Strong stuff! Drink responsibly, people. Or, you know, don't. (Kidding! Kind of…) * **And a special recommendation:** Try finding a little local place off the beaten path. The best food is often found where you least expect it. I stumbled upon this tiny restaurant that served the most amazing grilled fish I've ever tasted. I can't remember the name, or the exact location, but that's the whole point, right? The adventure!
How's the nightlife? Is there anything to do after the sun goes down?
Okay, let's be real. Miyakojima isn't exactly known for its wild nightlife. It's more about the laid-back, chill vibes. There are a few bars and restaurants that stay open late, but mostly, people are winding down after a day of sun and fun. I, personally, enjoyed the peace and quiet. I'd grab a drink, maybe listen to some live music (if I could find it!), and then head back to my accommodation to read and relax. The stars are incredible, by the way. Seriously, the night sky is something else. If you're looking for a party atmosphere, Miyakojima might not be the place for you. But if you're looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some tranquility, you've found your paradise. (And, okay, I did manage to find one little karaoke bar... I won't say what happened there, but let's just say my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was… unforgettable.)
How easy is it to get around? Do I need a car?
Yes. You pretty much *need* a car. Public transportation is limited. You *Backpacker Hotel Find
