Escape to Paradise: Rakuten STAY VILLA on Miyakojima's Pristine Beach!
Escape to Paradise: Rakuten STAY VILLA on Miyakojima – My Honestly Messy, Totally Worth-It Review (and Why You Need to Book Now!)
Okay, people, let's talk Miyakojima. Specifically, let's talk about Rakuten STAY VILLA. I just got back, and my brain is still officially in beach mode, which means this review might be a little scattered, a little enthusiastic, and a whole lot honest. Buckle up.
The Pitch: Paradise Found (with a Few Hiccups, Naturally)
Look, if you're dreaming of turquoise water, blindingly white sand, and a serious dose of R&R, Rakuten STAY VILLA on Miyakojima needs to be on your radar. Seriously. This place is basically a postcard come to life. I'm picturing all the promotional shots I've seen and I'm not going to lie… they are spot on! You're talking about a villa practically on the beach. I can still feel the sand between my toes…wait, let me check… nope, just a crumb from that amazing breakfast croissant. Anyway…
Accessibility: The Bare Essentials (and a Few Maybes)
Okay, let's get the less-perfect bits out of the way first. Accessibility: While there are Facilities for disabled guests listed, I can't personally vouch for the full scope. Getting around the villas might be a challenge depending on the specific unit (some are two-story, which would not be fun). There's an elevator for common areas. I didn't see any explicit wheelchair accessibility info on the main website, so I’d suggest contacting Rakuten STAY directly before you book if accessibility is a major concern.
The Good Stuff: Beaches, Bliss, and Beyond!
Right, now for the good stuff. Because, trust me, the good stuff is abundant.
- Location, Location, Location: Did I mention the beach? It's Pristine Beach, people! I spent roughly 80% of my waking hours there. The sand is like powdered sugar, the water is… well, it's the stuff of Instagram fantasies. You can step out of your villa and be there in, like, 30 seconds. It's that close.
- The Villa Vibe: The villas themselves are gorgeous. Seriously, it's a Couple's Room dream! Non-smoking rooms are a given. The air conditioning is a lifesaver. Wi-fi in all rooms! – crucial for posting those envy-inducing sunset pics. They've got all the essentials: Air conditioning, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, a mini-bar… sigh. The bathroom was spacious, and the shower was glorious after a day in the sun. They even have slippers, a nice little touch. And the desk was perfect for getting in a little work (I'm a freelancer, don't judge).
- Amenities Galore: This is where Rakuten STAY VILLA really shines. They offer a full suite of services.
- Pool with view - I'm obsessed with this feature! Just imagine, you have a pool and you have a dreamy view, It is what you ever need!
- Spa/sauna and Spa are excellent! You can choose the best treatment for you!
- Gym/fitness: Did not touch, probably because I was busy swimming in the ocean and eating croissants, but it's there!
- Fitness center: same with gym.
- Massages: Oh, yes! I tried the massage, and I'm still melting. They are fantastic!
- Poolside bar: essential for happy hour cocktails.
- Cleanliness and Safety (Crucial in These Times): This is huge, and Rakuten STAY really delivers. They have Daily disinfection in common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, and Rooms sanitized between stays. The staff is wearing masks, and everything felt super clean and safe. They take Hand sanitizer seriously, and I felt genuinely protected. They have First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call, Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher, and CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Now, let's talk food! The restaurants offer a fantastic array of options. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was incredible – think fresh fruit, pastries, and the best coffee. There's also Room service [24-hour], which is a lifesaver when you're feeling lazy (which is, let's be honest, every evening). They also have a Poolside bar, a Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a Snack bar, so you're never far from refreshment. During the Covid-19 breakout, they even offered Breakfast takeaway service and Individually-wrapped food options, which was reassuring.
My Personal Experience: The Croissant Incident and Other Shenanigans
Okay, so I spent most of my time trying to decide between swimming and eating. A tough life, I know. The breakfast buffet was my daily highlight. I have a confession: I may or may not have smuggled a croissant back to my villa every morning. It was that good. The only minor downside? One day, during a particularly ambitious croissant heist, I may have accidentally dropped a bit of pastry into the sand. The seagulls descended like furry, judgmental vultures. Lesson learned: eat your croissant at the buffet table. Or, you know, be a better person.
I also had a truly amazing massage. One of those massages where you literally feel your worries melt away. I highly recommend it.
Things to Do (Besides Lounging on the Beach, Obviously):
Miyakojima itself is stunning. Here’s a few things I'd recommend:
- Explore! Rent a car and drive around the island. The scenery is breathtaking.
- Snorkel or Scuba Dive: The coral reefs are incredible.
- Go to: The Shrine
- Visit: The Gift/souvenir shop.
Services and Conveniences:
Rakuten STAY does an excellent job of making your life easy:
- Contactless check-in/out - Easy, easy, easy!
- Daily housekeeping - My villa was always sparkling clean.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning
- Cash withdrawal
- Currency exchange
- They also have Luggage storage, a Concierge, and a Convenience store, which is super helpful.
For the Kids:
They have Babysitting service and Kids meal, I don't have kids, but from what I observed, Rakuten STAY Villa is Family/child friendly.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer - Super convenient!
- Car park [free of charge] - Always a bonus.
- Car park [on-site]
The Verdict: Book It! (Seriously, Do It)
Look, Rakuten STAY VILLA isn't perfect. Nothing is. But the location, the villas, the amenities, and the overall vibe? Totally worth it. It's a place where you can truly unwind, disconnect, and recharge. I came home feeling relaxed, refreshed, and already planning my return.
My Crazy-Good Offer for YOU (Don't Miss Out!)
Okay, here's the deal. Because you read all the way to the end (bless your heart!), I'm giving you my own personal endorsement. Book Rakuten STAY VILLA. If you are looking to getaway from your daily routine, don't hesitate, and plan your getaway right now! Use the link below:
[Insert Rakuten STAY VILLA Booking Link Here!]
Don't wait. Miyakojima is calling. And trust me, you want to answer.
Clio2 Ioi City Mall: Your Serdang Hospital KL Escape!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned vacation itinerary. This is my Miyakojima meltdown… I mean, adventure. We're talking Rakuten STAY VILLA Miyakojima Maehama Beach, folks, and I'm pretty sure my soul just breathed a sigh of relief.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (Beach Edition)
Morning (Like, 4 AM?): Flight from… well, let's just say the place where I currently owe a whole lot of people a whole lot of money. Arrival in Miyako Airport. Pray to the travel gods my luggage actually made it. (Spoiler: It did! Success!) Taxi to the villa. The driver, bless his soul, only spoke about three words of English, but the smile! The genuine, "Welcome to paradise, you poor, sleep-deprived fool" smile! I felt… hopeful.
Late Morning (aka the "Why Did I Book the Early Flight?" Phase): Arrived at the Rakuten STAY VILLA. First impressions? "Oh. My. God." The pictures… they didn't lie! Turquoise water, blinding white sand, the villa itself was a masterpiece of minimalist chic. I promptly dropped my bags, and proceeded to do a happy dance that quickly turned into a "where's the coffee?" frenzy. Turns out, the fully equipped kitchen? Epic. Coffee brewing. Life improving.
Afternoon: Beach Panic and Bliss: Okay, so Maehama Beach. OMG. It's so… perfect. Like a Photoshopped postcard. But the sheer perfection? A little intimidating. I'm not the "beach bod" type, you know? More of a "beach… burrito" type. So, awkward swimsuit situation averted (thank goodness for a strategically oversized t-shirt). Spent an hour just staring at the water, contemplating all my life choices (mostly the questionable ones). Then, finally, I got my act together and actually went in the water. The water was the perfect temperature. Crystal clear. Gentle waves. I giggled with pure joy, and then promptly got a mouthful of saltwater. Still… perfection.
- Anecdote: Trying to take a selfie with the ridiculously gorgeous sunset. Failed miserably. Sand in my phone. Sunburn setting in. Still, the sunset was so stunning, it almost made me forget the existential dread. Almost.
Evening: Villa Vibes and Grocery Store Glitches: Hit up the local grocery store (wasn't expecting a challenge, but it's Japan, and the language barrier is REAL, people!). Ended up with some kind of pickled… something. Not sure what it was. Ate it anyway. Surprisingly delicious. Cooked a simple dinner in the villa, followed by a very necessary red wine moment on the balcony. Stargazing. Realising how small my problems actually are. Deep breath in. Pure bliss.
Day 2: Undersea Adventures (or, Why I'm Still Alive)
Morning: Diving and My Near-Death Experience (Kidding! Mostly.) Booked a snorkeling/diving tour. I am not, repeat NOT, a "water person." I'm more of a "land person" who enjoys the idea of water. But the coral reefs are supposed to be INCREDIBLE. So, I put on a wet suit (felt like a sausage casing), and jumped in. Let's just say, the first five minutes involved a lot of panicked bobbing and a silent prayer to all the sea gods. The instructor, a patient, lovely woman, had to practically drag me through the water. Eventually, though, I started to relax. And the coral! The fish! Holy moly! Vivid colours, clownfish, and I swear I saw a sea turtle wink at me. It was truly…amazing. Pure, unadulterated.
- Rant: Why is it so hard to clear your ears underwater?! Pure torture. I understand now that I was not meant to be a scuba diver.
- The emotional high: My heart was pounding, the sheer beauty of what I saw took my breath away.
- Observation: I think I understand why people pay big money for such an experience, and I consider myself lucky to have done it.
- A slight Imperfection: I managed to swallow half the ocean while snorkeling, and felt nauseous for 30 minutes after I got back on land.
Afternoon: Beach time, obviously. Tried to read a book. Failed. Just ended up staring at the ocean again. There is something to be said for just being. No phone. No emails. Just… existing.
Evening: Island Eats and Karaoke Calamity: Found a little local restaurant. Ordered something I couldn't pronounce. It was delicious. Everything about it! Local Okinawan food. The best meal I have eaten this year so far. Tonight, went karaoke, and my singing. Oh dear God. My friends went along for the ride and suffered a little in the process. But the laughter! The camaraderie! The sheer, unadulterated fun!
Day 3: Exploring, Relaxing, and the Sad Realization
Morning: Scooter rental! (Okay, maybe I shouldn't have driven the scooter, considering I am not a "driver".) Miyakojima is beautiful, and the freedom felt amazing. Took in the highlights: Cape Higashi-Henna-Zaki (stunning!). Ikema Bridge (windy and beautiful!). Scenery everywhere.
Afternoon: Back to the villa…for serious lounging. A long bath in the glorious tub. Journaling. Reading a terrible beach read. Perfect.
Evening: I took one last stroll along Maehama Beach, that beautiful beach. I watched the sunset. This trip has been… transformational. In these last few days, I have learned to embrace the mess, the imperfections, the sheer absurdity of life. I have discovered that I can be both terrified and thrilled, that I can laugh until my stomach hurts, and that sometimes, the best thing you can do is just be. I don't want to go home.
Final Observation (or, the Emotional Hangover): Okay, so here's the sad truth: the trip's almost over. I’m going to miss this place. I’m going to miss the turquoise water, the warm breeze, the sunsets. I'm also going to miss that feeling of being utterly, gloriously present. Life is messy. Life is imperfect. And life, especially in a place like this, is pure magic. I think Miyakojima has seen me at my best and worst. I think it's a good thing.
Epilogue: The airport farewell and the promise
- The airport: I spent my last meal at the airport. I said goodbye to Miyakojima, promising myself I would return, and that I would take a moment to breathe, and that I would live life more fully.
Escape to Paradise: Rakuten STAY VILLA on Miyakojima - You *Need* to Know This, Seriously. (But Don't Expect Perfection, Kay?)
Okay, spill it. Is this place *actually* paradise, or just Instagram paradise?
Listen, I went in with *high* expectations, fueled by those impossibly blue Insta pics. And... it's pretty damn close. Rakuten STAY VILLA on Miyakojima is a legit contender. The beach? Pristine. Like, wake-up-at-dawn-to-see-the-sunrise-and-cry-a-little-because-it's-so-beautiful pristine. The villas themselves are sleek, stylish… you know, the basics. But then you trip over the sand, and you're like, "Oh, *right*. This is the good stuff."
Here’s the thing: paradise doesn't come without a few quirks. More on that later. Let's just say, expect the unexpected. And embrace the sand. It gets *everywhere*.
What's the deal with the villas themselves? Size, amenities, all that jazz?
Alright, the villas… they're generally pretty spacious. We had one with a view, which was *essential*. (Book that now, seriously.) They've got everything you need: kitchens (we used it maybe twice, because, hello, *vacation*), comfortable beds (I snored like a chainsaw, apparently), and decent bathrooms. Air conditioning is your BFF in Miyakojima. Trust me.
One thing? The layout can be a little… confusing. We spent a good five minutes looking for the light switch in the bathroom. (Rookie mistake, I know.) And that's just because it's all super modern, I guess. Plus, the cleaning... well, it's not always spotless. A few stray grains of sand here and there, a forgotten towel in the corner. But hey, who are we kidding? We're on vacation!
The beach. Tell me *everything*. Is it swimmable? Is it crowded? Is it unicorn-riding-sunset-worthy?!
Oh, the beach. Prepare to drool. Seriously. The sand is white, the water is that unbelievable turquoise blue... it's like a screensaver come to life. Yes, it’s swimmable (and oh-so-inviting!). You can snorkel, paddleboard… just *be* in the water. It’s pure bliss.
Crowds? Thankfully, not insane. It’s not deserted, mind you. There are usually other people enjoying the beach, but it never felt overwhelmingly busy. There are a few other villas nearby, so you get some shared space, but it wasn't a total free-for-all. Finding your own little patch of paradise is totally doable.
Unicorn-riding-sunset-worthy? Okay, maybe not *literally* unicorns, but the sunsets? Absolutely. They're epic. Make sure you have a drink in hand and a camera ready. (And maybe a tissue, just in case you're a softie like me.)
Okay, the catch. What’s the *not-so-perfect* part of staying there. Because nothing's perfect, right?
Okay, here’s where I get real. The biggest (and only real) issue I had was with their booking system. It was a bit of a headache. They were a bit slow responding to emails before the trip. After a bit, I just gave up. It was a pain in the butt. So, double-check everything before you go.
Also, and this seems silly... but a few more hooks in the bathroom wouldn't go amiss. Where do you hang your wet swimsuits?! You know? Minor, but still.
Oh! One more thing. Driving. You *will* need a car. And the roads can be… interesting. Narrow, winding, and sometimes challenging. If you're not a confident driver, practice beforehand. Road signs were also only in Japanese. No big deal for me because I can speak it, but, if you don't....
The food! Don't leave me hanging! Is there decent food around?
Yes, the food is DELICIOUS! Miyakojima has some fantastic restaurants. From local izakayas serving fresh seafood and awamori to more upscale places with views like you wouldn't believe, there's something for everyone. I did have some incredible soba noodles, and I even tried some weird stuff at a small local spot that I could barely understand...but it was amazing! You should really venture out -- it is totally worthwhile. Don't just rely on the kitchen because believe me...you'll be missing out.
So, overall, is it worth it? Would you go back? (And would you bring me?!)
Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. It’s worth every penny. The location is incredible, the villas are comfortable (quirks and all), and the beach… well, the beach is a dream. I’d head back in a heartbeat.
And you? Maybe… (Kidding!) YES! I'd bring you. But you have to promise to make the coffee and not hog the snorkeling gear. Deal?
Any packing tips? What *not* to forget?
Sunscreen! Loads of it. The sun on Miyakojima is no joke. Reapply constantly. Seriously. A good hat. A swimsuit (or three). Flip-flops. A good book (or ten… you’ll have plenty of time to read). And a waterproof bag for your phone/camera. Oh, and mosquito repellent. Those little buggers are relentless.
Don't forget a good camera! The shots are too good, you'll regret it later!
Most importantly, a sense of adventure. And maybe a good attitude about sand. And let go. Seriously. Let go of any expectation about perfection. Go. Be in awe and be happy you went.
