Escape to Paradise: Okinawa Kariyushi Resort Exes Ishigaki Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the turquoise waters and sun-drenched paradise of Escape to Paradise: Okinawa Kariyushi Resort Exes Ishigaki Awaits! This isn't your typical, sterile hotel review. We're going to get real about this place. I mean, who needs a perfectly polished travelogue anyway? Let's get messy, shall we?
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack):
Landing in Ishigaki Island… wow. Just… wow. The airport is tiny, which, honestly, is a good thing. Less chaos. Less, you know, the existential dread of massive airport crowds. The transfer to the resort was smooth – thankfully, because I'm terrible with directions and even worse with public transport after a long flight. Airport transfer is a lifesaver, folks. Seriously.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good Vibes:
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is a HUGE deal for some of us. And I'm happy to report that Escape to Paradise is making a solid effort. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, and the presence of an elevator is a big plus. I didn't personally need extensive accessibility features, but I did notice the effort. It's not perfect, mind you. I didn't see specific details on the rooms, but the common areas felt quite accommodating. More clarity on room specifics would be awesome.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because, You Know, 2024:
Alright, let's get this out of the way. The world is a little… germy these days. So, I'm thrilled to say the resort is taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays are all music to my slightly anxious ears. They even had hand sanitizer everywhere, which, let's be honest, is a godsend. They clearly had staff trained in safety protocols. I saw staff sanitizing tables diligently. It felt… safe. Which, in this day and age, is a HUGE selling point. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property added to the sense of security.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (with a Few Quirks)
Okay, the rooms. My room (a non-smoking one, thankfully) was… lovely. Seriously. I mean, the air conditioning was a lifesaver. Ishigaki gets HOT. And the blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. The free Wi-Fi was blazing fast (a miracle, I tell you!). They offer free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The coffee/tea maker was essential for my morning caffeine fix. And the slippers and bathrobes? Pure luxury. But the best part? The window that opens. I love fresh air, and it was a small thing, but it made a big difference.
One Tiny Complaint: The extra long bed was indeed extra long, but the pillows were a bit… fluffy. But that's just me being picky.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (and a Few Stumbles)
Now, the important stuff. The food. Let's start with the good. The Asian breakfast was incredible. I'm talking seriously good. The miso soup was perfect. The buffet in restaurant was a feast for the eyes. They had a vegetarian restaurant, which made my vegetarian friend very happy. The poolside bar was a godsend for cocktails. I mean, who doesn't love a Mai Tai with a view?
My Hiccup: One night, I tried the a la carte restaurant. While the food was good, the service was… a bit slow. But hey, I was on island time, so I just ordered another cocktail.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Paradise Found (and My Inner Couch Potato Unleashed)
Okay, so you're in paradise. What do you do? Well, you relax, duh. And Escape to Paradise has you covered.
The Pools: The swimming pool was gorgeous. The swimming pool [outdoor] was perfect. The pool with view was… well, it was a view. The view was everything. I spent hours just floating, staring up at the sky.
The Spa: The Spa/sauna was divine. I had a massage that was so good, I nearly fell asleep on the table. I also tried the foot bath. A truly memorable experience.
Fitness: The fitness center was well-equipped, though I'll admit I only peeked in. I was on vacation, after all.
Other Stuff: The shrine was serene, and the terrace was perfect for sunset watching.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (and My Inner Diva Happy)
They've got a ton of services. The concierge was super helpful with booking tours. The daily housekeeping kept my room spotless. The luggage storage was a lifesaver on departure day. The gift/souvenir shop was perfect for last-minute presents (I definitely bought way too much).
The Quirky Observation: I loved the convenience store. You know, for those late-night snack cravings.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me):
I didn't have kids with me, but the family/child friendly atmosphere was evident. They had kids facilities and a babysitting service (though I didn't use it).
Getting Around: Easy Breezy
The airport transfer was a lifesaver. They have car park [free of charge]. I used the taxi service a couple of times, and it was reliable.
Accessibility, Internet, and More Detailed Breakdowns:
- Internet: Yes, yes, and YES! Free Wi-Fi is in all rooms. The Wi-Fi in public areas was also good, so you could work from the pool if you were one of those weirdos. Internet [LAN] is available in the rooms.
- Dining: The a la carte in restaurant options, the Asian cuisine in restaurant are all there. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant all available!
- Getting Around: The Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking, and Car power charging station are available!
- Services and Conveniences: Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center are all available!
- Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Cleanliness and safety: **Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and probably sunburned world of my Okinawa Kariyushi Resort Exes Ishigaki adventure. This isn't a perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is real life, folks. Prepare for the glorious mess.
Okinawa Kariyushi Resort Exes Ishigaki: The Unofficial Itinerary (aka, "Pray for my sanity and tan lines")
Day 1: Arrival & Paradise Panic
Morning (or, "When Did the Sun Become a Personal Offense"): Arrive at New Ishigaki Airport (ISG). Okay, first impression: tiny. Adorable. But also…HOT. Like, "I'm already regretting my decision to wear black" hot. The resort shuttle is a godsend, whisking us away to the promised land. Or at least, the promised land of air conditioning.
Afternoon (aka, "Finding the Beach, Losing My Mind"): Check-in. The lobby is gorgeous, all polished wood and breezy vibes. Then, the room! Ocean view? Check. Balcony? Check. Suddenly, I'm convinced I'm living in a James Bond movie. Until I try to figure out the AC controls. Cue a 20-minute struggle involving frantic button-pushing and a growing suspicion that I'm somehow making it hotter. Eventually, I surrender and call reception. The staff is incredibly patient with my flailing. Bless their hearts.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening (aka, "Beach Bliss & Existential Dread"): Finally! The beach. Turquoise water, white sand…perfection. I spend a solid hour just staring, mouth agape. Then, I get ambitious and try to snorkel. Let's just say my technique needs work. I swallowed half the ocean and saw mostly blurry coral. But hey, the feeling of the sun on my skin? Pure, unadulterated joy. Dinner at the resort's Italian restaurant. Pizza? Surprisingly good. Wine? Maybe a little too good. I'm pretty sure I had a philosophical debate with a palm tree about the meaning of life. Don't judge me.
Day 2: The Great Snorkeling Debacle (and a bit of redemption)
Morning (aka, "Sunscreen is My New Religion"): Breakfast buffet. So. Much. Food. I try everything. Twice. My stomach is already plotting a rebellion. Today's mission: snorkeling, correctly this time. I book a boat tour to a nearby reef.
Mid-Morning (aka, "Underwater Fail: The Sequel"): The boat ride is beautiful. The reef? Even more stunning. But my snorkeling skills? Still questionable. I'm convinced I'm attracting sharks with my flailing. I manage to see some fish, but mostly I'm battling the current and trying not to panic. My mask leaks. I get salt water in my nose. I briefly consider becoming a land-dweller. But then, a giant sea turtle swims right past me. It was breathtaking. The whole snorkeling experience was a huge mess.
Afternoon (aka, "Island Exploration & Regretful Purchases"): We rent a car (driving on the left side is terrifying, by the way) and explore the island. The scenery is incredible: rolling hills, lush forests, hidden beaches. We stop at a local shop and buy way too many souvenirs. I'm already regretting the giant, ceramic Shisa dog I'm going to have to lug home. But it's SO CUTE.
Evening (aka, "Sunset Serenity & Karaoke Catastrophe"): We watch the sunset from a cliff overlooking the ocean. It's absolutely magical. Then, we decide to embrace the local culture and hit up a karaoke bar. Let's just say my rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was…memorable. In a "everyone-in-the-bar-is-cringing-and-secretly-praying-for-it-to-end" kind of way.
Day 3: Ishigaki's Bounty (and a bit of a meltdown)
Morning (aka, "Seafood Overload & Mild Panic"): A visit to the local market! I'm overwhelmed by the sheer variety of seafood. I eat a massive bowl of fresh sashimi. It's divine. Then, I realize I have absolutely no idea how to prepare any of this. I briefly contemplate buying a whole fish and attempting to cook it in my hotel room. Sanity prevails (barely).
Mid-Morning (aka, "The Waterfall Whisperer"): We hike to a waterfall. The trail is beautiful, but the humidity is brutal. By the time we reach the waterfall, I'm soaked in sweat and questioning all my life choices. But the waterfall is stunning. Cool, refreshing. I feel a brief moment of zen. Then, a giant mosquito bites me.
Afternoon (aka, "Spa Day & Emotional Unraveling"): Time for a spa treatment at the resort. The massage is amazing, but I'm a mess. I'm exhausted. I'm sunburnt. I'm overwhelmed by the beauty of everything and the impending return to reality. I start crying. The therapist is very professional. I blame the jet lag and the sheer, glorious sensory overload of this island.
Evening (aka, "Farewell Feast & a Promise to Return"): Dinner at the resort's Teppanyaki restaurant. The chef is a master, flipping knives and cooking delicious food. I vow to return to Ishigaki. To conquer the snorkeling. To learn how to cook fish. To maybe, just maybe, sing karaoke without causing an international incident.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable post-vacation blues)
- Morning (aka, "The Last Bites & Final Photos"): One last breakfast buffet. One last ocean view. One last desperate attempt to memorize every single detail of this incredible place.
- Afternoon (aka, "Goodbye Ishigaki"): Airport. Tears. (Okay, maybe just a single, dramatic tear.) Plane.
- Evening (aka, "Homecoming and the Bitter Sweet Reality"): Landed back home. Feeling refreshed, but exhausted. Already planning my return to Okinawa. And, I have the tan lines to prove it.
Postscript: This trip was messy. It was imperfect. It was everything I could have hoped for and more. Ishigaki, you beautiful, chaotic island, I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a better snorkel. And maybe a therapist. Just in case.
Escape to Paradise: Pine Palace Resorts, Gulmarg's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Okinawa Kariyushi Resort Exes Ishigaki - The Real Deal (and My Messy Thoughts)
Okay, so... Ishigaki. Worth the hype? And is this resort actually as good as the photos?
Alright, let's get real. Ishigaki? Absolutely. That turquoise water? The sunsets that make you wanna cry (in a good way)? Yeah, it's the real deal. And the resort… well, the photos are pretty damn accurate. BUT, and this is a big but, it's not *perfect*. I mean, what is, right? I went in expecting pure, unadulterated bliss, and I got… well, a *slightly* less perfect, but still utterly fantastic, experience. Think of it like this: the photos are Instagram, the reality is… slightly less filtered. More like your messy, beautiful, real life.
The rooms... are they worth the splurge for a suite? I'm on a budget... kinda.
Okay, the room situation. Here's the deal: I'm usually a budget traveler. I'm the one who packs instant noodles and judges the price of bottled water. But I *splurged* on a suite. And honestly? Part of me regrets it, and part of me *doesn't*. The suite was HUGE. Like, I could have hosted a small dance party in the living room. The view? Spectacular. But… did I *need* it? Probably not. The standard rooms looked perfectly lovely, and you're hardly going to spend ALL your time in your room anyway. Unless, you know, you're avoiding the sun (and my pale skin definitely considered that option for a bit). So, my advice? If you're on a serious budget, skip the suite. You'll still have an amazing time. If you want to feel like a minor celebrity, go for it. Just be prepared to eat instant noodles for a week after. (Worth it? Maybe.)
Let's talk food. Is the food at the resort as amazing as everyone says? Any specific recommendations? (I'm a foodie!)
Food! Okay, THIS is where things get interesting. The food is… good. Very good. But not *mind-blowingly* amazing every single time. There are a few restaurants on site, and I tried most of them. The breakfast buffet? A solid win. So many choices, from traditional Japanese fare to Western breakfast staples. I’m talking bacon, eggs, and those amazing little Japanese pancakes that disappear in your mouth. Seriously, I probably ate my weight in those.
Here’s the thing though: I went in expecting Michelin-star level perfection at every meal. And sometimes… it wasn't. One night, I had a slightly overcooked piece of fish. And another night, the service was a bit… slow. (I'm a patient person, but even *I* was starting to get hangry.) But then, there were the *moments*. The perfectly seared steak at the teppanyaki restaurant. The fresh, vibrant sushi. The incredible Okinawan soba noodles.
My absolute recommendation? The Ishigaki beef. Seriously, find it. Eat it. It's an experience. It's melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Worth every single yen. I'm still dreaming about it. (And maybe drooling a little bit.) Honestly, I'd go back just for that.
What's the deal with the pools? Are they crowded? Are they actually relaxing? (I hate crowds!)
The pools... ah, the pools. Okay, so there are a few different pools at the resort, which is a definite plus. The infinity pool with the ocean view? Stunning. Instagrammable. And… yeah, it can get crowded. Especially during peak hours. I'm the type who prefers quiet relaxation, so I quickly learned to scope out the scene and adjust my pool time accordingly. I'd either go early in the morning, when the pool was practically empty, or later in the afternoon, when people were off doing other things. The other pools were generally a bit less crowded, so I spent a lot of time there. One even had a swim-up bar, which, let's be honest, is a vacation essential. The key is to be flexible. Don't expect pure, uninterrupted bliss at all times. But hey, if you *do* manage to snag a prime spot at the infinity pool, that view is worth the occasional shoulder-to-shoulder situation. Just remember to pack your patience (and maybe a good book!).
Beyond the resort, what is there to do? Any MUST-DO activities?
Okay, so, getting off the resort is a must. Ishigaki is beautiful! The resort is great, but you'd be missing out if you didn't explore. Here's what I'd say is essential:
- Kabira Bay: Glass-bottom boat tour. Stunning. Even if you get seasick (like I briefly did... ugh), it's worth it. The colors are unreal.
- Yonehara Beach: Snorkeling! The coral and fish are amazing. Just be careful of the sun – I learned that the hard way (oops!).
- Rent a car: Seriously. It gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Public transport is… well, let's just say a car is easier. And getting lost? Part of the adventure! (I got lost. Several times.)
- Go to a local market: Experience the local culture! Sample the food, talk to the vendors (if you can, learn a few basic Japanese phrases – it helps!).
Oh, and one more thing... the sunsets. Seriously. Find a spot, any spot, and watch the sunset. It's pure magic. I'm not even a "sunset person" usually, but these sunsets… they got me. Every. Single. Time.
Is it family-friendly? I'm traveling with kids.
Yes, it's definitely family-friendly. They have kids' clubs, activities, and the pools are great for kids. I saw plenty of families there, and everyone seemed to be having a blast. However, if you're looking for a *completely* child-free experience, this might not be the resort for you. There are kids everywhere. But honestly, most of them were well-behaved and happy. And the resort is big enough that you can usually find a quiet spot if you need one. Plus, seeing the kids' faces light up when they see the ocean is pretty amazing.
Anything I should bring that I might not think of?
Okay, yes! Here are a few things I wish I'd packed (or packedStayin The Heart
