Escape to Paradise: Okinawa's Unbeatable DoubleTree Resort!
DoubleTree Okinawa: Paradise Found… Eventually. (A Slightly Chaotic Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I'm back from Okinawa, and I'm still trying to unpack my suitcase (and, honestly, my brain) because this trip to the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Okinawa Chatan was… well, it was something. Let's just say I'm not always the most organized traveler, and this review will reflect that. Consider this less a polished travelogue and more a free-wheeling, slightly manic stream of consciousness punctuated by the occasional useful tidbit of information.
First Impressions: The Good, the… Not-So-Good?
Landing at Naha Airport and the airport transfer? Smooth as butter. They’re clearly pros at this airport transfer game. Then… accessibility. Gotta give them credit, the entrance was wide open, and the lobby's spacious. No squeezing through narrow doorways, so that’s a big plus. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, definitely. Elevators throughout (a godsend!), and the staff were genuinely helpful with our needs. I saw a family with a wheelchair, and they were navigating perfectly. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out: Sweet, sweet efficiency!
The Room: My Little Oasis (Once I Found It)
Okay, so the room itself was… lovely. Comfy bed (and an extra long bed – YES!), a seating area perfect for slothing, and glorious blackout curtains. (Seriously people, invest in blackout curtains. My sanity thanks them. I should write a poem about blackout curtains.) I was high up in a high floor room, and it gave a killer ocean view. The Wi-Fi [free] was also a godsend. Seriously, between work and the endless posting of photos, an unstable internet would have been a disaster. Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN - yep all sorted. I had to check the air conditioning because I'm very particular about how things feel. It was perfect. Oh and the coffee/tea maker! That was my lifeline - I am not a morning person. And, you've got the usual suspects: air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, carpeting… (Are we really still listing carpeting? It's the 21st century!). The TV had on-demand movies and more channels than are healthy. Now the detail I loved was seeing the window that opens. Nothing beats fresh air. I kept the window open most of the time and if I had to shout 'Wow,' I would.
Things that REALLY MATTER to Me (Or, My Obsessions)
- Cleanliness and Safety: This is huge right now, right? Well, the DoubleTree Okinawa scored big points. The anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? You bet. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. Seeing the measures they took kept me feeling relaxed, knowing they cared with physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Food, glorious food: This is where things get deliciously complicated. Let's start with the basics: breakfast [buffet]. Oh, the buffet. It was a symphony of carbs, both Asian and Western options (the Asian breakfast, particularly the miso soup, was life-changing). But oh, the bread. My hips are screaming. A la carte in restaurant: available, along with a coffee shop, and it got even better with a poolside bar! There's also a snack bar (for those late-night munchies) and restaurants galore. Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please! I'm also a sucker for a view, and the pool with a view made snacking even better.
The DoubleTree's Quirky Side: Getting Into the Nitty-Gritty
- Ways to Relax (and My Personal Failures): I'm a massive spa enthusiast, so I dove headfirst into the Spa. They had a sauna, a steamroom, and even a foot bath. They had massage, body wraps, and body scrubs. I tried all of them, and was never more chill in my life. A lot of the time, I felt I was in my own world. The only downside? I didn't book enough spa time. Lesson learned: triple your spa bookings.
- For the Kids (and Those Still at Heart): Now, my son, bless his cotton socks, went absolutely bonkers in the hotel. Kids facilities, babysitting service, and a family/child friendly atmosphere? Absolutely. The swimming pool [outdoor] was a huge hit. Seriously, between the pool and the beach, this place is kid heaven. He was so happy!
The Little Things That Make a Difference (or Annoy the Heck Out of Me)
- Things to do: The concierge was a lifesaver, helping plan our excursions. They actually had a shrine on site. I didn’t expect that. Super, super cool. They also had a gift/souvenir shop, a convenience store, and even a place to cash withdrawal.
- Services & Conveniences: Daily housekeeping? Thank you, thank you, thank you. I’m messy. Laundry service? Essential. Dry cleaning? I needed it after an incident involving a plate of noodles and my shirt. I also had to use the Xerox/fax in business center
- Getting around: They had an airport transfer, and a taxi service. There's also a car park [free of charge] which is super handy if you're renting a car and want to explore more.
Accessibility - A Deep Dive
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes, they've gone above and beyond. The rooms are spacious, the bathrooms are designed with accessibility in mind, and the staff are incredibly attentive. This is where the resort's commitment to inclusivity really shines.
- Elevator, Check. The elevators were always working, and they are the life of this hotel.
- Front desk [24-hour]. Yep, it’s there. Always. And they're always ready to help.
- Facilities for disabled guests: A+
Okay, The Breakdown: The Good, the Bad, and the Bread-Based
- The Absolutely Awesome: The staff, the spa, the breakfast buffet (I’ll never be the same), the cleanliness, the accessibility.
- The Minor Annoyances: Getting lost occasionally (blame my sense of direction), too much amazing food (hello, waistline!).
- Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. I want more spa time and a second chance with the noodles.
My Final, Slightly Chaotic, But Honest Verdict:
This DoubleTree is a gem. It's a place where you can truly disconnect (if you want to) and reconnect with yourself (or your family). It’s got the amenities, the service, and the vibe to make you feel like you’ve actually ESCAPED.
Escape to Paradise: Okinawa's Unbeatable DoubleTree Resort! - BOOK NOW!
Are you ready for an escape? Looking for a getaway that combines breathtaking natural beauty with unmatched comfort and accessibility? Do you want a hotel that’s truly taking care of you? Look no further than the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Okinawa Chatan!
Here's Why You DON'T Want to Miss Out:
- Unbeatable Accessibility: We've thought of everything to ensure a seamless experience for every guest. From spacious rooms with every essential to attentive staff.
- Pure Relaxation: Indulge in a world of bliss at our luxurious spa, complete with a sauna, steamroom and massage. Spend the day lounging by the pool with a view, enjoying cocktails. We have a pool for adults, and a pool for families, and one with a sea view.
- Culinary Delights: Discover a world of flavors with our diverse dining options. Indulge in buffets with a great selection of foods, enjoy casual snacks at the snack bar or a special menu at the vegetarian restaurant.
- Family Fun: We're the perfect destination for families! From a fabulous kids facility and a babysitter service to a stunning outdoor swimming pool, kids will have an amazing time.
- Peace of Mind: Rest easy knowing we're dedicated to your safety and well-being, with rigorous cleaning protocols, including anti-viral cleaning products, and fully-trained staff.
Exclusive Offer:
- Book now and receive a complimentary breakfast!
- Special rates for extended stay (7+ nights)!
- Upgrade your stay to a suite and enjoy a private balcony and stunning views!
**(Please note: Offers are subject to availability and can change. Contact the hotel or visit our website for more details
Unbelievable Asahikawa Luxury: Hotel Taisetsu Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is the actual notebook I'm taking to Okinawa, the one that's probably going to end up covered in spilled soy sauce and existential angst. We're heading to the DoubleTree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan Resort. Let's see if we survive. My brain is already buzzing with anticipation and the fear of getting a sunburn on my nose.
The Okinawa Odyssey: A Messy, Honest, and Probably Very Humorous Account
(Because let's face it, perfection is boring, and I'm definitely not perfect.)
Pre-Trip Panic & Prep (Because even a "relaxing" trip requires a pre-flight mental breakdown):
- Weeks Before: Okay, first things first. Book flights. Check. Book hotel. Check. Panic about the lack of travel insurance. Research travel insurance. Get travel insurance finally. Breathe. (Deeply. Repeatedly.) Start learning basic Japanese phrases. (So far, I only know how to say "beer" and "thank you"… which, honestly, seems like a good foundation.)
- Days Before: Pack. (This is always a disaster. I'm either overpacking or underpacking. There's no in-between.) Realize I haven't done laundry in a month. Attempt to cram everything into my suitcase while simultaneously questioning all my life choices. This is a core part of the travel experience, right?
- The Day Before: Final packing tweaks. Question every outfit. Wonder if I really need six pairs of sunglasses. (The answer is yes, obviously.) Vividly imagine forgetting something essential. Start to feel that weird, anticipatory bubble of excitement mixed with sheer terror. This is what they call "being alive," I guess.
The Arrival - Chatan, We Meet Again (or will soon enough!)
- Day 1: The Great Arrival & Immediate Failure to Achieve "Relaxation"
- Morning (Flight Time - assuming no delays which, let's be real, is a MASSIVE assumption): The airport! The smell of stale coffee and hurried footsteps. Turbulence. Try to sleep. Fail. Stare at the clouds. Pretend to be zen. Fail.
- Afternoon (Arrival & Hotel Check-in): Arrive in Naha. Blown away by the humidity. Embrace the "sweaty tourist" look. Taxi to the DoubleTree. Finally, relief! (Or, at least, a slightly less sweaty form of relief.) Pray for a good room. Pray harder for air conditioning.
- Check-in & Room Revelation: Fingers crossed for a view. I'll be happy with anything that doesn't face a brick wall. Okay. Great. Ocean View. Breathes deeply. This is exactly what I needed at this point. I think I can actually feel my shoulders starting to drop. The room itself? Clean, spacious, and oh-so-tempting to just collapse on the bed and stay there.
- The Initial Reconnaissance Mission: Unpack. (Probably messily. I'm not a neat packer.) Explore the hotel. Scope out the pool situation (because, priorities). Find the bar. You know, for research purposes. Maybe a Mai Tai to combat the jetlag? Don't answer that. Get lost in the hotel. Wander aimlessly, convinced I'll never find my way back to the room, somehow, which is also the best part.
- Dinner Debacle (or Delight - TBD): Dinner at one of the hotel restaurants. Trying authentic Okinawan food. Possibly ordering the wrong thing. Pretending to enjoy it anyway. Actually, just hoping I enjoy it.
- Evening: Early to bed? Maybe. Or maybe a late-night swim under the stars? (If I can find my way back to the room.)
Day 2: Exploring Chatan & The Beach (hopefully with minimal sunburn)
- Morning: Wake up. Marvel at the view again. (It never gets old.) Breakfast at the hotel. (Buffets are my love language.) Stumble over to the beach at sunset, ready for the real relaxation to begin.
- Late Morning to Afternoon (Chatan Exploration): Time to explore the little town of Chatan. Stroll along the boardwalk, checking out the shops and cafes. Get hopelessly lost again trying to find the American Village (because I'm a map-reading disaster). Stumble upon a hidden gem of a local restaurant. Eat something delicious and completely unfamiliar, which turns out to be the highlight of the trip. Maybe an ice cream or two in the afternoon.
- Afternoon (Beach Bliss - Attempted): Time to hit the beach! Sunscreen application is crucial. (Remember the sunburn on the nose? Prevent that happening again.) Attempt some swimming. Get sand in every crevice. Build a pathetic attempt at a sandcastle. Give up and just lay there in the sun, pretending to be a glamorous beach goddess.
- Evening (Dinner & Drinks): Dinner at a local Izakaya. (If I'm feeling brave enough to attempt ordering in Japanese, which… probably not.) Order a bunch of small plates. (So I can try everything!) Drink some Orion beer. People watch. Embrace the simple pleasures of life.
Day 3: Diving Deeper & Doubling Down
- Morning: Culture Crush: Attempt a day trip (probably with a tour) to a historical site, maybe the ruins of a castle. Appreciate the culture. Stand in awe of the history. Question how people built anything back then.
- Afternoon: The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing
- My Favorite Thing: This gets an entire afternoon all to itself, because I will be doing absolutely nothing. And I shall justify it. The point of travel is what? To escape. To unwind. To recharge. And to do that properly, one needs to do absolutely nothing. So, here is the plan:
- Room Service & the Balcony: Order room service. That’s where everything starts. Because I am not leaving my room. Maybe a really decadent lunch. Something I'd never normally order. (Sushi? A burger? All of it). Then, take my meal out on the balcony. Observe.
- Ocean Gazing: Stare at the ocean. Just… stare. Watch the waves. Think about things. Think about nothing. (That can be the hardest part) Maybe take a nap.
- Music, Books, & The Joy of Procrastination: Read a book I brought (and probably haven't touched till now). Listen to some music. Or, you know, put on a podcast and fall asleep. Indulge in the utter joy of doing whatever I feel like doing without any pressure. Because that, my friends, is the ultimate luxury.
Day 4: The Final Day, The Last Meal (and a few panicked realizations):
- Morning: More breakfast. Because why not? One last soak in the pool. Try not to panic about packing.
- Afternoon: Final souvenir hunt. Buy way too many things. Vow to never shop that much again. (Spoiler: I will.) One last amazing Okinawan lunch. Get that one last taste. Start mentally preparing to leave. Regret not having stayed longer.
- Evening: Head to the airport. A brief, bittersweet moment of happiness. Then the sadness and the realization that your real problem is that you are completely addicted to travelling the world.
Final Thoughts & The Existential Aftermath
- The Goodbye Sigh: The flight home. Sit on the plane, feeling a slight post-holiday depression. Look at all the photos. Realize I’ve gained like five pounds.
- Processing the Experience: The actual act of travelling doesn't always happen like you imagine it will. But the experience will be worthwhile.
- The Endless Loop: Start to plan the next trip. Because, let's be honest, the travel bug is real, and it’s very, very contagious.
This is my itinerary. It's a guideline, a suggestion, a starting point for an adventure. The real magic, the messy, wonderful reality, is what happens in between the lines. Wish me luck, and maybe send a postcard (or a case of beer) if you hear from me ever again.
Escape to Paradise: Grand Mercure Wakayama's Luxurious Minabe Retreat
Escape to Paradise: Okinawa's Unbeatable DoubleTree Resort! (Or Is It?) - The Unfiltered FAQ
Okay, spill it. Is this place *really* paradise? Like, full-blown sunbeams-and-unicorns paradise?
Alright, alright, settle down, drama queen. No, it's not *literally* unicorns. But it's pretty darn close. Think turquoise waters, lush greenery, and sunsets that make you want to weep (in a good way, usually). HOWEVER! Let's be honest, paradise has its… quirks. More on those later. Let's just say the staff are lovely, but maybe a little *too* eager to help you with your chopsticks at the buffet. I, personally, prefer to struggle and eventually win. Pure satisfaction.
The rooms. Give me the lowdown on the rooms. Are they cramped? Are they clean? Did you find any rogue geckos? (Asking for a friend…)
Okay, rooms. Generally speaking, they’re pretty spacious. I mean, you're not exactly ballroom dancing in there, but you won't be bumping into your suitcase every five seconds. CLEAN? Yep, mostly. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so I did a thorough sniff test (don’t judge). And, thank God, no rogue geckos! Though, I'll admit, on my first trip, I did spend a solid 15 minutes convinced a shadow in the corner was a giant, gecko-zilla. My husband just sighed and went back to his beer. Romance, eh? The air conditioning, though? Stellar. Absolute lifesaver in that Okinawa heat. Worth the price of entry alone.
That buffet everyone raves about… Is it truly legendary or just a collection of lukewarm mush? Be honest!
The buffet. Ah, the buffet. It's a rollercoaster, my friends. There are days when it's heavenly. Sushi that melts in your mouth, fresh fruit that sings to your soul, and enough options to make your head spin. Then there are *other* days. Days when the… well, let’s just say the "hot" dishes lean more towards "tepid." And sometimes, and I swear this happened, the matcha ice cream tasted suspiciously like… dirt. But! Don’t get me wrong, the selection is vast! Something for everyone. Just pace yourself. Don't go in ravenous after a long travel day. Trust me on this. Rookie mistake. I learned the hard way. Many, many hard ways.
What about the pool? I MUST know! Is it crowded? Is it Instagram-worthy? Are there enough sun loungers to *actually* get one?
The pool area… Ah, the pool area. Okay, picture this: turquoise water glistening, sun dappling through palm trees, the faint sound of… wait for it… children. Yes. LOTS of children. This is a family resort, people. So, embrace the chaos. Embrace the squealing. Embrace the vaguely damp smell of sunscreen. Instagram-worthy? ABSOLUTELY. (Get that perfect shot early. Before the toddler tsunami hits.) Sun loungers? A gamble. Especially around lunchtime. I'm not above a little passive-aggressive towel placement, I admit it. But honestly, just embrace the beach! It’s stunning and less fraught with the anxieties of lounger-hunting. Seriously, do yourself a favor and head to the beach. The pool is perfectly nice, don't get me wrong, but the beach... the beach is where the magic happens.
Okay, fine, the beach. What's it like? Is it crowded? Are there enough umbrellas? (I burn easily.)
The beach is the reason you book this resort, hands down. The water is crystal clear, the sand is white and powdery… it’s postcard-perfect. Crowds vary, but it usually doesn’t feel *too* insane. (Again, this depends on the time of year.) Umbrellas? Usually enough, but get there early to snag a prime spot. Otherwise, embrace the awkward dance of shade-seeking. And for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen! I made the mistake, *once.* The lobster-red sunburn was not a good look. Trust me, you don't want to spend half of your vacation trying to exist without skin. Pain is a bad travel companion.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Do they speak English? Can they handle my extremely specific dietary requirements (I'm vegetarian, gluten-free, and only eat foods that start with the letter 'K,' for example)?
The staff are, without a doubt, some of the nicest people on the planet. They’re incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to want you to have a good time. English? Generally quite good. They'll try their best! Dietary requirements? They'll try! (Good luck with the 'K' thing, though. You might need a translator and a very understanding chef). Be patient! They’re dealing with a lot of different requests all the time. (And maybe, just maybe, be prepared to compromise your 'K-only' diet. Seriously, I'm just trying to help you here.)
Is there anything *bad* about this paradise? Be honest! Don't sugarcoat it!
Okay, alright. Let's be real. Nothing's perfect. The Wi-Fi can be… spotty, especially in the rooms. Pack a book! Also, the cost of drinks? Ugh. Pricey. Plan your budget accordingly. And occasionally, the music at the pool can get a little… repetitive. I swear I heard the same song about "coconut trees" like, a thousand times. It got to me. But these are minor quibbles. The biggest thing? Saying goodbye. Seriously, when it's time to leave, it hurts. You'll be making mental plans about how to sneak in early and stay forever. You've been warned.
Did you go to those water sports, and if so, were they any good?
Oh, the water sports? Yes, I braved them. I'm a total chicken, but… I felt obligated, you know? Okay, the jet skis? Awesome! Adrenaline rush, wind in your hair, feeling like James Bond (or, you know, a slightly less suave version of James Bond). The parasailing? Terrifying at first, but the view? INCREDIBLE. Absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, I almost fainted with the sheer beauty. The banana boat? Hilarity incarnate. Prepare to get incredibly wet and fall off a lot. Good times. Worth it. But… wear waterproof mascara, folks.
Are there any activities or attractions nearJet Set Hotels
