Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Miyajima Views from Your Hiroshima Resort
Escape to Paradise: Miyajima Views That Might Actually Make You Cry (in a Good Way) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, listen up, fellow travelers! I've just clawed my way back from the "Escape to Paradise" resort near Hiroshima, and I'm still reeling. "Paradise" might be a slight exaggeration – let's be real, life is rarely a perfectly curated Instagram filter – but those Miyajima views? Yeah, those are damn close to a religious experience. But before you whip out your credit card, let's get messy, shall we? This review is gonna be real, warts and all.
First Impressions: The Arrival (and the Slight Panic About Accessibility)
Getting there was…an adventure. We opted for an airport transfer (which, honestly, I'd recommend – especially with potential jet lag). Airport transfer is a lifesaver. They handled the luggage, which, after a long flight, is a huge win.
The resort itself is…well, it's bigger than your average B&B. Finding the right entrance was more like a quest. Now, the official line says "Facilities for disabled guests" are available. I didn't personally need them, but I poked around a bit. The elevator is a must-have, and they did have facilities for disabled guests, but I'd suggest calling ahead and doing a thorough check if accessibility is a top priority. Don't just take my word for it!
The Room: My Quiet Panic Room (with a View…Eventually)
We snagged a room with the promised Miyajima view, and wowza. Honestly, the view alone almost made me forget the (admittedly minor) struggle of finding the place. Waking up to the iconic torii gate jutting out of the water? Pure, unadulterated magic. Forget the alarm clock; the sunrise is enough to yank you out of slumber.
The room itself was… functional. Clean, with those essential amenities you expect like air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, free Wi-Fi (in all rooms! Praise be!), and a mini bar. The bed was comfy. The blackout curtains are your best friend, especially after a day of sightseeing. I’m a sucker for bathrobes and slippers. Little things like these make the stay very pleasant.
Now, the Internet access was a bit of a mixed bag. They Wi-Fi [free] was generally fine, but for serious work, I'd recommend using their Internet access – LAN. And if I'm being picky – and I am – some of the décor felt a little…dated. A few more power outlets near the bed would have been appreciated. And the interconnecting room(s) available could be a blessing or a curse depending on your family. Overall, the room was good. Not perfect, but the view… the view made up for a LOT.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Menu Mishap)
Okay, the food situation deserves its own chapter. The Asian breakfast was delicious. A steaming bowl of miso soup, flavorful grilled fish. The buffet in restaurant was a decent offering of both Western and Asian cuisine, and I am glad the vegetarian restaurant was a thing!
We also tried the a la carte in restaurant, which was a little hit-or-miss. One night, the Japanese curry was sublime; the next, the tempura was a bit soggy. The restaurants definitely offer variety. The coffee/tea in restaurant was average for the most part, and a much needed refreshment after a long day of walking. There’s a snack bar too. And the poolside bar? Perfect for a sunset cocktail, even if the cocktails themselves were a bit pricey..
Room service? Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. Just remember to double-check your order. I'm not saying I ordered a salad and got a plate of fries, but… well, let's just say it happened.
Ways to Relax: Spa-tacular or Snooze-Worthy?
This is where the "Paradise" claim gets serious. The spa is amazing. Like, truly amazing. I succumbed to a massage AND a body scrub, and I almost ascended to nirvana. The Sauna and steamroom? Perfect for detoxing after a few too many cocktails. The pool with view is incredible, and the swimming pool [outdoor] is a great spot to unwind.
I did miss the gym, I didn't have the wherewithal to work out. The Body wrap? I didn't try it but heard good things.
Things to Do: Miyajima Mania and Beyond
Obviously, Miyajima is the star of the show. You must see the Itsukushima Shrine's torii gate at high tide and low tide. It's breathtaking in both situations. Explore the island, hike, and soak in the atmosphere. The shrine itself is a must-see.
The resort is also great at providing useful information. They have meeting/banquet facilities, business facilities.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic-Era Peace of Mind
They take hygiene seriously. Hand sanitizer is everywhere, and the staff are wearing masks. They have Daily disinfection in common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, and Rooms sanitized between stays. It felt safe. They have all kinds of little things to keep the guests safe like Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature, First aid kit.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Unforgettable Moments
Okay, let's be real: this isn't a perfectly flawless resort. The check-in process was efficient. The check-in/out [private] option is very convenient. On the first day, the pressure in the shower was a little low. (I later learned to crank every knob to the max). But the staff, bless their hearts, were always helpful and accommodating.
But those moments? That view at sunrise? That perfect massage? Those are the things you remember. That's the stuff that makes you forget the minor inconveniences. I’m still smiling thinking about it all.
The Offer: Your Escape to Hiroshima's Hidden Gem
So, here's the deal: "Escape to Paradise" isn't just a place to stay; it's a chance to recharge and reconnect with the magic of Japan. You get:
- Incredible Miyajima Views: Wake up to the sunrise over the iconic torii gate. Trust me; it's worth it.
- Spa Bliss: Melt away your stress.
- Delicious Food: From authentic Japanese breakfasts to poolside cocktails.
- Convenient Location: Explore Hiroshima easily.
Book Your Escape Today!
Click here to book your escape now! Don't wait! The view, the spa, and the chance to experience something truly special are waiting for you. This is a chance to create memories. Don't miss out.
Escape to Paradise: Comfort Suites Lake City Awaits!
Okay, here's a gloriously messy, opinionated, and utterly human travel itinerary for a stay at the Global Resort Miyajima View in Hiroshima, Japan. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is going to be a ride:
Trip: Hiroshima, Japan - Global Resort Disaster (Just Kidding…Mostly)
Duration: 5 Days (and nights, because sleep is crucial…sometimes)
Theme: Serenity, Squirrels, and the Constant Quest for the Perfect Cup of Coffee.
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Panic (and the Promise of a View!)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Arrived at Hiroshima Airport. Already feeling that airport-induced existential dread. Border control? Fine. Finding the right bus to take out of the airport? Let the games begin.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM): Bus to the ferry terminal. Managed to purchase tickets without causing a complete international incident. Proud moment. The bus driver seemed surprisingly unfazed by my frantic attempts to speak Japanese, which should go down as a major moral victory.
- Late Morning (10:30 AM): The ferry to Miyajima Island – Wow. Just WOW. The iconic torii gate rising from the water? Stunning. I swear I teared up a little. And then I remembered I hadn't had coffee. Panic level: Rising.
- Lunch (12:30 PM): Checked into the Global Resort Miyajima View. Room: A bit…dated. The view from the balcony? Absolutely breathtaking. I could actually see the torii gate. Immediately forgave the slightly beige aesthetic. Ate a bento box on the balcony, and immediately felt like I had to be respectful of the delicious food and beauty that was in front of me.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Miyajima Island Exploration. This is where things got interesting! First, the deer. Adorable, majestic deer. Then, an incredibly pushy deer nearly stole my map. That was, uh, not ideal. Also, I had to figure out where I was in the town.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Hiked to the top of Mount Misen. This was a mission. The cable car option was tempting, but, you know, "doing it the hard way" sounded better. The hike was gruelling. The view from the top? Worth every aching muscle. I felt a sense of accomplishment and a deep appreciation for gravity.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at the resort restaurant. This was the first big experience. I thought the food was great and I had a great conversation with the waitstaff about the food.
- Night (9:00 PM): Stargazing on the balcony. The sky was unbelievably clear. Contemplated the meaning of life…and the location of the leftover cookies. Also, I found out I had a new view of the torii gate that was incredible from the room.
Day 2: Temple Troubles (and Tremendous Tempura)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Attempted to find decent coffee. The resort's coffee machine was…challenging. Ended up using a coffee shop nearby, that had one of the best lattes I had ever had.
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Visit to Itsukushima Shrine. Gorgeous, but surprisingly crowded. Dodged selfie sticks and rogue toddlers. The atmosphere was still deeply spiritual, even with the throngs of people.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Explored the backstreets of Miyajima. Found a tiny, family-run shop selling the most amazing grilled oysters. They were so good, I almost cried. Sat there eating them and just watching the water.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): More Miyajima exploration. The second big experience of the trip. I dove deeper into the food scene, and decided on a place that was recommended for its tempura. The tempura experience truly made my trip. It wasn't just the food (though that was divine), it was the whole experience: the warmth of the staff, the quiet space, perfect. I could have stayed there all day.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Back to the resort for a nap. Needed to recharge. I'm not getting any younger, and these temples don't wander around themselves.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Another dinner at the resort. This time I went for the local cuisine with fish.
- Night (8:00 PM): Watched the sunset over the Inland Sea from the balcony, and wondered if I should ever leave the resort.
Day 3: Peace Park Pilgrimage (and a Little Bit of Grief)
- Morning (8:00 AM): More coffee. This time, I stumbled upon a little cafe with a barista who spoke fluent English. Coffee victory!
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Ferry back to Hiroshima. Prepare for a sobering day.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. This was a tough one. The museum, in particular, was emotionally draining. It's a place you need to visit, but be prepared to feel a whole range of difficult emotions. The sheer destruction, the unspeakable suffering…it's a lot to take in. Afterward, I walked around the park, trying to process everything.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Needed comfort food. Found a little okonomiyaki place near the park. The Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki was delicious, but I was way too emotional to really enjoy it at first.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM): Rest of the day was spent wandering around near the Peace Park, trying to come to terms with what I had just seen.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Quiet dinner near the hotel.
- Night (8:00 PM): Early night, trying to get some sleep.
Day 4: Return to Serenity (and the Quest for Souvenirs!)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Back on the ferry to Miyajima. Comfort food, day 2.
- Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Re-explored Miyajima. The deer were back, plotting, probably. But this time, I was ready. Knew to have that map far away.
- Late Morning (11:00 AM): Souvenir shopping. Found some beautiful lacquerware and some ridiculously cute deer-themed trinkets. Maybe I was spending too much, but at least I had the money to do it!
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Back at the tempura restaurant. Needed one last taste of perfection.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): Relaxing at the resort. Spent the afternoon in the outdoor onsen. It was heavenly. Then, I spent most of the late afternoon on the balcony.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Farewell dinner at a restaurant, in Miyajima.
- Night (9:00 PM): Packing. Sigh. This trip went by too quickly. Time to go home.
Day 5: Departure (and the Aftermath)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Final coffee (with extra sugar).
- Mid-Morning (Bus to Hiroshima Airport.
- Late Morning (Flight Home)
Random Observations & Ramblings:
- The Japanese are ridiculously polite. Like, genuinely, wonderfully polite. I felt like I was constantly apologizing for my very existence.
- The squirrels on Miyajima are HUGE. And probably plotting world domination.
- I had a lot of coffee. Too much coffee? Never.
- I almost got lost, like, every day.
- The sunsets were magical. Seriously.
- The food was incredible. Everything, from the tempura to the oysters.
- I really like deer.
- I want to go back.
Imperfections:
- My Japanese is terrible. But I tried!
- I probably spent too much money.
- I missed a few good photo opportunities because I was too busy staring at things.
- I wish I had learned more about the history of the area.
Final Verdict:
Hiroshima and Miyajima Island? Absolutely worth it. The Global Resort Miyajima View? Pretty good, with breathtaking views. Just be prepared for some imperfect moments. I'll never forget it. In fact, even though I'm home, I still feel like I'm there. Which is what I want!
Now, where's that coffee?
Pullman Eindhoven Cocagne: Your Luxurious Eindhoven Escape Awaits!
Okay, so, Miyajima Island. Is it *really* unbelievable? Because I've seen some Instagram filters that are straight-up lies...
Is this Hiroshima resort actually a *resort*? Like, pool, cocktails, room service? Does my inner lazy person have a chance?
What about the food? I'm a foodie. Can I survive on just rice and fish?
Those deer… are they cute or terrifying? I saw pictures.
How do I get to Miyajima Island from the resort? Is it complicated?
Anything I *absolutely* must do on Miyajima Island, besides stare at the gate?
Is this a good trip for someone with kids? I’m picturing meltdowns…
