Originally Posted by
OliverB
I know I'm a tough customer, but neither really speak to me. The SLH is too Boca Raton golf resorty. The Japanese boutique property is difficult to get a feel of, but from what I see on TripAdvisor, it just seems to lack "soul", for lack of a better description.
I've looked into Hoshinoya as well, which I understand is rated highly. It's all a bit too manicured and suburban looking. I realize that it's supposed to represent traditional Okinawan dwellings with the clay tiles roofs and stone walls, but it just feels like a tract housing development to me. I don't know, maybe I just can't find what I'm looking for in Japan.
I also worry that we'll get bored in late-November, as it's not exactly the season for beach activities or snorkeling. Has anyone on the forum actually been to Hoshinoya and if so, could you please describe what an average day was like on the island? What were the nighttime options like and how conveniently situated is the area to restaurants and local shops and culture? Also, what;s the ideal amount of time to spend on the island; 2-4 nights?
This post seems very contradictory. At first you mention the SLH is too "Boca Raton" but then you say Hoshinoya seems manicured. Hoshinoya is built to blend in with the local buildings; so it feels more like a ryokan then proper hotel. This is completely fine though, Hoshinoyo is completely full service, 2x daily cleaning, etc.
I have been to Hoshinoya and RC. The RC was AWFUL, too far from the snorkeling and scuba boat slips (over 2 hours). The advantage to RC is some rooms have a very tiny private pool, which came in handy. That being said, Hoshinoyo was a lot better location (beach, diving, town, etc).
As far as average day ....completely depends on what you want to do. If you want to dive/snorkel, that takes 3-4 hours. Then you can go to beach, relax in room, etc.
I recommend Hoshinoyo. But if you want massive architecture, grand grounds, etc, this isn't it. You can spend 3 nights here and be done with it all. If you want to go crazy with snorkeling, diving then you can head to the Keramas (can get from Okinawa - 1 hr). the mainland Okinawa snorkeling/dving sucks, but Karema is AMAZING. This takes 2 hours round trip, and there are so many sites there it would take weeks to explore them all.
Chec out reef encounters, I used them 2x. Great people.