Recommend March 2014 - (Page 44)

asia Okinawa is a tropical, sun-kissed destination. SERGIO ORTIZ OKINAWA to visit is to love it sergio ortiz Old Japanese poets, in their penchant for imagery, wrote that if Japan is a pearl necklace, then Okinawa is its pendant. That may be a stretch, but it's not far-fetched to say that it's beautiful, tropical, friendly and blessed with exceptional weather, which is the main reason the Japanese rank it as the most popular destination within their country. Indeed, Japanese nationals flock here to enjoy pristine beaches and warm sun, giving Okinawa the reputation of a Japanese Hawaii. And although the number of Westerners has shown an uptick in recent years, that number pales when stacked against the more popular Japanese mainland destinations. Nevertheless, Okinawa is a destination with tremendous appeal and enough activities to make it worth offering to those interested in visiting. Its unique culture and food, along with its arts and crafts, history, world-class diving and top-notch resorts are making Okinawa one of the more desirable Asian destinations. In fact, the opening of a new airport plus the expansion of Naha airport with a second runway is already showing positive results towards tourism officials' long-range, ambitious goal of attracting 10 million visitors a year. Kazuya Oshiro, coordinator, Okinawa Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCVB), says that one of the more appealing facets of Okinawa is the friendliness of its people. "Westerners at first find it disconcerting to realize the people here treat you as a friend," he says. "[Visitors often think Okinawans] are shy because of their English language skills. However, that won't matter when visitors learn the old Okinawa saying that once you meet someone, you become brothers or sisters. After a trip here, the friendliness of its people is one of the great memories you will take from Okinawa." Last June, the Okinawa Prefectural Government announced that tourism increased 36 percent from the previous year. But while foreign tourist arrivals rose almost 27 percent to 382,500 in 2013, U.S. visitors made up only about 3 percent of that number. Oshiro adds that OCVB, in its efforts to lure U.S. tourists, has "formed a strong partnership with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) to promote Okinawa on an equal footing with Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other extremely popular destinations. We have also found, and are now working with, potential U.S. travel entities like travel agents, advertising firms and more." Naha, Okinawa's capital, is a vibrant, electric and sparkling city that astounds those with preconceived ideas of it being merely a U.S. military R&R destination. It's far from that. 44 march 2014 44-45 AP Okinawa.indd 44 Modern conveniences are everywhere, and a delightful monorail mirrors its devotion to the future. Its proximity to popular spots that attract visitors make it a perfect destination to discover the wonders of the island; in itself, Naha has plenty to offer those willing to remain in a large city. The city is full of noteworthy sites like the ancient Shurijo Castle, the last remnant of a Ryukyuan Kingdom that lorded over the islands before being annexed by Japan in the 17th century; Kokusai Street, known as The Miracle Mile, full of restaurants and shops; the Fukushuen Garden, a delightful green spot that blends Chinese and Japanese cultures; and Tsuboya, an esplanade lined with ceramic shops offering one-of-a-kind masterpieces where, oddly enough, one finds a brewery specializing in Awamori, the potent and flavorful Okinawa liquor that makes sake taste like tap water. No mention of Okinawa is complete, however, without highlighting the delicious dishes from modest restaurants in Ogimi Village, about 30 minutes from Naha, where, incidentally, centenarians are the norm not the exception-five times as many Okinawans, in fact, Street scene in Macau. live to be 100 years or older than their Japanese compatriots, so tell clients to eat up. In terms of accommodations, the Loisir Spa Tower Hotel will not disappoint. The plush, 12-floor property, conveniently situated near the airport, has 89 rooms ($190 per night dbl) that range from deluxe rooms to ultra-plush suites with Western-style furniture. The Loisir somehow manages to maintain exquisite Japanese touches with modern amenities and is hailed as one of Okinawa's most romantic hotels with a full-service spa fed by natural hot springs and relaxing treatments designed for couples. Guests are sure to enjoy the hotel's proximity to the Naminoue Shrine, the Tsushima-maru Memorial Museum and the Makishi Public Market, three of Naha's more popular attractions. The Okinawa Marriott Resort & Spa (from $141 dbl) is a 344room, 17-suite secluded property in the central section of the island overlooking the East China Sea. Its rooms facing Nago Bay are known for the spectacular sunrises, while the resort's second wing boasts equally stupendous sunset views. Those who prefer even more remote but exceedingly exotic accommodations will find the Shigira Bayside Suite Allamanda, with its 86 deluxe suites with private pools, to be one of Okinawa's highlights when it comes to luxury properties (from $190 per night dbl). The resort is on Miyakojima, about 180 miles from Okinawa recommend.com 2/20/14 8:51 AM http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend March 2014

Editor's Notes
Hotel Desk: ME by Melia
Tour Talk: MLT Vacations
The All-Inclusive Rundown
Iberostar's Rose Hall Resorts, Jamaica
RIU Palace Mexico
What's New in Cancun & Riviera Maya
Great Britain Travel Planner
Turkish Delights
Cosmopolitan South Africa
Riveting Rhode Island
Okinawa: To Visit is to Love It
Un-Cruise Adventures' S.S. Legacy
Alaska

Recommend March 2014

https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/feb2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/2019DeltaGuide
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/january2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/december2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/deltaguide2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/nov2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/oct2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/sept2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/SaintLucia2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/july2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/june2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/may2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/Guatemala/Guatemala
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/march2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/feb2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/jan2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/Jandelta2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/DeltaDec2017Guide
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/december2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/nov2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/oct2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/Martinique
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/septrec2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/july2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/june2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/may2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/DeltaGuideJan2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/Delta
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/march2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/february2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/january2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/december2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/saintlucia
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/november2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/oct2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/sept2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/july2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/june2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/may2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/prevue/mayjune2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/march2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/february2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/january2016
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/saintlucia
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/december2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/november2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/october2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS/guatemala
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/september2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/july2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/june2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS/trinidadtobago
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/may2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/march2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/february2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS/delta2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/january2015
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/december2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/november2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/october2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/recommendoctober2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/september2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/july2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/june2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/may2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/march2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS/CostaRIca
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/february2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS/delta
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/january2014
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/recommendnovember2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/october2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/RecommendSeptember2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS/guatemala2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/Brazil2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/july2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/june2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/may2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS/IsraelTravelPlanner2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS/Tahiti
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/SUPPLEMENTS/mexicoweddingplanner2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/march2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/february2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/january2013
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/december2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/november2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/october2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/september2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/july2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/june2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/may_2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/march2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/february2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/january2012
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/december_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/november_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/october_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/september_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/recommend/july_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/june_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/may_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/april_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/march2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/feb_11
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/january_2011
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/December_2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/November_2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/Recommend/October2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/sept_2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/august_2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/worth/recommend/july2010
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com