A Trip with Twins: A Day at Awaji Hama Rikyu with 1-Year-Old Twins. It Was the Perfect Environment for Families.

The urge to escape the daily grind and embark on an adventure grew too strong, so we decided to pack our bags and head to Awaji Hama Rikyu, a luxurious resort on Awaji Island. Our traveling companions were my mischievous 1-year-old twins and my wife. As any parent of energetic toddlers knows, the anticipation of such a trip can be tinged with both excitement and apprehension. However, our worries were quickly put to rest as we discovered the resort’s exceptional facilities and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience as a parent of young children at Awaji Hama Rikyu, highlighting the aspects that made it an ideal destination for our family.

Please note that this blog post has been automatically translated from Japanese into English by Gemini. There may be some awkward or unnatural phrases.

Room Information and Reasons for Choosing

Our Choice: Spacious Suite with Private Onsen

For our stay at Awaji Hama Rikyu, we opted for a special room with an open-air hot spring bath, and for several reasons:

• A Soothing Soak: We longed for a leisurely dip in the温泉 (onsen, Japanese hot spring) to unwind and rejuvenate.
• Family Onsen Time: We wanted our children to experience the joy of an onsen as well, creating cherished family memories.
• Extended Checkout: A later checkout time would allow us to savor the resort’s amenities and activities without rushing our departure.
• Spacious Play Area for Kids: We desired ample space for our children to roam and play freely, ensuring their enjoyment throughout our stay.

In essence, this accommodation fulfilled all our desires and exceeded expectations. With an expansive interior exceeding 80 square meters, our room was even more spacious than our own home, allowing our children to run around with boundless energy. The private onsen in our room was a true highlight, enabling us to indulge in soothing soaks without worrying about time constraints.

Quench Your Thirst Anytime, Anywhere: An Oasis of Free Drinks

Awaji Hama Rikyu truly goes above and beyond to cater to its guests’ needs, and this is especially evident in the abundance of complimentary beverages available throughout the resort. Whether you’re seeking refreshment by the pool, unwinding in the lobby, or enjoying a leisurely meal, you’ll find a delightful selection of drinks to quench your thirst.

A Beverage Haven on Two Floors

Guests can indulge in a variety of free beverages on both the first and third floors of the facility. From refreshing water and revitalizing tea to aromatic coffee and thirst-quenching juices, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud. And as the day draws to a close, the resort transforms into a haven for adults, offering a delightful selection of alcoholic beverages to unwind and savor the evening ambiance.

A Family-Friendly Beverage Paradise

For us, the availability of free drinks throughout the resort was an absolute lifesaver, especially when it came to keeping our little ones hydrated. Our children are particular about their drinks, preferring a combination of mineral water and 100% apple juice. Thankfully, Awaji Hama Rikyu had both options readily available, ensuring our kids stayed happy and hydrated throughout our stay. The free apple juice, in particular, was a godsend, as our children tend to be less enthusiastic about drinking plain water.

A Thoughtful Gesture with a Big Impact

The resort’s commitment to providing free drinks not only demonstrated their attentiveness to guest needs but also greatly enhanced our overall experience. It’s the little touches like these that truly elevate a stay from ordinary to extraordinary.

A Carpet of Comfort: A Haven for Little Explorers

As parents of young children can attest, those first steps and wobbly toddler years are filled with both adorable milestones and heart-stopping moments. At Awaji Hama Rikyu, the resort’s extensive use of carpeting throughout the premises proved to be an absolute blessing for our family, especially with our little ones who were still mastering the art of walking and were prone to occasional tumbles.

A Soft Landing for Little Feet

The plush carpeting transformed the resort into a soft and forgiving haven for our adventurous explorers. Gone were the worries of sharp corners, hard surfaces, and the dreaded sound of a child’s head meeting the floor. The carpet’s gentle embrace provided a sense of security, knowing that even if our little ones took a tumble, they would likely land on a soft and forgiving surface.

A Playground for Tiny Climbers

While the carpeting was a welcome relief for our parental nerves, it also presented a new challenge: the irresistible allure of stairs. Our active children were naturally drawn to these vertical structures, eager to conquer their ascent. However, the descent proved to be a different story, often resulting in face-planting episodes that required our close supervision.

A Haven of Privacy: Lush Gardens, Sparkling Pools, and Pristine Beaches

Stepping into the private garden at Awaji Hama Rikyu was like entering a secluded paradise, a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The meticulously manicured lawns, the inviting children’s pool, the well-equipped BBQ area, and the pristine beach – it was hard to believe we were still in Kansai. This private oasis offered a level of tranquility and safety that was truly remarkable.

A Sanctuary for Little Explorers

Enclosed within a secure perimeter, the garden provided a haven where we could let our 1-year-old twins roam freely without a worry in the world. The absence of cars and bicycles allowed them to explore without fear, their laughter echoing through the tranquil surroundings.

A Family Getaway with a Touch of Luxury

As a seasoned traveler and a fan of the Shigira Mirage resorts, I was consistently impressed by the high standards and attention to detail at Awaji Hama Rikyu. The private garden, with its blend of natural beauty and luxurious amenities, was a true highlight of our stay. It was one of those moments that made us certain we would be returning soon, eager to create more unforgettable memories in this idyllic setting.

A Treasure Trove of Free Baby Essentials: Making Life Easier for Parents

Awaji Hama Rikyu truly goes above and beyond to cater to families with young children, and one of the most appreciated aspects of our stay was the resort’s generous baby amenities rental service. They had a wide range of items available for loan, including:

• Baby bath: We borrowed a baby bath, which was a lifesaver for our little ones’ bath time routine.
• High chairs and baby bouncers: The resort also offered high chairs and baby bouncers, making it a great option for families with even younger babies.
• Diaper disposal bins: They even provided odor-proof diaper disposal bins in the room, taking care of the dreaded “dirty diaper dilemma” for parents.

Staff’s Attentiveness: A Touch of Home Away from Home

The staff at Awaji Hama Rikyu were incredibly attentive and accommodating, going out of their way to ensure our family’s comfort and enjoyment. Here are a few examples of their thoughtfulness:

• Reserved seating at the restaurant: They always reserved the farthest table in the restaurant for us, providing a quiet and spacious area for our family to dine.
• Offering baby gear when needed: When our children were getting fussy, the staff proactively offered to bring us a baby bouncer or high chair, demonstrating their genuine care and understanding.

Almost Barrier-Free Rooms: A Playground for Little Explorers

Our room was designed to be almost barrier-free, allowing our energetic toddlers to roam freely and explore without restrictions. The absence of a baby gate meant they were constantly on the move, transforming every corner of the room into their personal playground. Needless to say, this required us to rearrange the furniture occasionally to ensure their safety and prevent any accidents.

Overall Impression:

While the weekend and holiday rates at Awaji Hama Rikyu are on the higher end, the overall experience was well worth the investment. The resort’s exceptional facilities, family-friendly atmosphere, and attentive service made it a true home away from home for our family. We highly recommend Awaji Hama Rikyu to any family seeking a memorable and relaxing vacation.