Treat yourself to a holiday on Kobama Island and let tanned "handsome hunks" teach you how to sail

▲ Ready to relax on an island? (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

Dai Dai Gou / Reporting and photography from Kobama Island, Japan

As summer approaches, are you thinking of a beach vacation? This year, don’t go too far — just take a 40-minute flight from Taiwan to the Japanese island paradise “Kobama Island” and give yourself a healing southern breeze getaway.

▲ Welcome to Kobama Island ! (Photo provided by Risonare Kobama Island)

Kobama Island is located within the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, Japan. It takes a 30-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Island, where the airport is located. The coral reefs surrounding Kobama Island boast the largest collection in the Northern Hemisphere, with over 360 species of coral, and only second in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef — making it one of the most beautiful marine areas in the world.

▲ Interior view of Risonare Kobama Island. (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

On this island paradise, Risonare Kobama Island (Risonare KOHAMAJIMA), under the Hoshino Resorts group, offers guests a villa-style resort. Suites surrounded by lake views offer ocean vistas, or you can leisurely lounge in a daydream pavilion, relaxing your body and mind while enjoying your holiday. In addition, the resort offers many activities, such as a spa where guests can enjoy expert essential oil massages in sea-view treatment rooms, or if you’re into golf, you can freely enjoy a swing here.

▲ “Ryukyu Spa”! Offers seasonal essential oil treatments, such as hibiscus, shell ginger, and seaweed mud. (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

▲ Japan’s southwesternmost golf course, due to the island’s narrow terrain, has a relatively high difficulty level, and could also be called the nearest overseas golf course to Taiwan. (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

▲ To let guests feel the vibe of a southern holiday, the hotel thoughtfully provides a free rental service for “salon dresses.” (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

▲ Starting this May, the nighttime “Tigara Hammock” activity lets you lazily lounge in a giant hammock, gaze up at the starry sky, and enjoy a romantic night adorned with stars. (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

Since you’re on an island, how can you miss out on water activities by the sea? On the resort beach, you can stroll along the sand, paddle in the water, or sit back and soak up some sun while gazing at the blue sea ahead. Or you can sign up for a sailing lesson, taught by professional instructors, and enjoy the thrill of gliding across the sea with the wind.

▲ Sit by the beach, feel the sea breeze, bask in the sun, let your mind wander, and admire the beautiful scenery before you — isn’t that a little moment of happiness? (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

▲ “Handsome hunks”! Since you’ll be getting in the water, it’s best to book an appointment with this tanned, handsome instructor “Matsuura Tsukasa” in advance~ With his tall, enticing figure and sunny good looks, he’s very popular among female tourists. (Photo by Dai Dai Gou)

%枷嗜饨塘泛Ｉ嫌⒆耍〃影／呆呆狗摄)
 

Tang Guizhen International Travel Agency(02-2712-0009) The sole agent for Risonare Kobama Island, offering 3-night/4-day and 4-night/5-day packages. For details, please contact their official website. Flights from Taiwan to Ishigaki Island are operated exclusively by China Airlines, departing every Tuesday and Saturday at 11:40 AM and returning at 2:30 PM.