Feliz Villa Suite Sawada: Kitchen-Equipped Villas on Irabu Island (Miyako)

The Appeal of a Holiday-Home-Style Villa with a Full Kitchen

When I saw the sun setting into Sawada-no-Hama, I thought from the heart "I'm glad I stayed here." Gazing from the villa's roof terrace at the sky and sea dyed orange. In my hand, coffee I'd brewed myself. The friend beside me, few words too, just gazing into the scenery.

Feliz Villa Suite Irabu Island Sawada is a holiday-home-style villa where you can spend such luxurious time. It's 8 independent villas built on the Sawada-no-Hama beachfront, and each room has a heated private pool and a roof terrace. And what's most distinctive is that a proper kitchen is fully equipped.

When I was looking for a villa on Irabu Island, I learned of Feliz Villa through a friend's recommendation. I was told "the kitchen equipment is perfect, so if you like cooking you'll definitely love it," and at first I was half in doubt. But actually staying, I understood well what that meant.

From cooking utensils to tableware to seasonings, truly everything is there. The fridge holds free beer and juice, free-flowing. Just like your own home — no, more substantial than your own home. Cook with ingredients bought at the supermarket and eat poolside. A way of spending time unique to a holiday home, that hotels don't have.

In this blog, I'll write honestly about all of Feliz Villa Suite Sawada's appeal. The substantial kitchen equipment, relaxation time in the heated pool, the sunset seen from the roof terrace. And the meaning of there being no meal service too. For people who want to "spend it like living" on Irabu Island, it should surely be a reference.

Being a whole-building rental you're disturbed by no one, having a kitchen you can eat what you like when you like, and having a heated pool you can enjoy it even in winter. Feliz Villa Suite was a place that proposes a new travel style, different from both a hotel and a holiday rental.

Basic Information on Feliz Villa Suite Sawada | A Holiday-Home-Style Whole-Building Rental

Feliz Villa Suite Irabu Island Sawada is a villa resort located on the Sawada-no-Hama beachfront, chosen among Japan's 100 Best Shores. It's a facility born as the third in the Feliz Villa Suite series, one of Okinawa's first proper holiday-home-style villas.

The location is along the west coast after crossing the Irabu Bridge, right in front of Sawada-no-Hama. About 35–40 minutes by car from Miyako Airport, or about 5 minutes from Shimojishima Airport. I used Shimojishima Airport, and it felt like I arrived right after leaving the airport. Travelling by rental car, white buildings come into view here and there along the coast.

There are 8 villas in all. Plus, there's a premium residence "Hanare" (annexe) limited to one group per day. We stayed in a 2-bedroom type, just right for 4 people. There's a 1-bedroom type too, usable for couples or small numbers.

Check-in is 14:00–19:00, check-out 11:00. On arrival, a staff member came out in front of the management building and told me the room's location. Check-in is done in the room. This is quietly easy. There's no need to carry your luggage to the front desk.

Each villa has a dedicated car park, and you can park right in front of the room. What I thought "this is convenient" about is that getting luggage in and out is really easy. When coming back from shopping and so on, the distance to carry heavy luggage is short.

▶Check the details on the official site

Just Like Your Own Holiday Home | Spending It Like Living, with a Full Kitchen

Feliz Villa Suite's biggest feature is a proper, fully equipped kitchen. Not just having a kitchen, but cooking utensils, tableware, seasonings and electrical appliances all in place. I'd seen a review say "everything you'd want is there," and it was truly so.

The first thing that surprised me entering the kitchen was the substance of the cooking utensils. Knife, chopping board, frying pan, pot, bowl, colander. Everything needed for cooking is there. And the quality is good. An easy-to-use knife, with no problem in sharpness.

The tableware is abundant in kind too. Large plates, small plates, deep plates, various glasses, wine glasses, beer mugs. "With this much, however many people come it's fine," I thought. And the design is stylish. Plating dishes becomes fun.

The basic seasonings are there too. Salt, pepper, soy sauce, mirin, cooking sake, oil, sugar. With this much, you can make almost any dish. Not having to go out of your way to buy seasonings was helpful.

The electrical appliances are substantial too. Rice cooker, microwave, oven, dishwasher, fridge, coffee maker, toaster, kettle. I thought it might be more substantial than my own home. Having a dishwasher in particular is nice. The cleanup after cooking is easy.

Open the fridge and beer, juice, tea and water are packed in. All of this is free. Free-flowing. There was a review saying "I could drink as much as I liked of the drinks prepared, filling the fridge," and it's truly so. Being able to drink a chilled beer right away on a hot day is happiness.

There's a water server too, with cold and hot water usable anytime. This is quietly convenient. When your throat is dry in the middle of the night, or when you want to brew coffee first thing in the morning.

The living and dining areas are spacious too. There's a big table, with enough space to dine together. It's arranged so you can dine while gazing at the sea seated at the table, and this feels supremely good.

On the first night, we bought ingredients at a nearby supermarket and had a BBQ in the room. They lend a barbecue set too. Grilling Miyako beef and island vegetables, eating on the roof terrace with a beer in hand. "This is the real pleasure of a holiday home," my friend said. Truly so.

On the second morning, leisurely breakfast-making. Cook rice in the rice cooker, fry an egg in the frying pan, toast the bread bought the day before in the toaster. The sound and smell of making breakfast is somehow nostalgic and warm.

Lunch was pasta with leftovers. Boil water in a big pot and add the ingredients you like. With a dishwasher, the cleanup is easy too. "It wouldn't go like this at a hotel," someone said. Truly, you can spend it like living.

At night, takeaway from a nearby shop. Lay the dishes on the big dining table and everyone eats slowly. Without minding the time, at your own pace. This is Feliz Villa Suite's goodness.

Besides the kitchen, the fine facilities are substantial too. There's a washing machine and dryer, so no problem even for a long stay. There's a vacuum cleaner too, plus a lint roller, various batteries, plasters, various chargers, insect repellent. Everything you'd think "even this?" is in place.

Plenty of towels are prepared too. Three days' worth are placed from the start, and you can request more if they run low. There's no daily room cleaning, but in return there's a sense of privacy. You're disturbed by no one.

The rental items are substantial too. Astronomical telescope, foot massager, soda maker, DVDs, beach mat, cooler box, air pump, lantern. There are many things that surprise you "you can borrow this too?"

Honestly, at first I thought "isn't no meal service inconvenient?" But actually spending time there, I found this freedom is pleasant. Wake up when you like, eat what you like, spend it at your own pace. This is the appeal of the holiday-home style.

Heated Pool and Roof Terrace | The Pinnacle of Private Space

Every villa at Feliz Villa Suite Sawada has a heated private pool. This is truly the best. The "heated" part is the point. You can get in even in winter.

The pool's set temperature is up to 32°C. In midsummer it might feel lacking, but in winter, early spring and early autumn it's comfortable. We stayed in March, still a slightly chilly time, but thanks to the heated pool there was no problem at all.

However, as in the reviews, it's affected by the outside temperature. On rainy or windy days the felt temperature can feel cold. At such times, if your room has a jacuzzi, getting into the jacuzzi and pool alternately is good. Warm up, get in the pool, warm up again, repeat.

The pool has a layout with direct access from the bathroom. This is convenient. There's no need to walk through the room with a wet body. Take a bath, go straight out to the pool, and come back again. This flow is perfect.

There's a day bed poolside. Lie down here and read a book, or nap. Time just for yourselves, disturbed by no one. There's sufficient distance from the next villa, so you can't hear other guests' voices.

The roof terrace was the best too. Go up to the rooftop on the second floor and a superb view with a sweeping look over Sawada-no-Hama spreads out. Sea, sky, horizon. Nothing to block the view.

In the evening, I went up to the roof terrace and waited for the sunset. The sky dyeing orange. The sunset reflected in the sea. You understand why it's chosen among "Japan's 100 Best Shores." This view alone is worth staying for.

At night, stargazing on the roof terrace. With few streetlights, the stars are incredibly beautiful. I saw shooting stars too. "We should have borrowed the telescope," my friend said. I'm definitely going to borrow it next time.

The roof terrace is pleasant in the morning too. The sea sparkles in the morning sun. You hear the chirping of birds. Coffee in hand, you start the day slowly. To be able to greet a morning like this is too luxurious.

The living room has a sense of openness too. The sea is visible from the large windows, and plenty of natural light comes in. Just sitting on the sofa gazing blankly at the sea, time passes.

The bedroom is comfortable too. There are two semi-double beds each, with good sleeping comfort. Through the night,

I slept soundly. The aircon works well too, and you can darken it with blackout curtains, so napping is comfortable too.

The bathroom is wide too. There's a deep bathtub where you can soak slowly. The shower is independent too, easy to use. The amenities are in place too. The shampoo and conditioner quality in particular is good, and my hair became silky.

There are two washbasins too, so it's fine even if morning prep times overlap. This kind of fine consideration is nice.

There are two toilets. Near the entrance and beside the bathroom. Even staying as 4 people, there's no waiting for the toilet. This is quietly helpful too.

Cleanliness is no problem either. The whole room is spotless, with no unpleasant smell at all. The bed sheets and towels are pure white and clean. When these things are solid, you can spend it reassured.

Irabu Island at Night: Silence, Stars and the Plane-Sound Gap (Miyako)

Irabu Island near Miyakojima goes silent at night, with only insects and waves. A guide to the starry sky, stargazing spots, night tours and the Shimojishima Airport gap.

The Appeal and Points to Note of the Self-Catering Style | Why There's No Meal Service

Feliz Villa Suite Sawada has no restaurant. Neither breakfast nor dinner is served. This is the biggest feature, and at the same time a point to note.

Hearing "no meals," many people surely think "isn't that inconvenient?" I thought so too at first. But this is exactly Feliz Villa Suite's concept. "Holiday-home style," "spending it like living" — that's what it means.

Miyako Island has an AEON and a Don Quijote. Go out 20–30 minutes by car and you can buy ingredients at a big supermarket. Local vegetables, fresh fish, Miyako beef. Buy what you like and cook how you like. This is the appeal of the self-catering style.

There are a few eateries nearby too. I was told at check-in that there's a crab specialty shop about a 15-minute walk away. Apparently many people get takeaway. Go out 10–15 minutes by car and there are a few other restaurants too.

Our stay schedule was like this. Check in past noon on day one, and shop right at a nearby supermarket. BBQ in the room at night. On day two, make breakfast in the room in the morning, an outside cafe for lunch, takeaway at night. On day three, breakfast in the room again, and check out before noon.

The good thing about self-catering is being able to use time freely. With no fixed breakfast time, you can wake up when you like. At night too, you don't have to mind a restaurant's opening hours. When a bit peckish, take what you like from the fridge and eat.

For people who like cooking, it's especially recommended. Using Miyako Island ingredients to make the dishes you like. This is quite fun. I don't usually cook much, but cooking at a travel destination had a special feel and was interesting.

I think it suits families with children too. Children's meal times are often all over the place. At a restaurant you mind those around you, but in the room you can eat without reserve. Even a fussy child eats more easily what they chose themselves.

However, there are points to note too. First, there's no supermarket or convenience store within walking distance nearby. A car is essential. Without a rental car it's quite inconvenient. The official site also says "rental cars and taxis are in short supply, so we recommend arranging one together when booking."

To avoid becoming a "dinner refugee," planning is needed. Especially the arrival day, day one. If check-in is late, there's no time to shop. It's best to buy ingredients in advance or book takeaway.

It doesn't suit people who dislike cooking or don't want to cook. People who "don't want to cook at a travel destination" or "want everything prepared" are better off choosing a hotel with meals.

But you don't have to self-cater everything. A style of just finishing breakfast simply in the room and eating lunch and dinner out is fine too. Make use of takeaway and it's fine without cooking. There are many options.

Another appeal of the self-catering style is cost. Eating out all the time runs up the food bill, but self-catering keeps it down. Especially for a long stay, this difference is big.

Also, it suits people with dietary restrictions. Allergies, vegetarian, fussy eaters. Choose your own ingredients and cook, and you can control everything.

In our case, the self-catering style suited us. Everyone shops, everyone cooks, everyone eats. This was more fun than expected. "I definitely want to stay at Feliz Villa again next time," everyone said.

Who Feliz Villa Suite Suits and Who It Doesn't

Feliz Villa Suite Sawada was a truly wonderful villa. But it doesn't suit everyone. Being a special "holiday-home style," people it suits and doesn't suit are clearly divided.

First, people it suits. The biggest is "people who want to spend it like living." Not being looked after like at a hotel, but spending it freely at your own pace. For such people it's the best place.

It's perfect for "people who want to enjoy cooking" too. With a substantial kitchen, it's irresistible for cooking lovers. Using Miyako Island ingredients to make the dishes you like. This becomes one of the pleasures of the trip.

Recommended for "families" too. Especially families with small children. At a restaurant you mind those around you, but in the room you can spend it without reserve. The pool is heated too, so children are happy. Being a whole-building rental, it's fine even if children make a bit of noise.

"People who want a long stay." It suits people staying long, like a week or two. There's a washing machine and dryer, and a kitchen, so you can spend it as if living. The 20% off for a repeat booking within a year is nice too.

"People who value privacy." Being a whole-building rental, you hardly meet other guests. You can treasure time just for the two of you or just for the family. With no daily room cleaning either, it's a completely private space.

Ideal for "group travel" too. A 2-bedroom can sleep up to 6, and the "Hanare" can accommodate even large numbers. BBQ together, play in the pool, watch the sunset on the roof terrace. The ways to enjoy it are infinite.

"People who want to spend an anniversary specially." A birthday, wedding anniversary, 60th-birthday celebration. Stay on an anniversary and the staff prepare a cake and the like. They accommodate surprises too, and you can make special memories.

Conversely, there are people it doesn't suit. First, "people who want a hotel with meals." With no meal service, it doesn't suit people who "want both breakfast and dinner prepared."

"People who don't want to cook" should reconsider too. Since self-catering is basic, it's inconvenient for people who "don't want to cook at a travel destination." There's a way to get by with takeaway, but then a hotel with meals is easier.

"People without a car." This is fatal. There's no supermarket or convenience store within walking distance. Staying without a rental car is quite tough. Taxis are apparently in short supply too, so advance arrangement is needed.

Irabu Island Shopping: No Large Supermarket, So Stock Up in Miyako

Irabu Island near Miyakojima has no large supermarket. A shopping-run guide across the Irabu Bridge to Don Quijote, MaxValu, Makeman and more, with tips for long stays.

FamilyMart Miyako Irabu: Irabu Island's Only Convenience Store (Miyako)

FamilyMart Miyako Irabu near Miyakojima is the only convenience store on Irabu Island: open 24 hours with an ATM, parking, pork-tamago onigiri and handy tips for your stay.

For "sightseeing-focused people," it might be a waste. Feliz Villa Suite's real pleasure is spending time slowly in the room. For people who want to go around sightseeing spots from morning to night, it feels poor value.

"People who want daily room cleaning." There's no daily cleaning service. Only weekly housekeeping. It doesn't suit people who "want daily bed-making" or "want fresh towels every day."

"People who demand perfect facilities." A review said "the shower hook was broken." There seem to be occasional facility faults. People who demand perfection might mind it. However, tell the staff and they'll handle it.

"People who want to keep costs down." The nightly rate is by no means cheap. Since you bear the food cost yourself too, considering the total cost it adds up. It doesn't suit people who "just want somewhere to stay."

"People who want a new facility." Feliz Villa Sawada is one of the slightly older ones in the series. If you want the latest facilities, the newly built Nagahama Bay might be better.

In our case, the self-catering style suited us, we could enjoy cooking, and the private space was the best. But it's not the same for everyone. It's best to think carefully about whether it matches your travel style before booking.

Looking at the reviews, there are many repeat guests. Some write "I want to make it my regular place" or "aiming to complete all the Feliz Villas." Stay once and there's an appeal that makes you think "I want to come again." That's how special a place it is.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Feliz Villa Suite

Q1: Are meals served?

A: No, neither breakfast nor dinner is served. Feliz Villa Suite is a holiday-home-style villa where self-catering is basic. With substantial kitchen equipment, you can enjoy cooking yourself. There are also ways to buy ingredients at a nearby supermarket or get takeaway from an eatery.

Q2: Is there a supermarket nearby?

A: Not within walking distance. There's a supermarket about 10–20 minutes by car. A rental car is essential. Miyako Island has an AEON and a Don Quijote too, so finishing your shopping before check-in is recommended.

Q3: Is the pool heated?

A: Yes, every room has a heated private pool fully equipped. The set temperature is up to 32°C. However, since it's affected by the outside temperature, the felt temperature can feel cold on rainy or windy days. You can enjoy it plenty even in winter.

Q4: Can I stay with children?

A: Yes, you can stay with children. Being a whole-building rental you can spend it without minding those around you, and the heated pool is popular with children too. With a kitchen, you can freely prepare children's meals too. Sawada-no-Hama is a shallow flat with calm waves, so it's an easy beach for children to play at too.

Q5: Is there daily room cleaning?

A: No, there's no daily room cleaning. Housekeeping is once a week. Three days' worth of towels are prepared from the start, and you can request more if they run low. Being a privacy-focused style, you're disturbed by no one during your stay.

Q6: Is Wi-Fi available?

A: Yes, free Wi-Fi is fully equipped. The speed isn't especially fast due to the regional nature, but it's at a level with no problem for video watching and remote work. Wired LAN is usable too.

Q7: Are the fridge drinks really free?

A: Yes, the beer, juice, tea and water in the fridge are all free. Free-flowing. There's a water server too, so cold and hot water are usable anytime. This is a truly welcome service.

Q8: Are cooking utensils and seasonings in place?

A: Yes, the kitchen is substantial at a level where you can cook properly. Cooking utensils like a knife, chopping board, frying pan, pot, bowl and colander; basic seasonings like salt, pepper, soy sauce and mirin; and electrical appliances like a rice cooker, microwave, oven and dishwasher are all in place.

Q9: Can I do laundry?

A: Yes, every room has a washing machine and dryer fully equipped. Detergent is provided too. There's no worry about laundry even for a long stay.

Q10: What can you see from the roof terrace?

A: You get a sweeping view of Sawada-no-Hama. Sea, sky and horizon spread across your whole field of view. The sunset in the evening in particular is a superb view. The starry sky is beautiful at night too. You can also see planes taking off and landing at 17END and Shimojishima Airport.

Q11: Can you do an anniversary surprise?

A: Yes, if you request in advance, they'll prepare a cake for an anniversary like a birthday, wedding anniversary or 60th birthday. The staff's response is polite too, and they'll consult on surprises.

Q12: What kinds of rental items are there?

A: There are various rental items — astronomical telescope, foot massager, soda maker, DVDs, beach mat, cooler box, air pump, lantern, BBQ set and more. If there's something you need, consult at check-in.

Summary: The Luxury of Spending It Like Living

Feliz Villa Suite facing Sawada-no-Hama. Even among Okinawa's villas, I think it's a facility with quite a special style.

No meal service. No daily room cleaning either. At a glance it might look like "lacking service." But that's exactly Feliz Villa Suite's appeal. "Holiday-home style," "spending it like living" — that's what it means.

With a substantial kitchen, you can eat what you like when you like. The fridge is packed with free drinks. Cooking utensils, seasonings and electrical appliances are all in place. It might be more comfortable than your own home.

With a heated pool, you can enjoy it regardless of season. The sunset from the roof terrace becomes a lifelong memory. Being a whole-building rental, you're disturbed by no one. A completely private space.

It doesn't suit people who want to be looked after like at a hotel. You have to manage meals yourself too. It's inconvenient without a car. It's tough for people who don't want to cook.

But for people who want to spend it freely, people who want to enjoy cooking, people who want to spend it slowly with family, it's the best place. It's no wonder there are many repeat guests. You naturally think "I want to come again."

The three days we spent were truly special. Choose ingredients at the supermarket, cook in the kitchen, eat poolside. Gaze at the sunset from the roof terrace, look up at the stars at night. Brew coffee in the morning, start the day gazing at the sea.

Sawada-no-Hama: Go for the Sunset, Not Midday (Irabu, Miyako)

Sawada-no-Hama on Irabu Island looks plain at midday but stuns at sunset. Why to go in the evening at low tide, the tsunami stones, and tips near Miyakojima.

"Spending it like living" — I realised this is what it means. It's travel, but not travel. It's the extraordinary, but everyday. This mysterious sensation is, I think, Feliz Villa Suite's essence.

Watching the sun set into Sawada-no-Hama, I talked with my friend about "when shall we come next?" Feliz Villa Suite is on Ueno, Nagahama Bay and Kouri Island too. "We want to conquer them all," we got excited.

People who want to "spend it like living" on Irabu Island, people looking for a villa with a full kitchen, people who want to spend it freely at their own pace. Feliz Villa Suite Sawada will surely meet your expectations. It may not be perfect, but it still has an appeal that makes you think "I want to come again."

Sawada-no-Hama's beautiful sunset, the heated pool, the superb view from the roof terrace, the substantial kitchen. All in place, a blissful time is born. At Feliz Villa Suite Sawada, I hope you'll spend your very own Irabu Island time.