Marina City where this hotel stands is a manmade island in the Black Stream. It features popular attractions that draw many visitors from outside the prefecture, like Port Europa, which has been modeled after a Mediterranean fishing village, a fishing park and the Kuroshio Market.
In one corner of the island is the Royal Pines Hotel, which fetes its 10th anniversary this year. “The hotel is in a prime location and all rooms have an ocean view,” tells Assistant Manager Tabata-san.

We first saw the guest rooms. They really went all out with every room having a different design with Italian style interiors and objects. Looking down from the balcony upon the yacht harbor below, the wondrous view unknowingly drew a sigh. Some people may even think they are in Italy!

“The bath is also interesting. You can gaze out upon the sea while soaking in the tub,” tells Mr. Tabata. There are also individual spas for rent where families can enjoy bathing time leisurely.
“Marina City also has the Kuroshio Onsen where you can enjoy an outdoor bath, which you should definitely try. They have a great relaxation menu that includes massages, esthetics, stone tubs, and more. After a nice bath, an exhilarating walk along the breakwater is also a great way to pass time,” adds Mr. Tabata.

Dinning is offered at the 1st floor Italian restaurant “Carlo e Carla”. The menu features locally grown vegetables like cherry tomatoes from Gobo and seafood caught in local waters. Breakfast is served buffet style and a popular item is the umegohan, which mixes ume (plums), shiso (beefsteak plant) and nori (laver).
Moreover, at the café and bakery “Catrina”, you can try sweets made with locally grown fruit and organic breads. A coffee on the open terrace is very stylish.

When I asked Mr. Tabata about good-idea souvenirs, he smiled and said, “Umeboshi (dried plums) sells well, but orange juice made from squeezed onshu mikans grown in Arita will make anyone happy.” I got to try it; it has a natural sweetness and just the right acidity. It was delicious and I fully recommend it.