*Mangrove
A tropical tree that grows in or near water and grows new roots from its
branches.
They are seen on Okinawa Main island, Ishigaki island and on Iriomote
island.
Lucky divers may find manta-rays
**G.O.=Gentle Organizer
Multi-talented staff who guide tours, instruct lessons, and perform in the
shows.
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Japanese Hectic Holidays
"Unfortunately", Ms. Sherman added,
Japanese people stay only 1 or 2
days at resorts, and this is not long enough
to enjoy a holiday.
Visitors at Club Med usually stay longer
though, normally four to five days at our
overseas holiday villages, and the average
at Kabira is 3.5 days."
The Japanese style holiday is hectic. Some
people relax at home after they come back
from their holiday. Ms. Sherman says this
can't be called a holiday.
"Resorts should be a place to relax both
mentally and physically. It is a
place to be your own self again, experience
the culture, meet the local
people, find something new in yourself, make
the family ties stronger, see
the beautiful nature and encounter a different
culture. All these
occurrences will freshen you up. This is
the true meaning of a resort."
People travel when they want a break from
the routine of ordinary life.
They expect to find something new and to
experience something special that they can
only do at their destinations.
Club Med and other beach resorts in Okinawa
offer a variety of activities for visitors.
Diving and cruising are popular among them.
Recently, Club Med began offering ocean and
river canoe tours and ways of exploring the
tropical forests. This is called "Eco-tourism" showing that you can involve yourself in
nature. Not just children, but even adults
will be greatly impressed after they paddle
through the mangrove* forests.
"The future resort style needs a special
facility for children. Club Med offers three
types of facilities, depending on the child's
age, Petit Club, Mini Club and Kid's club.
We offer varieties of unique activities such
as trapeze. G.Os** will give lessons during the day, and the
children will perform in a show at night.
Children love challenges and the parents
are moved by their performance. It becomes
an unforgettable memory for the whole family."
Club Med and Okinawan spirits
The idea of this type of unique service came
up naturally when Club Med was born 50 years
ago in the Mediterranean. Marine sports'
lovers set up a non-profit organization to
look for a new way of communication. They
volunteered to give sports lessons and offered
meals. Staff in "Holiday Villages" carried
on their predecessors' voluntary spirit and
hospitality.
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***Ojii / Obaa
Friendly form of address towards elderly people. Ojii, Obaa literally
mean grandfather and grandmother respectively. However, in Okinawa, these
expressions are used even at the first meeting , and regardless of any
family relationship.
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Okinawan people also have a voluntary spirit
and hospitality, just like the staff at Club
Med have. Take a walk through the streets
and markets. The local people are friendly
so they come up to you and start a conversation
with you. Wonderful smiles from the Ojii
/ Obaa will touch your heart too. The people
of Okinawa are curious about getting to know
visitors and they welcome whoever comes to
the island. This island is full of hospitality.
"Just looking at the beautiful scenery, or
enjoying a fabulous meal is okay.
Having a short conversation with someone
you met on your stay is okay.
Drinking beer under a shady tree while you
read a book is also okay.
You can do whatever you want because you
are on vacation."
What is the latest Okinawan-style tourism?
I believe it is the wonderful hospitality
that this island offers so that anyone can
truly enjoy their holiday.
The Japanese people have found their own
version of holiday under the theme "Iyashi".
Okinawan holiday resorts will guide the way
in the future.
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