Rest, Relax, Read and Write-Nagasaki

Visiting the island of Oujima with my daughter for the winter break is just what I needed, Although it was a long drive from home it was worth it. This is our second visit to i + Land Nagasaki. This little island is about an hour away from Nagasaki and definitely off the beaten track. As soon as you pull up, and park you forget that you drove. The hotel has a regular shuttle between the different buildings and free electric bikes-no car necessary.

I + Land Nagasaki, is made up of several different hotel buildings, spread out on about a mile of land on the island. The resort is kid and dog friendly and in spite of how that sounds it is very peaceful. The highlight of course are the different reading rooms throughout the property and the three onsens. Restaurants and lounges are located throughout the property and then there is also an indoor pool and lazy river. We came here with the intention of just relaxing and setting the tone for the rest of our winter break. It is just what we needed.

Sometimes we, busy parents, forget how important it is to just relax somewhere away from home. However now that I have lived it, I realize that relaxing and resting is essential, It clears our mind and allows us to focus on whatever is in front of us. For me it was a little Sashiko, reading and some writing. For Maria, it was a little reading, and a little napping.

My favorite part of Japanese living is the public baths. Bathing in an onsen is magical. First wash your body, then clean your mind as you soak in the hot mineral baths-priceless. this morning the baths were perfectly hot, and when I went outside to soak in the wooden boxes, the cold breeze blew in as I walked out, and I knew that in a few steps I would be in the 42 degree water and it was perfect. As I soaked I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be, no worries, no wandering mind. Just present in the perfect moment as the palm trees blew and the hot water kept pouring into my tiny tub.

Here is the link to the hotel: https://www.islandnagasaki.jp

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