The New Main Bar 'KUROBAR,' Created in a Separate Building

So, as an activity for the new Seagaia, we highly recommend 'bar hopping within the hotel.'

Bars are places where one cultivates an adult demeanor, but that doesn't mean they are unnecessary for those who have already matured into adulthood. Temporarily escape the mundane world and, over time, re-examine yourself. The catalyst for this is immersing yourself in the leisurely flow of time within a bar space. Sometimes, it might be good to subtly observe the actions of others. In turn, it should serve as a mirror, reflecting how you appear. A bar is a social space for adults. As long as you adhere to the simple rule of not causing trouble for others, no one will complain.

'KUROBAR' was completed in October 2017. It's a hotel bar, yet it's in a separate building. It's brand new, and the scent of the wood used in its construction still faintly lingers. Moreover, despite being the main bar and having a perfect atmosphere, it is exclusive to hotel guests.

Furthermore, the prices are reasonable, which is surprising for a hotel bar. They are almost the same as bars in the city. This is a significant advantage for those who like to drink a lot. The selection is befitting of a main bar, with quality labels lining the shelves, starting with JW Blue Label. They also cater to the current trend of craft gins, and can prepare seasonal gin tonics using these craft gins.




The fact that customers are limited to hotel guests means the bar's atmosphere is very calm. Here, just like in your guest room, you can leisurely enjoy your own time as you please. The takeout menu is also extensive. Outside 'KUROBAR,' a 'Bonfire Living' area is set up, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air while taking your drinks outside. It feels like glamping. This area is also exclusive to hotel guests, with complimentary marshmallow and coffee service offered in the mornings and afternoons. It's an area that truly enhances the resort feel.

Seeking a livelier atmosphere, we head to our second stop: Cocktail Lounge 'PACIFICA.'

This space retains more of the original Miyazaki Seagaia's character. It's a bar with a tropical ambiance, located in the atrium of the hotel entrance. In the center, a water tank is set up, where tropical fish swim gracefully. This is the only bar accessible to non-guests. Consequently, locals who have finished their meals also relax here.



Live piano and vocal performances are held every night until 10:45 PM, except on Tuesdays. During our visit, a duo of artists visiting from Portugal was performing. Incidentally, the man playing the piano bears a slight resemblance to Ryan Gosling, the actor from the movie 'La La Land,' don't you think? They apparently still have a limited repertoire that appeals to Japanese tastes, but they do accept song requests. It's the quintessential lively atmosphere of an international hotel. Enjoy the contrast with 'KUROBAR' as we head to our final paradise for the evening.

Page02.And the third stop, 'Sakonomiya'

And the third stop, 'Sakonomiya'

But it's not just the labels that are unusual. What you should try here is shochu with an alcohol content of 20%. This is because, compared to the 25% shochu widely distributed nationwide, it can be enjoyed more refreshingly when drunk on the rocks. This 20% shochu is distributed only within Miyazaki Prefecture. The reason isn't entirely clear, but it's said that people in Miyazaki often drink shochu straight or on the rocks, and thus a slightly lower alcohol content of 20% has become preferred.

However, it's not just the labels that are unusual. What you should try here is shochu with an alcohol content of 20%. This is because, compared to the 25% shochu widely distributed nationwide, it can be enjoyed more refreshingly when drunk on the rocks. This 20% shochu is distributed only within Miyazaki Prefecture. The reason isn't entirely clear, but it's said that people in Miyazaki often drink shochu straight or on the rocks, and thus a slightly lower alcohol content of 20% has become preferred.

For those of you who are intrepid enough to hop between three bars, you'll likely be drinking your shochu straight or on the rocks, just like the locals. Let's finish tonight by comparing the mouthfeel of 20% and 25% shochu. The Shochu Martini. To be precise, it's an 'Imoshōchū and Hebesu Liqueur Martini.' Hebesu is a citrus fruit grown in Miyazaki, similar to sudachi or kabosu, but with less intense acidity. Bartender Anai-san's magic lies in lightly squeezing fresh hebesu at the end to gently bring out the shochu's natural sweetness. Savoring that sweetness completes tonight's tour.

Enjoying Phoenix Seagaia Resort Beyond Just the Night

So far, we've focused on the bars, but from here on, we'll share other travel information. First, regarding dining, we highly recommend a hearty meal of Miyazaki beef. Miyazaki beef, which even Tiger Woods devoured, has a rich flavor yet is not heavy, with its fat melting cleanly in your mouth for a refined taste. We recommend having it served rare. The fat doesn't completely melt from the heat of the iron plate, and the sensation of it melting slowly with your body heat in your mouth... Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. For this, please, by all means, try it for yourself and experience it.


And if you're staying at this hotel, we highly recommend booking a club floor room. The club floor rooms are significantly more luxurious than standard guest rooms. What's particularly noteworthy are the custom-made sofas.

These sofas can be rotated to allow you to gaze at the ocean before you to your heart's content. You can fully enjoy the ocean view, which faces due east, perfect for watching the sunrise or the moon's path on a full moon. Allowing your body, perhaps flushed from drinks, to cool down as you gaze blankly at the swaying water surface will surely be a supreme moment.

Additionally, all hotel guests can use the Kazamachi Terrace.

The terrace is filled with wonderful books, much like a library. There are many books that enhance the travel mood, such as travel guides and photo collections, allowing you to momentarily forget time. Moreover, the cafe menu is also a great deal. The generously portioned Chef's Special Club Sandwich with fries is ¥800, the meticulously selected hand-drip coffee is ¥500, and cakes start from ¥300. You can enjoy your time leisurely without worrying about your wallet, which is very good. Everyone smiles, thinking 'I want to live here!' It's not just about being 'delicious' or 'beautifully designed'; the reasonable prices are also a big plus.




The ultimate highlight is the Letter Room, located at the far end of the Kazamachi Terrace. The ambiance here is designed to inspire you to write letters about your travel memories. Furthermore, the hotel will even take care of stamping and mailing your letters.


There are also three types of hot springs, the only Banyan Tree Spa in Japan, and activities like Segway tours through the pine forest. However, if we were to pick just one more thing, we would suggest venturing out of the hotel grounds to 'The BEACH BURGER HOUSE,' about a 5-minute drive away. This establishment, which opened on July 15, 2017, features a concept of 'California Beach Style' and hamburgers supervised by THE GREAT BURGER from Harajuku, Tokyo. It's already a hot topic locally, and there are plans for beach parties and markets in the future.


So, we've introduced the reborn Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort, focusing on its bars. As you can see, it offers plenty beyond golf, doesn't it? It would be a shame to let such an adult resort be enjoyed only by golfers. Of course, it also fully satisfies the needs of those who want to enjoy golf as well. With a 1 hour and 30 minute flight from Haneda, Tokyo, and approximately a 30-minute drive from Miyazaki Airport, access is not bad at all.

And starting this winter, LCC Jetstar will launch a Narita-Miyazaki Airport route. Flight tickets are starting to appear for as low as ¥5,990 one-way. This makes not only travel time but also transportation costs much more accessible. How about it? Why not make Miyazaki your next travel destination?