A cosmopolitan resort surrounded by the Ryukyu Sea. A relaxing trip with a spa and starry sky [Club Med Ishigaki Island vol.4]

Jun 7, 2015

This is the final installment of our special feature on Club Med Ishigaki Island. So, for those who are looking for a special experience that they can't get in their daily lives, we'll introduce the island's unique charms.

■The spectacular starry sky from Ishigaki Island

First and foremost, there's the natural beauty. Not only are the ocean and plants beautiful, but at night, the divine beauty of the starry sky will leave you trembling. The Yaeyama Islands, where Ishigaki Island is located, are not affected by the jet stream that flows over Japan, meaning there's less atmospheric turbulence and starlight can clearly reach the ground. As a result, you can observe 84 of the 88 constellations. Just look up at the night sky and you'll lose track of time as you gaze upon the countless stars. ■Enjoy the natural beauty of Kabira Bay with an optional tour that lets you see marine life up close
If you want to enjoy the bright sunlight during the day, taking part in an optional tour is a great option. There are half-day tours available, including the "Kabira Bay Surroundings Tour," the "Kabira Bay Glass-Bottom Boat Ride," the "Ishigaki Pottery and Pottery Experience," and the "Free Time on Taketomi Island and Ishigaki Island." There are also full-day experiences like the "Iriomote Island Canoe Adventure," the "Iriomote Island and Yubu Island Sightseeing," and the "Hatoma Island and Barasu Island Snorkeling."
One of the most accessible options is the "Kabira Bay Glass-Bottom Boat Ride," which allows you to enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride around the scenic Kabira Bay, followed by an hour of free time for shopping and sightseeing. The glass-bottom boat takes you deep into the water, allowing you to observe marine life up close. If you're lucky, you might even spot a sea turtle, so it's worth trying your luck. Even if you don't see any sea turtles, the excitement of encountering sea snakes, sea lions, clownfish, and other creatures unique to Okinawa is still quite impressive. Just relaxing on the boat and feeling the sea breeze on your body is enough to make you feel happy.

After disembarking from the boat, be sure to check out the souvenir shop, which stocks local specialties such as chinsuko, freshly harvested pineapple, and Yaeyama kamaboko. You can also sample the island's specialty, awamori, at the brewery, so if you like alcohol, it's best to come with a full stomach. Trying several different strengths of awamori will make you feel good, so don't forget to make sure you don't miss your bus back home.

■ The spa at Club Med also offers menus unique to Okinawa

After a full half-day of fun, we recommend returning to the hotel and enjoying the spa. The on-site Club Med Spa ULU offers special treatments using mudstone (kucha), aloe vera, and mineral salts made from Okinawa's ocean waters. These treatments are perfect for relieving muscle fatigue from marine activities and for treating skin damaged by UV rays. There are also rooms for couples' treatments, making it a great choice for couples or friends.

For the spa and all other options, a deposit card is required and payment is made at check-out. This means you don't need to carry cash during your stay, giving you peace of mind.

Another benefit is that you'll get to know not only the G.O. but also the other guests as you try out various activities and dine at restaurants where everyone gathers. By the end of the day, it's hard to leave everyone, and many people even promise to come back again next year. Of course, this is true whether you're traveling solo or with your family. By the way, there are childcare facilities available within the resort, and G.O. is always kind to both children and adults, so it's heartwarming to see all the kids attached to him.

Club Med is a resort that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages, from small children to seniors, so there is a wide variety of activities to enjoy during your stay. Another appealing feature is that even as you get older, you can still enjoy the resort in ways that suit your age. Why not become a Club Med regular this summer?
松本玲子
  • Choose from a wide variety of spa menus, including body and facial treatments
  • The boats lined up in Kabira Bay, seen from the top of the hill, look like a miniature world.
  • A cosmopolitan resort surrounded by the Ryukyu Sea. A relaxing trip with a spa and starry sky [Club Med Ishigaki Island vol.4]
  • The spa has a warm interior and some rooms offer ocean views.
  • A divine sky that makes you want to gaze at it all night long
  • Walking barefoot on the sandy beach amplifies the pleasure of visiting the resort.
  • A glass-bottom boat ride in Kabira Bay lets you encounter creatures swimming underwater
  • You can enjoy a relaxing time sightseeing around Kabira Bay
  • Club Med Spa "ULU" entrance
  • Before or after your treatment, try enjoying a relaxing bath as an option.
  • Club Med Spa where you can enjoy an extraordinary time and space
  • There are also rooms where couples or friends can enjoy spa treatments together.
  • You can choose from five different aromas to use in your beauty treatment, depending on your condition and preferences.
  • Choose from a wide variety of spa menus, including body and facial treatments
  • The blue ocean stretches out beyond the large windows of the spa
  • On the final day, the G.O.s and the guests were seen hugging each other.
  • On the final day, the G.O.s and the guests were seen hugging each other.
  • It's amazing how you never get bored of looking at the magnificent ocean.
  • Enjoy the ocean in the morning, afternoon, and evening
  • From the reception, a 10-minute walk up the hill leads to the best spot to watch the sunset.
  • A recommended spot for locals to come and watch the sunset
  • The beautiful sky and sea will make you want to take lots of photos
  • Enjoy an evening stroll as the sky changes its appearance from moment to moment.
  • A walking path where you can sometimes see owls up close
  • Sparkling stars that look like they might fall onto the beach at any moment
  • We also recommend taking a walk at night to enjoy the night sky.
  • The lush greenery will give you energy
  • On the final day, the G.O.s and the guests were seen hugging each other.
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