Ishigaki Island, known as one of the world's leading resort islands, is a place of longing even for us Japanese. The endlessly clear emerald-green sea sparkles in the sunlight, and the lush greenery reaches straight up into the sky. There are colorful fish in the sea, and vivid tropical flowers on land. If you want to enjoy a leisurely pace in this dreamy paradise without having to worry about transportation or managing your finances, then Club Med is the perfect choice.

This is because Club Med offers all-inclusive travel.

■No need to worry about your wallet! Enjoy your entire stay empty-handed with "Premium All-Inclusive."

"Premium All-Inclusive" means that all necessary expenses during your stay, such as airfare, accommodation, meals, and facility fees, are included in the travel price. Of course, there's also all-you-can-drink alcohol. There's no extra charge for bar access at night, so you can leave your wallet in the safe throughout your stay. And if you decide to use an optional service, you can pay at check-out, which is a nice touch.

However, you can still enjoy the resort to the fullest even without paying for the extras. Club Med Ishigaki Island, with its expansive grounds—roughly the size of four Tokyo Domes—offers a fitness center where you can enjoy yoga and aerobics, a pool, a bar, a restaurant, and a variety of other facilities for enjoying a wide range of activities. Popular activities include archery, trapeze (May to late October), and tennis (with night-time facilities).

■A Wide Range of Marine Activities on the Private Beach

In addition, guests can enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, boat trips, and even stand-up paddleboarding on the private beach. Of course, all of these activities are free of charge, and thorough instruction is provided, so even beginners can enjoy them with ease.

In the evenings, the theater hosts daily shows, including dance and comedy sketches, and there are also plenty of events for guests to participate in, such as bingo and karaoke competitions.

And above all, the natural beauty is simply stunning. The sun sets across the vast, unobstructed sky, the starry sky is breathtaking, and the sidewalks are lined with vibrant tropical flowers in full bloom.

■Direct flight from Haneda to Ishigaki Island! Transfer by shuttle bus from the airport

Access is also attractive. Direct flights are available to Ishigaki Island from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka, and a Club Med shuttle bus will pick you up at the local airport. While gazing out the window at the sight of sugarcane swaying in the breeze, you'll arrive at Club Med Ishigaki Island in about 40 minutes.

On this island, where you can relax both body and mind, enjoy your favorite activities, exercise to your heart's content, and savor delicious, delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You're sure to achieve glowing skin and eyes!

Incidentally, meals are served buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can enjoy delicious freshly baked bread and rich cheeses, just like in France, the country where Club Med was born, as well as local Okinawan cuisine and dishes from around the world. Not only gourmets, but also those who love taking photos of the wide variety of dishes will thoroughly enjoy their mealtimes.

>"Vol. 2" introduces the full range of activities.