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Club Med Kabira - Ishigaki, Japan's premier all-inclusive beach resort

Sometimes, I think my heart was made to travel. To seek out the places where horizon meets sea, where tradition dances with modernity, where every sunset is a promise of a new day. I'm Sarah, a girl with wanderlust inked into her veins. I left my concrete jungle of New York City, my eyes set on a new gem: Club Med Kabira - Ishigaki.

See also the best beach resorts in Japan.

With a pulsating heart, I landed on the island of Naha, an urban breath away from my final destination. My senses were instantly assaulted by the mélange of fragrances: seawater married to the perfume of sakura blossoms. The laughter of locals echoed through the air, wrapping me in a comforting embrace.

After a brief sojourn in Naha, I took another short flight to Ishigaki. Stepping off the plane was like stepping into a world that time lovingly held in its palms, where natural beauty was the island's heartbeat. I wasn't in New York anymore.

A ride through winding roads led me to Club Med Kabira. My first glimpse of it was like looking at an artist's secret masterpiece. The resort sat unpretentious yet proud, its beauty so raw that it made me gasp. Its architecture was an ode to Okinawan design, humbly luxurious.

Where does one even begin when describing the culinary journey that is Club Med Kabira?

My first night there, I found myself at their main restaurant, a sleek yet welcoming space that magically combined the minimalist sophistication of modern design with traditional Okinawan elements. The view was nothing short of breathtaking, with vast windows allowing a panoramic spectacle of the serene ocean. But as mesmerizing as the view was, it was the food that truly stole the show.

The restaurant was a vibrant canvas of flavors, a kaleidoscope of dishes that showcased the very best of local cuisine along with international favorites. My mouth still waters remembering the array of sushi, fresh from the sea, their colors radiant under the soft lighting.

Each morsel was a celebration of the sea: from the rich, buttery tuna to the subtly sweet shrimp, to the delicately flavored sea bream. And then there was the Okinawan classic, Rafute, a slow-cooked pork belly dish that had me swooning at first bite. The meat was so tender, it yielded to my fork like a love letter unfolding, its flavors – sweet, salty, and slightly floral from the awamori liquor it's cooked in – unraveling on my tongue like poetry.

Being a bit of an adventurous eater, I also dived into the Goya Champuru. This traditional dish, made with bitter melon, tofu, eggs, and pork, was a revelation. The bitterness of the melon was a perfect counterpoint to the other flavors, making each mouthful a complex and pleasing sensation.

And as much as I enjoyed the local cuisine, the restaurant also catered to my cravings for other flavors. There was an impressive selection of dishes from all around the world: Italian pastas, French pastries, Korean kimchi, Chinese stir-fries...even my familiar New York steak was on the menu.

Every meal was not just a meal, it was an experience, a journey through the world's cuisines. Each dish was prepared with such care and finesse that I felt like I was discovering food all over again. But the true star of the culinary show was the Okinawan fare, deeply tied to the land and sea around us.

By the end of my stay, I felt as though I had tasted the very soul of Ishigaki – it was savory, it was sweet, it was fresh, it was delightful. The food was not just sustenance, it was a love letter from the island to its visitors, a delicious reminder of the journey we had embarked on.

That night, I tasted magic, and it was called Awamori. In the resort's Tingara Bar, I found myself sipping on this traditional Okinawan rice wine. The taste, smooth, complex, and slightly sweet, was like the liquid incarnation of the island's spirit. It was there, under a blanket of a billion stars, with laughter bubbling in the background, I realized how intoxicating serenity could be.

Daybreak at Club Med Kabira was a spectacle that words fail to capture. I woke up to the sight of a sun-kissed beach, its white sand glistening as the waves played a melody on the shoreline. It was not just a scene; it was a moment of communion with nature.

Breakfast was a culinary symphony. My palate discovered Okinawa, bite after delicious bite. I indulged in the Goya Champuru, a unique bitter melon stir fry, a dance of flavors that was delightfully refreshing.

That day, I decided to dive. Submerged in the turquoise water of Kabira Bay, I shared my heartbeat with the world beneath the sea waves. I watched in awe as majestic manta rays swam by, their grace untouched by the world above.

However, it was not just about luxury or nature's grandeur; it was about the people, their stories, their warmth. One night, I found myself swaying to the rhythm of traditional sanshin music with an elderly local. His eyes held a century of stories, and his laughter was a testament to a life well-lived. In that moment, I wasn't just a visitor; I was part of a larger family, bound not by blood but by shared experiences.

redit - Club Med Kabira - Ishigaki All-Inclusive Beach Resort via Insta

Club Med Kabira isn't for everyone. It's for those who want to step off the beaten path, those who find luxury in simplicity, those who want to taste life, not just live it. If you're looking for a resort with more urban trappings, the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo might be your scene.

I left Club Med Kabira with more than just memories. I carried with me stories, taste of Okinawa on my lips, and the echo of the sea in my heart. The resort was not just a place; it was a feeling, a part of my soul's map. And in the grand scheme of life, isn't that what travel should be about?

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Ishigaki Island Review

As I boarded the flight from Haneda Airport in Tokyo to Ishigaki Island, I could hardly contain my excitement. Sarah, the adventurous soul and insatiable travel writer from New York City, was off to explore the remote island paradise nestled in Japan's Okinawa prefecture. The flight had me giddy, ready to swap the familiar city skyscrapers for palm trees and white sandy beaches.

After a blissful three-hour journey, the plane began its descent. I found myself staring out the window, the endless Pacific Ocean gradually giving way to a kaleidoscope of emerald-green mountains and sapphire waters. I knew I was about to uncover a story, not just of a place, but of the people, culture, and hidden secrets that awaited me.

Stepping out of the plane, the tropical heat greeted me with open arms, a stark contrast from the manicured air-conditioned world I left behind in Tokyo. The island's charm was immediate, and the scent of salt in the air and lush greenery drew me in.

I checked into my resort, a quiet place nestled between a tropical rainforest and a pristine beach, where the rooms were simple, understated luxury. It suited me perfectly - a place for someone who values experiences over material comforts. For those seeking glitz and glamour, I'd recommend the glimmering resorts of Hawaii, but for me, and those like me, the rustic allure of Ishigaki was perfect.

One of my first encounters was with a local farmer, Hideki. An elderly man, his face etched with lines of years spent under the sun, tending to his fields. Through broken English and my limited Japanese, he taught me about the island's unique produce - the Yaeyama sweet potato and Ishigaki beef. Our conversation was filled with laughter, as Hideki, with his hearty, infectious laugh, narrated anecdotes about his everyday life.

Days blurred into nights as I navigated through the turquoise waters of Kabira Bay on a glass-bottom boat, explored the underwater coral gardens, and hiked to the top of Mount Nosoko, where the view left me breathless. The night skies, unpolluted by city lights, held more stars than I thought possible.

I reveled in the vibrant music at a local festival, where the strumming of the sanshin, an Okinawan musical instrument, had me swaying. I found myself becoming a part of their narrative, clapping and dancing along with locals in a joyous celebration of their culture.

By the time my last day arrived, I was imbued with a profound appreciation of Ishigaki. This wasn't just about documenting a place or culture. It was about sharing human experiences, understanding different ways of life, and realizing that despite our differences, we're all bound by the same threads of humanity.

I left Ishigaki, but a part of me remained there, among the palm trees, in the laughter of Hideki, in the rhythm of the sanshin. The island is a haven for travelers seeking connection, not just with nature, but with people and culture. For those seeking a high-energy party destination, perhaps Ibiza would be better suited. But for wanderers like me, looking for genuine human connection and serene natural beauty, there is no place quite like Ishigaki Island.

Ishigaki Island fAQ

1. Where is Ishigaki Island located? Ishigaki Island is located in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. It is the main island of the Yaeyama Islands group, situated in the southwestern part of Japan.
2. How can I reach Ishigaki Island? The easiest way to reach Ishigaki Island is by air. New Ishigaki Airport serves the island and is well-connected with major airports in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. There are also direct flights from Taipei, Taiwan.
3. What is the best time to visit Ishigaki Island? The best time to visit Ishigaki Island is from April to November when the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities. However, be aware that typhoons can occur between June and October.
4. What can I do in Ishigaki Island? Ishigaki Island offers a plethora of activities. You can visit beautiful beaches, go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the coral reefs, explore the lush mangroves, or go on a hiking trail. You can also experience the local culture and cuisine.
5. Do I need a visa to visit Ishigaki Island? Visa requirements to visit Ishigaki Island are the same as for visiting Japan. Visitors from many countries are allowed visa-free entry for short-term stays, but it's always best to check the latest information from the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country.
6. Is English widely spoken in Ishigaki Island? While some locals speak basic English, especially in tourist areas, English is not widely spoken on Ishigaki Island. It can be helpful to learn a few basic Japanese phrases or use a translation app.
7. Is Ishigaki Island suitable for families? Yes, Ishigaki Island is very family-friendly with many resorts offering family-oriented amenities. The clear, calm waters of the beaches are great for kids, and there are plenty of family-friendly activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and visiting local parks.
8. Is Ishigaki Island expensive? The cost of your trip to Ishigaki Island can vary depending on your lifestyle and choices. While some resorts and dining options can be expensive, there are also budget-friendly accommodations and eateries. Similarly, while some activities can be costly, there are also many low-cost or free natural attractions to enjoy.
9. Is it safe to travel to Ishigaki Island? Yes, Ishigaki Island is generally very safe for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
10. What kind of cuisine can I expect in Ishigaki Island? Ishigaki is famous for its beef, known as Ishigaki beef, which is considered some of the best in Japan. The island is also known for its seafood, notably its tuna and manta shrimp. For vegetarians, the Yaeyama soba made from local wheat, and dishes made from local produce like the Yaeyama sweet potato are must-tries.

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