Club Med Kabira Ishigaki

All-inclusive: meals, activities and kids' clubs are all covered

Club Med Kabira Ishigaki is an all-inclusive resort near the beautiful Kabira Bay on Ishigaki Island, about 30 minutes by car from New Ishigaki Airport. Accommodation, buffet meals, drinks including soft drinks, beer and wine, more than 20 kinds of activities, and age-based kids' clubs are all included in the room rate, so there is hardly a moment during your stay when you need to open your wallet (some premium alcoholic drinks and paid excursions are the exceptions).

You can walk from your room to strikingly clear water and enjoy snorkeling (ages 8 and over; guests aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a guardian), glass-bottom kayaking (ages 6 and over), mountain biking, tennis and Club Med's signature flying trapeze (held in summer) at no extra charge. There is more than the sea, too: cooking lessons and hands-on programs that introduce Okinawa's sanshin music culture. In the evening, a different entertainment show is staged each night, and the children from the kids' clubs sometimes perform a dance.

Age-based kids' clubs give parents time of their own

Club Med was the pioneer that started the industry's first kids' club in 1967. Dedicated G.O staff look after the children, and on Ishigaki Island there is Petit Club (ages 2-3), Mini Club+ (ages 4-10) and Teens Club (ages 11-13), where children spend the whole day on sports, nature experiences, art and stage performances. Programs for ages 4 through 17 carry no additional charge and are part of the all-inclusive rate. Only Petit Club costs extra; it runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and takes a limited number of children, so booking ahead is recommended.

Another thing that stands out is the international feel of the resort, where guests and staff from around the world speak a range of languages, almost as though you were abroad. While the children are in the club, adults can spend their own time on activities or at the spa. Note, however, that Kabira does not offer Baby Club Med (for ages 4 to 23 months). As the resort states, families traveling with children aged 4 to 23 months are welcome, but childcare services are not available to them, so children aged 0 to 1 cannot be left in the club's care. Childcare starts with Petit Club from age 2, for an additional charge.

For families with babies and for three-generation trips

The resort describes itself as comfortable both for families with babies and for three-generation trips, with a baby kit including a crib, baby bath and diaper-changing mat, plus baby food and kids' meals served in the restaurant. The daily-changing buffet ranges from dishes from around the world to a children's menu, and because everything is all-inclusive, children can pick out their own juice or shaved ice. There is also a good choice of connecting rooms, so you can select rooms that suit your family.

As for what to pack: for environmental reasons, toothbrushes are not provided in the rooms, so bring your own. Bottled water is not provided either, so a tumbler or water bottle comes in handy. The sun is strong, so a rash guard and sunscreen are recommended as well.

Pool, spa and practical details

Alongside the outdoor pool and activity facilities, there is Club Med Spa by MANDARA (for a fee). There is no communal bath or onsen on the property. Whether children who are not yet out of diapers may use the pool - including whether swim diapers are allowed - is not stated, so if this matters to you, we recommend confirming in advance. There is a coin laundry (for a fee; detergent is sold at the boutique).

Check-in is from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and checkout is at 10 a.m. Children under 4 stay free of charge (they still count toward the number of guests, and the name and date of birth of every guest must be entered when booking), children aged 4 to 11 receive up to 40% off the adult rate, and children aged 12 to 17 up to 20% off. Parking is free for 11 cars. Swimsuits and athletic shoes are not available to rent; they are sold at the boutique.