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During our three-week trip to Japan, a stop in the Kerama Islands was a must. This archipelago, located about 40 kilometres west of Okinawa, is easily accessible by ferry from Naha (approximately 1 hour crossing, around ¥6,000 / CAD 56 round trip). Designated a National Park since 2014, the Kerama Islands are globally recognized for the exceptional clarity of their waters (“Kerama Blue”) and for being home to over 200 coral species, as well as a multitude of tropical fish and sea turtles.
A true sanctuary for snorkeling and diving, these islands offer a unique marine experience in Japan. On Aka Island, where accommodations are scarce, the Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel stands out for its modern comfort and peaceful atmosphere.
As it is an independent hotel, we booked through Expedia. No matter which platform you choose, the process is straightforward, but it is essential to book in advance. During our stay, we were surprised to be the only guests at the hotel, while two of the three rooms remained unoccupied.
We had the impression that the establishment perhaps adopts a unique policy: only hosting one group at a time. As a result, no availability appeared online, despite two unoccupied rooms. This exclusivity makes the experience peaceful and intimate, but it is essential to book very early, especially during high season.
Check-in time is clearly stated in the confirmation email. The hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from the port where the ferry docks, offering simple and direct access.
Since there is no traditional front desk, a dedicated customer service staff member was waiting for us upon arrival, showed us to our room, and handed us the keys. The property is very intimate, with only three rooms and a dining area connected to a small kitchen.
This same staff member took care of our comfort throughout our stay. Although she does not reside on-site, she comes to the hotel daily to meet our needs (towels, essential supplies) and, most importantly, to prepare and serve breakfast and dinner.
Over the days, we developed a good rapport with her. Through her kindness, professionalism, and discreet attention, she greatly contributed to making our experience at the Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel even more memorable.
The suites at Blue Suites Hanamuro feature a minimalist and sleek style, in perfect harmony with the peaceful spirit of Kerama. Behind the raw concrete walls lies a space that is both simple and elegant: a queen-size bed facing the sea, a brown leather sofa at the foot of the bed, and, just behind the headboard separated by a partition, an integrated bathroom with sinks, shower, and toilet.
What stands out most is the fluidity of the space and the emphasis on the view. In front of the rooms, a large common terrace opens directly onto the pool, like a permanent invitation to relax.
On the rooftop, several outdoor baths are visible from one another, but being the only guests, we enjoyed absolute tranquility. The most magical moment is in the morning: settling into the bath facing the horizon to admire the sunrise before a carefully prepared breakfast.
The hotel does not have a restaurant in the traditional sense, but offers full board which transforms each meal into a truly special moment. Breakfast, served at the chosen time, was always hearty and refined, perfect for starting the day.
Dinner followed a three-course ritual — appetizer, main course, and dessert — where quality and presentation vied for attention. The flavours were well balanced and delicately crafted, and a glass of wine, always included, completed the experience with simplicity and elegance.
We had a choice of settings: in the small dining room; on the rooftop terrace, ideal for stargazing after dinner; or on our section of the common terrace facing the sea, for a more intimate moment. This flexibility, combined with the remarkable quality of the cuisine, greatly contributed to making our stay memorable.
The Blue Suites Hanamuro offers a simple yet deeply relaxing experience. The outdoor pool, elegant and accessible at any time, invites you to swim throughout the day, while just across from it, the sea reveals a small cove sheltered by a jetty. Every day, we went there to go snorkelling and admire the absolutely stunning marine life and flora just a few dozen metres from the shore.
There is no traditional reception, and the welcome is simple, almost familial. This simplicity, far from the codes of large hotels, reinforces the feeling of intimacy and tranquility. The overall atmosphere is calm and peaceful; it’s not uncommon to see the local Kerama deer (Cervus keramae) wandering in front of the hotel, adding a touch of charm to every outing.
Every moment spent here, whether by the pool, on our terrace, or on the rooftop, adds to this rare sense of serenity, where time seems to stand still and you feel completely alone in the world, surrounded by the beauty of the Kerama Islands.
To fully discover the Kerama Islands, the Blue Suites Hanamuro is the ideal starting point. Aka Island is suitable for walking and cycling, allowing exploration of tranquil paths, wandering through a butterfly sanctuary perched on a hill (Fukaji Observation deck), or encountering wild deer in their natural habitat.
For snorkeling enthusiasts, each outing is enchanting: the crystal-clear waters teem with corals and tropical fish, and it is even possible to swim alone with sea turtles. Excursions to the other islands complete the picture of an almost deserted archipelago, offering a true sense of tranquility and communion with nature.
Staying at the Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel is to access a form of discreet paradise, where every moment is lived in perfect harmony with the environment. Between the clarity of the waters, the ballet of tropical fish a few meters from the shore, and the tranquility of the island landscapes, we experienced a unique Japan, far from the usual tourist routes, calm and deeply authentic.
Every morning, the sunrise from our bath on the terrace, followed by a delicious breakfast facing the sea, set a gentle and contemplative rhythm. The meals, the attentive service from the dedicated staff member, the always-accessible pool, and the little surprises from nature such as deer, butterflies, and lush vegetation created an atmosphere where we felt both privileged and completely immersed in the island experience.
Over the days, we understood that the charm of Kerama lies not only in its landscapes or marine life, but in the feeling of being alone in the world, in the heart of a still-secret Japan, where one can truly reconnect with oneself and the beauty of the world. It is a sensory and emotional experience that transforms a simple stay into a memorable and deeply rejuvenating memory.
As an independent hotel, the Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel is not associated with a rewards program. It is still possible to use your credit card reward points to stay there by booking via Expedia, Agoda or Booking.com, for example, then get a statement credit by redeeming your points:
Note that some programs and credit cards give you access to dedicated Expedia platforms to collect and redeem more points, and sometimes even get discounts. This applies to Scene+ and TD Rewards. If you have status with Booking.com, you could also get a discount on your room.
For example, with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard, you can use your NCB Rewards points as a statement credit to reduce the cost of your accommodation. Additionally, get up to $150 in reimbursement on your travel expenses to help you get there.
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