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Review: Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel

6 min read
Editorial integrity
Review: Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel

Note10/10

Hotel
Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel
Country
Japan
Room Type
Queen Room - Ocean View
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  • Modern and minimalist suites, all facing the sea
  • Full board with exceptional meals
  • Rooftop terrace with baths and panoramic view
  • Limited services (no fitness center, no lunch option, no on-site staff during the day, except for meals)

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.



Booking

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.

Arrival

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.

Room

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.



Meals

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.



Services and Atmosphere

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.



Around the Hotel

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.



Overall Impression

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.

Blue Suites Hanamuro Hotel – Book with Points

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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National BankNBC RewardsFirst-Year Annual Fee Rebate
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$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
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Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
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® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.

® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.

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® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.

TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).

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* Mastercard® World Elite®

The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.

The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.

Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.

  1. Certain restrictions apply. For more information, see the Rewards Plan section or the Plan Rules applicable to point accumulation.
  2. Grace period:
    No interest is charged on purchases made during the month if the cardholder pays the full balance of their account within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances and balance transfers. Minimum payment: if your account balance is less than $10, you must pay the balance in full. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment is 5% of your account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. If you reside outside Quebec, your minimum payment is 2.5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. Account statement: an account statement is sent monthly.

    Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period

    Annual interest rate $500 $3,000
    22.49% $9.24 $55.45
    20.99% $8.63 $51.76
    13.2% $5.53 $33.16
    9.2% $3.78 $22.68

    *Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.

  3. Balance transfers and cash advances are subject to National Bank credit approval. Each amount transferred cannot be less than $250.
  4. Exclusive to World Elite Mastercard cardholders. Presentation of the physical credit card and boarding pass is required to access the lounge.
    The National Bank® Lounge is accessible to customers traveling on international flights only (excluding flights to Canada and the United States).
    You benefit from free and unlimited access with one guest and two children aged 12 and under.
    Until October 4, 2026 (date subject to change), customers can enter the National Bank Lounge three hours before their flight departure time. From October 5, 2026 (date subject to change), access will be authorized for a maximum duration of 2 hours (3 hours for customers who hold a Private Banking 1859® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card).
    National Bank customers who are not World Elite ® Mastercard ® cardholders can also access the current lounge based on current rates and benefit from a 25 % discount on these rates :
    63,24 $ taxes included for adults (excluding discount)
    $40.24 taxes included for children aged 2 to 12 (excluding discount)
    free for children under 2 (excluding discount)
    The entry fee is subject to change without notice and is the responsibility of the lounge operator.
  5. Subject to providing the required supporting documents in the manner and within the prescribed timeframe. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder of a National Bank World Elite Mastercard (Cardholder) whose account is in good standing can request a « Travel Fee Reimbursement ». « Account in good standing » means an account linked to the credit card that does not violate the Credit Card Agreement in any way and on which no restrictions apply. For example, and without limitation, the associated annual fees must have been paid in full. The maximum reimbursement of $150 can be requested from January 1 to December 31 of each year.
    Eligible expenses are:
    airport parking
    baggage fees
    seat selection
    airport lounge access worldwide
    airline ticket upgrades
    A reimbursement request must be made within 60 days of the purchase date. Travel expenses must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card account. The maximum reimbursement of $150 is applicable per account. Please allow up to 7 business days for the reimbursement to be processed from the date your request is submitted. National Bank reserves the right to request additional supporting documents for validation purposes (e.g., invoices). You must keep all receipts and supporting documents for a period of 12 months from the date you made your reimbursement request. An unused reimbursement in one year cannot be carried over to the next year. You can make your request online at rewards.nbc.ca or by calling 1-800-341-8083 (toll-free) for an agent to assist you with your travel fee reimbursement request.
  6. Point accumulation on grocery and restaurant spending depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, across all categories. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The 5 points per dollar accumulation is valid for the first $2,500 of gross monthly purchases charged to the account. Beyond this amount, eligible grocery and restaurant spending will earn 2 points per dollar. The calculation of the gross monthly purchase amount is based on monthly billing. A grocery purchase means a purchase made at a merchant whose primary business is selling food, such as a grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, fruit store, or specialty food store. Meal kit subscriptions and meal delivery services are eligible. Therefore, this definition excludes, among others, retail stores and big-box stores whose primary business is selling non-food items. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. A restaurant purchase means a purchase made at a restaurant, including quick-service restaurants, bars, discotheques, nightclubs, and taverns. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
  7. These protections apply if the purchases or rental are paid for in part with the card before departure, except, if applicable, for out-of-province medical-hospital insurance for which it is not necessary to charge the purchase of an à la carte trip and for baggage delay protection where the full cost of transport must have been charged to the card. All these protections apply to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or their dependent children when they (spouse and dependent children) travel with the cardholder. Extended warranties apply to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, provided the manufacturer’s warranty exists and is valid in Canada. Certain conditions, limitations and restrictions apply. For more information and details regarding your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
  8. Subject to credit approval by National Bank.
  9. Certain conditions apply. Visit mastercard.ca for more information. See all credit card terms and conditions.
  10. To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your gas or electric charging purchases at a gas station or certain big-box stores. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
  11. Recurring bill payments are defined as payments made monthly or regularly that are automatically charged by the merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard. Not all merchants offer recurring payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Therefore, some payments may not qualify for accelerated reward points.
  12. To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your eligible purchases through the À la carte TravelTM agency section of our À la carte RewardsTM site.
  13. For example, if you spend $400 monthly on groceries, $200 on gas, $100 on recurring bills and $150 on other purchases, the $850 spent will generate 2,750 points, broken down as follows: 2,000 points for grocery spending (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, which is less than $2,500), 400 points for gas spending, 200 points for recurring bills and 150 points for other purchases.
  14. Insurance up to $1,000 in case of breakage, loss or theft of mobile devices for a maximum period of 2 years following the date of purchase. Subject to purchasing the device with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or a phone service subscription paid by recurring payments from your National Bank Platinum Mastercard starting September 1, 2022. For all conditions, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

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