The Okinawa archipelago lies like a string of pearls dangling from Japan's southern island of Kyushu. It's an apt image for this stretch of about 150 islands that counts pearl cultivation as one of its major industries.

Sailing in from the Pacific though, you would be forgiven if you didn't know you had reached the southern tip of Japan.

The beaches that fringe the islands are startlingly white, the water aquarium clear and lined with soft and hard corals that attract myriad fish. Over 1,000 species - including barracudas, butterfly fish and manta rays - glide through these waters.

The setting is reminiscent of a South-east Asian diving destination until you splash out into cool Pacific waters and step ashore to sushi and shrines.

This Japanese element means that if you're looking for a beach locale with a difference this summer, Okinawa's islands are good spots to explore. Check out the outer reaches, where the absence of American naval bases makes for better preservation of traditional Japanese culture.

The travelling time from Singapore to Ishigaki, part of the outer Yaeyama stretch of nine inhabited islands, usually takes from 10 to 14 hours with a stopover in Tokyo or Osaka. Until Sept 29, though, Club Med has 50-minute charters from Taipei to Ishigaki that cut the journey to Okinawa to about six hours.

Four- and five-day all-inclusive packages include one night in Taipei and cost $2,068 and $2,268, respectively, for adults, excluding airport taxes and fees. For children's rates or more information, contact 1800 Club Med (258 2633) or your preferred travel agent.

Sun, sea and Club Med Kabira

Dive into it: The four-trident Club Med Kabira makes a good base for a family holiday. Situated on one of Ishigaki's best beaches, the resort was ranked the world's fourth Best Diving Resort Hotel at Dive and Travel Awards 2009.

The island has easily accessible reefs, including a patch of rare Ao and Hama corals for enthusiastic divers to ogle. Visitors who don't know their way around an oxygen tank can sign up for lessons at the Scuba Diving School; or go snorkelling or windsurfing in the cool Pacific waters. Lessons and equipment rental are covered in Club Med's all-inclusive package.

To get what is considered Ishigaki's most scenic view, take a glass-bottom boat out to Kabira Bay to see the teeming sea life. While you're there, learn the art of black-pearl cultivation, which Kabira Bay is famous for, and go home with some bling.

 

On land: Take advantage of Club Med's free lessons to learn how to swing on a trapeze or hit a tennis ball. Or explore Ishigaki's mountainous terrain on a mountain bike.

Sightseers can sign up for a variety of excursions, including a tour of tranquil Taketomi Island, a 10-minute ferry ride away, which has more cows than humans. Immerse in Okinawan culture by riding a water-buffalo cart around the island to traditional songs and music from a sanshin, an Okinawan guitar.

Parents, take a break from babysitting - drop your kids off at Petit Club Med. Themed "Under the Sea", the centre will immerse the little ones in an underwater world with its fish-laden magnetic wall and stingray seats. The Mini Club Med, meanwhile, encourages four- to 11-year-olds to terrorise someone else for a change in a newly constructed pirate ship playground.

The digs: The 183 rooms here marry sleek French and Japanese decor. The Japanese elements come in the form of fabric artworks and paintings of Okinawan women in traditional garb. Yukatas, or cotton robes, are provided for casual lounging.

True flavours of Okinawa can be found in the Habushu, a local pit viper liqueur that is as fascinating as it is macabre. The liqueur is served before you step into the dining hall. The bottle shows a coiled snake with its fangs bared, so if you want to enjoy the buffet spread, you might want to suppress your curiosity until after the meal.

 

Star attractions: The resort stages nightly performances. Guests who catch the Asian-themed night will get an Okinawan aural and visual treat along with the usual shows put up by the resort's Gentle Organisers (GOs), or staff. A professional Okinawa Taiko drumming troupe will pound out beats that, when combined with vivacious choreography, will leave the audience clapping to the catchy rhythms.

But the resort's real stars? Its friendly GOs, who elevate a stay here from great to unforgettable. I asked Emilie Chiang, a sassy 28-year-old Taiwanese GO, how long she sees herself working for Club Med. "Forever" was her reply.

And how does Guy Cohen, 21, an Australian windsurfing coach report to the beach shack at dawn after a late night? "You got to love your job," he said.

Their cheer was contagious. Or maybe it was just the perpetual Okinawan breeze on my face.