Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa グランドメルキュール淡路島リゾート＆スパ 淡路島度假村及水療中心美爵酒店

Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa is a large hilltop resort located at the southern tip of Awaji Island in Minamiawaji, Hyogo Prefecture. Formerly known as “Hotel & Resorts Minamiawaji,” the property was rebranded under Accor’s Grand Mercure brand, updating its interiors and services into an all-inclusive resort. Many guest rooms overlook the Naruto Strait, the Ōnaruto Bridge, or the Kitan Strait, allowing guests to enjoy a warm, seaside resort atmosphere throughout the year.

For those arriving by car, the hotel is about 10 minutes from the Awajishima Minami IC on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway. Travelers using highway buses can get off at the Fukura Bus Terminal and continue by local shuttle or taxi, making it accessible from both the Honshu and Shikoku sides. Nearby roadside stations and port areas also provide easy access to dining and sightseeing spots.

The hotel sits on an elevated site overlooking the Naruto Strait and the impressive Ōnaruto Bridge. On clear days, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the sea, the bridge, and passing vessels. The area is dotted with popular attractions, such as whirlpool cruise departure points and the historic Onokorojima Shrine. The location serves as an ideal base for exploring southern Awaji Island, whether visiting scenic flower gardens, local farms, or family-friendly leisure facilities.

With 326 guest rooms, the resort is spacious and offers a wide range of room types, including twins, doubles, Japanese-Western rooms, and family rooms. All rooms are at least 35 m², and many can accommodate 3–4 guests using extra beds, making the hotel suitable for families and groups. Ocean-facing rooms offer sea views, while mountain-side rooms overlook the island’s greenery. Standard amenities include a TV, refrigerator, electric kettle, bathtub-equipped bathroom, and free Wi-Fi, with superior categories offering additional sofa seating.

The hotel’s standout feature is its hot spring area. The large communal baths use “Minami-Awaji Onsen” water and include both indoor baths and open-air rock baths. A sauna, cold bath, and a relaxing post-bath lounge are also available, offering a soothing environment to unwind after travel or sightseeing. The onsen is exclusive to staying guests, ensuring a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

Meals are centered around the buffet restaurant, featuring dishes made with local Awaji ingredients such as sweet onions, seasonal vegetables, and fresh seafood. Both breakfast and dinner are served as Japanese-Western buffets, with menus updated seasonally. Kid-friendly selections and desserts are well prepared, making the restaurant easy to use for families. In addition to the buffet, the lounge serves drinks and snacks throughout the day, allowing guests to enjoy a complete stay within the hotel.

A defining feature of the resort is its all-inclusive system. Many plans include dinner, breakfast, drinks at the buffet and lounge, onsen access, and seasonal activities. All rooms come with lounge access, where guests can enjoy sparkling wine, red and white wine, beer, coffee, juices, herb water, and light snacks without extra fees (premium drinks and certain activities are available at an additional cost). The system is ideal for travelers who want to relax on-site without worrying about incremental charges.

In summer, the outdoor garden pool opens for guests. The pool area includes a main pool and a shallow kids’ pool, making it suitable for families with small children. From the hilltop pool deck, guests can enjoy views of the sea, relax on sun loungers, or take photos in a resort-like setting. Additional facilities such as a children’s playroom, game corner, and gift shop provide ways to spend time comfortably even on rainy days.

Facilities include the buffet restaurant, lounge, onsen and sauna, outdoor pool, meeting and banquet rooms, the relaxation salon “Yuwa,” coin laundry, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is equipped to accommodate long stays, training retreats, and group travel, with a strong track record of hosting large groups. On-site parking is available for guests arriving by car, making it convenient for those exploring Awaji Island by rental car or private vehicle (parking conditions and fees may vary by season; checking current information is recommended).

Overall, Grand Mercure Awaji Island Resort & Spa combines views of the Naruto Strait and the Ōnaruto Bridge with the comfort of an all-inclusive hot spring resort. With spacious 35 m²+ rooms, open-air hot spring baths, a seasonal outdoor pool, and complimentary lounge drinks, the hotel suits families, couples, and groups looking to balance island sightseeing with a relaxing resort-style stay.