Hamajima Ise-Shima, Japan
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Design WellnessOutside the door
The house
AmanForested thermal ryokan
Low-slung cedar pavilions dot forested hills above Ago Bay, where mineral hot springs and quiet ryokan rituals set an unhurried pace.
“Black cedar houses stretch across a hill where pearl rafts float on glassy Ago Bay.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Dark cedar minka-inspired pavilions by Kerry Hill, accented with antique Kyoto obi artwork.
Remarkable
Natural mineral thermal springs feeding outdoor communal onsen pools and private pavilions.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
The architecture, by Kerry Hill, one of the modern masters of high-end hospitality design, is at once utterly contemporary and totally Japanese...
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set inside Ise-Shima National Park, the secluded grounds overlook pearl-farming rafts floating across Ago Bay, with sacred Ise Jingu an hour away.
The rooms
Pale timber walls and woven textile shutters frame coastal greenery, opening to bathrooms with sunken basalt tubs fed by natural onsen waters.
The gym
Bring a swimsuit.
Cardio machines and weights face floor-to-ceiling glass looking straight into the surrounding forest.
The onsen
Soak slowly.
Communal outdoor mineral baths are heated to 36 degrees, bordered by low daybeds and slatted cedar cabanas.
The spa
Treatment suites face calm reflection pools, offering therapies that use crushed pearls and regional Kampo herbs.
The Restaurant
Under vaulted timber ceilings, seasonal menus highlight local Matsusaka Wagyu beef and fresh Ise spiny lobster.
the hot spring resort offers just 24 suites and four two-bedroom villas, and successfully replicates the ryokan experience … right down to the private onsen featured in each accommodation.
At the table
The bar pours rare Japanese whiskies alongside cocktails made with bayberries picked across the grounds.
How it began
Opened in 2016, the estate reinterprets traditional minka farmhouses and pays homage to the understated joinery of the ancient Ise Grand Shrine.
“Overlooking the calm inlets of Ago Bay in Ise-Shima National Park, Amanemu is modeled after a traditional Japanese ryokan…”
Ise-Shima
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“Gastronomic coastal ryokan”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.