Matsuyama, Japan
Renovated
2015
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
Onko ChishinMinimalist concrete guesthouse
Exposed concrete corridors, curated art installations, and floor-to-ceiling glass frame silent vistas across the Seto Inland Sea.
“Ando’s signature minimalistic approach has remained clear, from the large exposed concrete, bright white surfaces and straight lines throughout the space.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Tadao Ando concrete architecture framing sea vistas, anchored by a cantilevered infinity pool.
Notable
Seven minimalist suites feature in-room hot spring baths and regional multi-course kaiseki dining.
Notable
A garden-view dry sauna pairs with ocean-view spa suites using regional citrus botanicals.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Wallpaper*.
His masterful eye informs every inch of Setouchi — patient, quintessentially Japanese cleanliness and profoundly empty stretches of space induce a reverent consideration of the materials at hand.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
In the forested hills overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, an intentional retreat outside central Matsuyama.
The rooms
Seven minimalist suites pair pale wood with generous space, while select rooms feature double-height glass or semi-open-air hot spring baths.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
The 30-meter cantilevered outdoor pool stretches toward the sea, and a heated indoor pool rests in a quiet concrete chamber.
The sauna and baths
Soak slowly.
A tiered cedar sauna looks onto wooded hillsides, set beside hot spring stone baths facing the forest.
The spa
Two ocean-view spa suites host all-hand bodywork rituals with regional yuzu, pomelo, and mandarin orange.
Restaurant
Minagi
Kaiseki dinners focus on Setouchi seafood and Ehime citrus, served beneath a Frank Stella painting.
How it began
Originally built as a private residence and later run as a contemporary art museum, the structure was converted into an intimate hillside sanctuary.
Good to know
Stay here
Setouchi Retreat Aonagi
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Matsuyama
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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.