Ise-Shima, JapanKashikojima
Shima Kanko Hotel The Bay Suites
Forested promontory suites
Kashikojima Ise-Shima, Japan
Renovated
2016
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Resort LocalOutside the door
The house
Miyako HotelsForested promontory suites
Dense national park woods surround the promontory, keeping stays quiet and focused entirely on the calm, island-studded waters below.
What it’s good at
Notable
Landscaped promontory gardens and a seasonal outdoor pool spread across the wooded estate.
Notable
Chefs serve local Ise spiny lobster and abalone overlooking working pearl farming rafts.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
the sprawling mid-century Shima Kanko Hotel has both a classic main building with 114 rooms ... and an all-suites addition, as well as restaurants, gardens, pools, a spa, and a gym, on a manicured ridge overlooking a cove.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Wooden pearl rafts dot the quiet coves around Kashikojima, while the ancient shrines of Ise Jingu sit further inland.
The rooms
Every suite spans over 100 square meters, with warm wood furnishings and soaking tubs that look straight out over the bay.
The outdoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 24.5-meter outdoor pool sits among estate greenery, opening for summer swims beside a shallow children's pool.
The spa
Stone soaking baths look out onto bamboo gardens, and treatments incorporate deep sea water and local botanicals.
Restaurant
La Mer
The Michelin-starred dining room serves regional seafood and Matsusaka beef before wide windows looking out over Ago Bay.
At the table
Hamayu serves seasonal kaiseki dinners and local Mie sake across private rooms and curved dining counters.
How it began
The resort opened in 1951 to house visiting pearl buyers, before hosting world leaders for the 2016 G7 summit.
Ise-Shima
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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.