AMANEMU ISE-SHIMA, JAPAN
JAPAN ISN’T JUST ABOUT THE BIG CITIES
As you’ll discover at Aman’s newest resort, Amanemu. Here, nature is the star. Enveloped by a forest on a clifftop in the Ise-Shima National Park, in one of Japan’s most beautiful bays, Amanemu is a haven for nature lovers. Wild boar roam the grounds and the music in the spa is likely to be courtesy of real birds outside. Minimalist luxury is the order of the day.
AMANEMU ISE-SHIMA, JAPAN Photo Gallery
Twenty-eight luxurious one- and two-bedroom villas, in the style of traditional rural buildings, are dotted along the cliff, featuring pared-back bedrooms crafted in Japanese cedar and dark basalt bathrooms – complete with stone tubs for two and natural thermal water on tap (it flows in at 60°C, so open the Pol Roger from the fridge while you’re waiting for your bath to cool down).
Borrow mountain bikes and explore the local area or join a private guide and discover the nearby Ise Shrine, which, fascinatingly, is destroyed then rebuilt every 20 years, in keeping with Shinto tradition. Next, wallow in the spa’s 2,000sqm of natural thermal 36-38°C spring baths, terraces and pools, dotted with island-like pavilions and day beds. In the evening, dine on local Wagyu beef in Amanemu’s vaulted restaurant with a view. Below, tranquil Ago Bay shimmers in the moonlight and pearl rafts bob gently. Known as the Bay of Pearls, this is the home of Mikimoto cultured pearls – the perfect memento of your stay.
OUR KIND OF LUXE
The concierge can arrange for you to meet local Ama female freedivers – who collect pearls, shellfish, seaweed and sea urchins – in one of their huts, for a lunch of fresh seafood. GO Amanemu (aman.com) offers a one-bedroom Sora Suite from £1,147 per night, room only (including taxes).
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