A luxury onsen hotel that becomes one with the sea and sky―Amane Resort Seikai

Japan’s most famous onsen hot-spring resort is probably Beppu in Oita prefecture, Kyushu. In the small strip of land between Beppu Bay and the Tsurumi mountain range are as many as eight major hot-spring areas producing clouds of steam visible throughout the city. Beppu’s foremost luxury hotel, Amane Resort Seikai, opened in 2007 with one building named Harenoto (Sunny Wing). It was followed in 2011 by a second called Uminoto (Sea Wing). Then in July 2019 a third and even more sumptuous building, Soranoto (Sky Wing), was opened to receive guests.

During the “deep blue” moments around sunset, the sound of waves and the flicker of flames are mesmerizing. Savor a relaxing hour on the Water Terrace with an aperitif from the Voyage bar’s selection of cocktails.

All guest rooms in the Soranoto Sky Wing are equipped with private baths overflowing with Beppu’s high-quality spring waters. Two accommodations are special luxury suites, each boasting a private Jacuzzi and swimming pool. Guest rooms are fitted with furnishings chosen to ensure a relaxing stay; many of them were either imported by the proprietress from Bali or commissioned from local Oita craftsmen using materials brought in from Bali. The interior of the hotel has the feel of an intimate, well-curated little museum. Guests searching for souvenirs of a stay need look no further than the hotel gift shop, which offers a range of original Seikai products.

The Luxury Suite 203’s living room, in a relaxing scheme of white and brown accentuated with turquoise, has a kitchenette set up for teatime preparations. Two bedrooms make the suite well suited for family vacations.

Even the most seasoned travelers and connoisseurs will find the hotel’s dining venues memorable. The French restaurant Bistro Vent Nouveau offers elegant fare, while the Voyage terrace bar stocks a wide selection of top-quality beverage and cigar brands.

Left: Bistro Vent Nouveaux serves all meals from breakfast to dinner. Right: The Voyage bar presents an extensive selection of champagne. Highly recommended is Champagne Salon; at ￥150,000 it’s considered one of the finest on the market, sought by connoisseurs the world over.

Seikai’s keen sense of beauty is felt everywhere, from the spectacular natural setting to the delightful guest rooms and meals. To etch your stay even more deeply in your memory enjoy the magical moments that come at dusk and dawn. When the sun dips over the horizon, fires are lit along the Water Terrace, setting off an enchanting play of light and shadow. At dawn the view of the sun rising over Beppu Bay is breathtaking. Don’t miss the chance to experience these moments when the sky shades into the sea, enfolding you in an unforgettable embrace.

The large public bath named Shiosai no Yu (Sound of Waves Bath), in the Uminoto Sea Wing, is also a popular gathering place for local residents who come for lunch and a hot-spring soak.

seikai.co.jp

Find out more on many other choice accommodations all over Japan
in the Autumn / Winter Issue 2019.