Beside Ago Bay, amid the forested hills of Ise-Shima, the ryokan-inspired onsen resort of Amanemu invites guests into a sanctuary of restorative peace. Bask in mineral-rich hot springs, walk ancient pilgrim trails and explore a sublime coastline.
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Rooted in Japan’s sixth-century tradition of onsen bathing, Amanemu’s 2,000-square-metre spa embraces the restorative power of water. Designed around a vast hot-spring bath fed by mineral-rich waters of Ise-Shima, the spa takes a holistic approach, fusing Japanese healing practices with nature-inspired therapies from around the Aman world.Â
High above Ago Bay, embraced by forest, Amanemu sits at the heart of a serene natural landscape that rewards explorers with its extraordinary beauty. Ise-Shima National Park is a hiker’s haven, with sacred Shinto shrines to visit, and the bay itself is home to a unique community of pearl fishers and female freedivers, the ama.Â
Dating back to the 3rd century, Ise Jingu, otherwise known as Ise Grand Shrine, is one of the most sacred sites in Japan. Explore Ise Grand Shrine with an expert guide, donning a traditional kimono to witness morning prayers and the ritual dance to the deities, and discover spaces in the sanctuary that most visitors never see. Also accessible from Amanemu, the Unesco-protected Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes connect sacred sites across the region’s captivating countryside, and have been in use for more than a millennium.Â
Known as ‘the bay of pearls’ and dotted with drifting rafts, Ago Bay has been home to the ama for centuries. The ama are a one-of-a-kind community of female free-divers who make their living collecting shellfish, seaweed and sea urchin from the seabed. Visit an amagoya – a diver’s hut – for a special Amanemu lunch with an ama for an unforgettable insight into an ancient and unusual way of lifeÂ
Neighbouring Amanemu, the 18-hole Nemu Golf Club enjoys one of the most beautiful settings in Japan. The sweeping greens overlook the drama of the bay below, and offer golfers the opportunity to tackle challenging shots over the coastal inlets, as well as a a driving range with natural grass tees, some of which are covered for all-weather play.Â
Amanemu’s experiences cater to multi-generations, celebrating the resort’s diverse natural setting at every opportunity. Whether learning the art of flower arranging with a local florist, taking part in an SUP yoga class overlooking Ago Bay, or tasting premium sake with a sake master, each and every guest is catered for, with little-ones entertained for hours at the Kids Academy. Finish the day with a sunset cruise along the coastline – a truly unforgettable experience.
The Ise Shima region was renowned as the breadbasket of Japan’s ancient imperial court, and Amanemu celebrates the bounty and diversity of ingredients naturally available nearby – both in the chefs’ cuisine and the bartenders’ cocktails.Â
With mesmerising views across the surrounding forest to the bay below, Amanemu’s Restaurant celebrates Japan’s culinary heritage at breakfast, lunch and dinner, alongside a selection of refined international dishes – all with an emphasis on the fresh, local flavours of the season. Japanese Cuisine Chef Katsutoshi Kitahara sources exceptional produce from Ise-Shima, including Matsusaka Wagyu beef and prized seafood such as spiny lobster and abalone from Ago Bay.
Set beside the swimming pool, Amanemu’s Bar champions local ingredients every bit as much as the Restaurant kitchen, serving Japanese craft beers and inventive house cocktails crafted with regional fruits and herbs. Outside on the terrace, the sunken lounge makes the perfect setting for lantern-lit evenings watching the sun set into the sea.Â
| Check In | 12:00 pm |
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| Check Out | 12:00 pm |
Member Since 2022
