In the Philippines, beach resorts reign supreme, while in Japan, tranquil onsen resorts take the spotlight. Having hailed from a place where sandy shores are the norm, I’ve found myself captivated by the serene allure of Japanese onsen retreats, particularly those boasting private outdoor onsen experiences. This penchant recently led us to a remarkable find: Kaze no Mori. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet conveniently accessible, this secluded oasis offers a seamless blend of Western luxury and Japanese tradition. With its private villas and outdoor onsen, it embodies the dream getaway for those seeking tranquility and relaxation.
The Foyer
Despite the ongoing construction causing a bit of a mess outside, the interior exuded coziness and orderliness. The reception, more aptly referred to as the main house, serves as both the parking area and the check-in/check-out point. As the villas are situated farther away from the main house, guests are chauffeured to their accommodations via a golf cart. While waiting for this service, guests can relax in the foyer, furnished with stylish tables and chairs. In the winter months, a crackling wood-burning stove adds warmth and comfort to the waiting area.
The Villa
I prefer to refer to it as a villa because each accommodation is detached, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion. It truly feels like your own cabin in the woods, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Each accommodation has its own name, and ours was Tsuki, meaning ‘moon’. In the photos, you’ll notice our outdoor onsen, designed in a Balinese style, as indicated by the hut-like structure. What truly captured our attention was the exquisite moon carved into the glass window. It added a touch of enchantment to the atmosphere, especially when paired with the morning mist and the gentle hues of sunrise.
The Onsen
During our visit to this place, the cold of winter still lingered, providing the perfect ambiance for outdoor hot spring baths. My husband and I indulged ourselves a couple of times, taking a dip in the warm and soothing waters. The hut made us feel like a slice of Bali had been transported and the experience was incredibly relaxing. The water was silky and smooth to the touch, making our skin feel supple and refreshed. The lush greenery surrounding us added to the magic of the experience, and at night, the moon was so beautiful, casting a serene glow over the landscape. In the morning while I was taking an early dip, I was serenaded by the sweet sound of birds chirping and the gentle rustling of leaves as the sunrise peeked through the greenery.
The room boasted a lavish king-size bed that looked incredibly inviting. As you gazed out of the stylish window on the side of the room, the lush green forest outside seemed to beckon you. The sliding glass windows in front of the bed offered a breathtaking view of the outdoor onsen and the magnificent mountain scenery in the distance. It was undoubtedly the best view that the villa had to offer, and it left you feeling awestruck.
The Dining Area
When it’s time to have your meals, you will need to make your way to the main house where the dining area is located. To make things easier for you, the staff will call you on the intercom to let you know that they will be picking you up and driving you to the main house. After you have finished your meal, they will also chauffeur you back to your lodgings.
It is worth noting that you have access to a private dining room. During dinner, we were presented with a multi-course meal consisting of high-quality dishes. I will include the pictures of the meal below. During the Spring and Autumn seasons, the view from the dining room is more breathtaking, I believe.
I couldn’t finish everything as I was already full. Additionally, I don’t have a big appetite in the morning, so I felt bad wasting leftovers.
The Bar
The onsen resort has a spot that I absolutely adore. It’s a sheer stroke of luck that our villa is located so close to this bar, just a few steps away. What makes this bar stand out is the fact that its door is so cleverly camouflaged into the wall that it might go unnoticed at first glance. However, the cordial staff informed us of its discreet location beforehand. As we stepped inside, we were in for a real treat. The interior of the bar was incredibly cozy, and the stylish decor added a touch of elegance to the whole ambiance. The comfortable chairs and couches beckoned us to sit down and relax. The bar was left unmanned, yet its shelves were stocked with a plethora of reading resources, drinks ranging from coffee to expensive wine, and snacks that piqued our interest. The attention to detail was impeccable, and the whole experience was truly memorable! When I say I wanna go to a bar, this is exactly what I mean. This bar was not noisy, it was a perfect place to unwind and indulge in luxury.
Review and Rating
9/10
Kaze no Mori lives up to its name. During our stay, I felt completely immersed in nature, surrounded by the forest and the wind. The staff were attentive to our needs, without being intrusive. This was particularly evident in the unmanned bar, where they only came to serve guests who requested in-room drinks and snacks. I also appreciated that check-out time was at noon, which is unusual for hotels. This allowed us to take our time in the morning and enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath before leaving.
I highly recommend this hotel. For more information, please visit their website.
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