ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa

ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa is a glamorous cosmopolitan destination that any international traveller will feel very comfortable visiting. It provides a world of the familiar but one that is infused throughout with local style enveloped in warmly courteous Japanese service. As its name promises, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa is a destination in itself; a place to be throughly pampered and revitalised in.

The opening of the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa in autumn 2019 signalled a step change in Beppu’s fortunes; the recognition by the world’s largest luxury hotel chain that this onsen hot spring city, long-famed in Japan, is a top international travel destination. Located in a prime position perched, eyrie-like, high on a hill overlooking Beppu, the Seto Inland Sea and beyond, the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa offers all the sumptuous surroundings and service found at the very best hotels, whether in Japan or overseas. It blends this alluringly on an intimate scale - the hotel is limited to 89 rooms - in gloriously expansive scenery with the richly relaxing pleasures of onsen bathing, lavish spa therapies and delicious cuisine.

ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa’s calm and tasteful ambience is immediately apparent on arrival in the foyer, a serene lofty, bright and airy space 350 metres (1,150ft.) above Beppu. Here pride of place is given to uninterrupted and absorbing panoramic views, a motif that is enjoyed throughout much of the hotel, including at the heated infinity pool and cascading rotenburo outdoor onsen baths. These source their waters from the same hot springs as those that feed the renowned Myoban Onsen. The hotel’s glorious vistas are counterpoised by its suffused interiors which include design elements alluding to Beppu’s onsen origins. Gently swelling and curling bamboo artwork, created by Hajime Nakatomi, are exhibited judiciously throughout interior spaces and induce an added sense of wellbeing and completeness.

The hotel’s HARNN Heritage Spa focuses on restoring the natural balance of mind and body using traditional Asian practices and specially developed techniques based on local therapies. The theme of gratifying well-being continues through the hotel’s cuisine. An international and Japanese menu is available throughout the day in the restaurant Elements, while the Atelier’s open kitchen is the setting for an exclusive dinner show of culinary artistry in Japanese-inspired French dishes. Here, all diners have ‘ring-side’ counter seats to their meals being conjured before them from Oita’s fresh and abundantly varied ingredients. The Lounge satiates lighter appetites with afternoon teas, barista coffee and exquisite cakes made by the hotel’s patisserie. The Bar’s outside terrace is highly recommended for an end of day drink while watching the sunset glowingly silhouetted by Beppu’s soaring mountain backdrop.

ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa’s spacious guest rooms and suites continue the theme of soothing elegance. All have terraces - some with private onsen baths, outdoor seating with spectacular views either to the surrounding sea or mountains for a very edifying setting to round up the evening in.