ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa Opens in Southwestern Japan
ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa
Hot spring destination in Southwestern Japan welcomes its first international luxury resort
Located in the Oita Prefecture in Southwestern Japan, the world-class resort opens as the region’s first international luxury resort, offering sophisticated travellers a unique fusion of traditional hot spring culture and the InterContinental brand’s promise of modern design, award-winning dining and world-class service.
The opening strengthens the long-term venture with ANA and IHG in Japan and joins over 200 InterContinental Hotels & Resorts worldwide. Leading the way in luxury, the resort is one of four immersive resorts to open in 2019, with InterContinental Hayman Island Resort opened on 1 July and InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and InterContinental Phuket Resort opening in September.
Hans Heijligers, Head of Japan, IHG, and IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said: “On behalf of IHG and IHG/ANA Japan, we are extremely proud to open the first international luxury hot spring resort and spa in Beppu. InterContinental has been pioneers in luxury travel for over 70 years, delivering the allure of the InterContinental Life in all corners of the world. We are delighted to continue bringing the brand’s iconic hospitality, combining international know-how and local wisdom to new destinations as IHG continues to grow its luxury presence across the globe and in Japan.”
Stéphane Massarini, General Manager, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa, added: “The opening of ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa presents a new era in travel for Beppu. The resort has been designed to embody the tremendously rich nature and history of the city, bringing to life a meaningful connection to the surrounds and offering a memorable stay for both locals and international guests alike.”
Home to a City of Authentic Japanese Experiences
Renowned for its rich culture and distinguished local craftsmanship, Beppu lends itself to offering guests rare access into authentic Japanese experiences. To celebrate the opening, ANA InterContinental Resort & Spa has curated a once-in-lifetime package, the Beppu Luxury Collage, offering guests immersion into ancient Japanese art and craftsmanship. The Insider Experiences include a demonstration and masterclass from local Shuji Calligraphy Masters where guests learn the wonder of kanji characters and the artistic form of written expression. Guests will also enjoy the art of bamboo weaving – an intrinsic part of the local culture with Beppu being the largest producer of madake (Japanese timber bamboo) – for an unforgettable class on bamboo ware. Elevated dining experiences include dinner at Atelier restaurant with a private sommelier, a private English picnic lunch, and a sunset dinner on-board the resort’s private yacht. Full inclusions available online; the package is priced from USD$13,800 for two people.
Introducing a deep connection to Onsen heritage
As the world’s second largest volume of hot spring water, the onsen tradition is a synonymous part of the guest experience in Beppu. The resort offers two large outdoor onsens, each meticulously designed with the selection and arrangement of Beppu stones selected by skilled masons, and placed to create a waterfall effect as if the hot spring water is overflowing from the mountain.
The private onsen rooms offer a modern onsen experience within an exclusive space complete with a luxurious day bed, bathroom and minimalist design. The heart of the resort is the iconic infinity pool, designed to unite the sky with the view overlooking Beppu’s hot springs below.
Elevating the cleansing and healing powers of myoban water is the resort spa. In partnership with luxury Thai spa brand HARNN, the spa offers a selection of tailor-made treatments and therapies using materials derived from nature, along with rich aroma scent to rejuvenate the mind and body. The spa offers five treatment rooms with private en suites and outdoor garden, and two double massage rooms featuring a jacuzzi made from Japanese cypress.
Distinct design inspired by nature and local artisans
ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa welcomes guests into a distinct design philosophy, steeped in tradition and inspired by the elements. Featured across the resort is work from local artists and craftsmen, using traditional materials from various parts of Kyushu and local Oita prefecture. Beginning in the resort’s lobby, the soaring space is reminiscent of an art gallery with its high-quality bamboo art work, ancient pottery and wooden furniture with bold designs.
The 89 guest rooms, including 10 suites, range from a luxurious 62-212 square meters, including large onsen or hot baths, spacious design and an abundance of natural materials for a sense of relaxation. All Suites and Club InterContinental rooms feature private open-air baths on the terrace with views sweeping the Beppu Bay.
Introducing the Restaurant & Bars Experience
Continuing the philosophy of harmonious nature and design, the resort features five restaurants and bars inspired by Japan’s five elements: earth, water, fire, wind and void. Atelier blends French and international cuisine with high-quality Kyushu and local ingredients, created with local firewood and bamboo charcoal in a modern open kitchen.
The all-day dining restaurant Elements offers a variety of Japanese and Western dishes, each enlivened with seasonal ingredients and freshly-made pastries enveloped by stunning Myoban mountain views. At The Bar, guests will enjoy a unique selection of whiskey and Japanese shochu, as well as original cocktails using Beppu’s unique citrus fruits. For an unforgettable experience, Aqua is the pool-side bar surrounded by endless Beppu vistas and complete with large sofas and sun loungers, while a more traditional indoor setting in The Lounge offers an authentic afternoon tea experience.
Rooms at ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa start from JPY60,000 (AUD$800.00) per night.