SETOUCHI RETREAT AONAGI by Onko Chishin

美術館に泊まる非日常な体験と、森の中に浮かぶような素敵な部屋でぐっすり眠れました。お風呂も景色が抜群な露天風呂で、寛げました。

全くありません。手入れが行き届いていて、美術館そのものでした。

Just a phenomenal and unique property, consisting of just 7 rooms in a former museum designed by Tadao Ando. While it is quiet and secluded, it is only about a 20 minute drive into the center of Matsuyama, where you can visit the castle, Dogo shopping street, and temples along the Shikoku Pilgrimage. The rooms/suites are clean, spacious and well-thought out. Ours had a separate sitting area; comfortable bed; large bathroom with two sinks and plenty of counter room; large walk-in closet with a bench that could accommodate two clam-shell style suitcases; two toilets; and the pièce de résistance- a separate shower/onsen/relaxation area. Indeed, we were pleasantly surprised to learn upon our arrival that the “open air” bath was a true onsen. But even more than the quality and comfort of the property, we were awed by the staff and the level of service. As other reviews have noted, being greeted and cared to by English-speaking Brett made communications easy. Kudos also to the effusive property manager Kazonori, who did everything possible to make guests comfortable when we unfortunately lost power overnight due to the typhoon; to Chef who prepared exceptional multi-course meals catering to our particular dietary needs and also managed to whip up breakfast notwithstanding the power outage; to the masseuses who gave us some of the best messages we have ever had; and to the entire staff for making this a memorable stay and for their assistance in arranging a visit to a clinic for a minor medical issue. I truly hope we have the opportunity to return again to Setouchi Retreat!

Nothing not to like

Modern, interesting and elegant buildings. Beautiful natural setting.

Nothing. A little remote but that’s also part of the charm. No food options outside of scheduled meals

The location of the hotel, as well as the architecture are really beautiful. The lounge and the complementary drink selection is exceptional.

We booked the suit with forest view, which was really disappointing. The wallpapers were coming off the wall, there were big cracks on the wall, where the air vent is located and the blinds at the outside pool area were broken. There is no real TV but only a tiny handheld device with a touch screen. There is a Dyson hair dryer in the bathroom but it can only be plugged in one specific power outlet because all the others are fixed so close to the washlet, that the Dyson plug doesn't fit in anymore. Same goes for any other device like chargers that have more than just a regular plug. This is a detail but it shows that nobody really spent a thought on the guest and how he will be using room. The private Onsen area is really big but lovelessly furnished. In the corner is a gigantic wooden box, hiding all the ducts for the pool. This box doesn't look very appealing, to say the least. The general feel and look of the outside area is very cheap. The "forest view" looks more like a "bush-view", there are some trees and bushes and a lot of bamboo but no real concept or plan as to how they are arranged. The hotel is located on the top of a mountain with an exceptional view but only 3 out of 7 rooms are actually able to see the view, which is very disappointing. The staff is young and inexperienced, which is fine, when there is propper guidance and supervision. In the case of this hotel it seems like they are left alone and nobody is teaching them how to create a luxury environment. The food was tasty and beautifully arranged but also here I was missing a truely luxury feeling. I seriously wonder what justifies the price of this hotel.