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Amanemu

Amanemu

Ise-Shima, Japan

Retreat

Amanemu sits against the forested hills of Ise-Shima National Park in Japan's Mie Prefecture, overlooking Ago Bay, and every accommodation — whether suite or villa — features its own private onsen bath and wooden decked terrace, extending the resort's hot-spring identity into the rooms themselves. At the center of the property is the 2,000-square-meter Aman Spa, built around a vast hot-spring bath fed by the mineral-rich waters of Ise-Shima and rooted in Japan's sixth-century onsen bathing tradition — the same waters said to have restored samurai after battle. Two private onsen pavilions and daybeds arranged around a thermal spring garden give guests both communal and secluded ways to take to the water, alongside an Aqua Movement Suite offering watsu and other water-based therapies, a dry sauna and a steam room.

Treatments draw heavily on kampo, Japan's centuries-old herbal healing discipline rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which emphasizes restoring balance between body and mind through plant-derived remedies. Amanemu's therapists blend kampo herbs, organic Aman Skincare formulations and locally sourced essential oils into bespoke treatments using seasonal ingredients like pearl powder, seaweed and local herbs; the resort's signature seasonal spa journeys go furthest in this direction, built specifically around the shifting Japanese seasons to rebalance body and mind throughout the year. Four treatment suites and a fitness centre round out the spa's physical offering, with bicycles available at reception for guests wanting to explore the surrounding grounds between sessions.

For a more structured stay, Amanemu offers bespoke, multi-day Immersions combining private movement sessions, specialist therapy, spa treatments and complete nutritional support tailored to individual wellbeing goals. Guests with less time can opt for the Wellness Day Program, a single-day retreat that opens with a private movement lesson, followed by a spa treatment and a session with a wellness specialist, rounded out with access to the onsen waters and relaxation facilities. Dining reinforces the same seasonal, restorative philosophy — most notably the Ise Jingu Shrine Breakfast, inspired by the traditional meal served to monks at the nearby shrine — positioning food as a continuation of the resort's broader wellness approach rather than a separate amenity.

Wellness Themes

HolisticYoga & Meditation

Google Reviews

4.5 ★ · 445 reviews on Google · View on Google Maps

  • Carolina Overmeer
    ★★★☆☆a month ago

    The most simple and economic Aman I’ve ever been. And I visited many of them. Apart from the nice open onsen, there is not much to do at the hotel, not a single nice place to sit or relax. It looks like aman group didn’t want to spend money there. From the bag you get in the room, many details are not Aman standards. Plus, we tried to add a last minute stop in Nara on our way out to Kyoto and the staff was not able to accommodate. There are so many incredible places to go in Japan, this is not one of them.

  • Andy
    ★★★★☆2 months ago

    I stayed for two nights at Amanemu in the Sora villa with three friends. The property is serene and beautifully designed, and the villa itself was stunning—massive in size with a private indoor natural onsen that felt incredibly luxurious. The spa was a highlight: the outdoor onsen area is the most expansive I’ve seen, offering a truly tranquil experience. The water temperature, however, was a bit cooler than I’d prefer. The spa treatment itself was excellent—relaxing and expertly done. That said, a few things fell short of expectations. The main pool was quite small and in-room dining ended around 10 p.m., which felt early for a resort of this caliber. The biggest letdown was the food—breakfast options were limited, and overall quality didn’t meet the level you’d expect at a luxury resort. Overall, a beautiful and relaxing stay with some memorable highlights, but the food and a few service details left room for improvement.

  • Yi Chen
    ★★★★★4 months ago

    Our recent stay at Amanemu was nothing short of spectacular, offering the perfect serene escape for my husband and me. The architecture and natural surroundings blend seamlessly, creating a deeply tranquil atmosphere. Our suite was a masterclass in minimalist Japanese elegance, featuring a magnificent private hot spring bath where we could completely unwind while looking out at the peaceful landscape. The service was truly exceptional—unobtrusive yet incredibly attentive. The staff anticipated our needs and made us feel genuinely cared for from the moment we arrived. Dining was another absolute highlight. Every meal was exquisitely crafted, showcasing the finest local Ise-Shima ingredients with flawless precision. Whether it was the delicate sashimi or the perfectly prepared warm dishes, the gastronomic experience was unforgettable, never compromising on flavor, texture, or presentation. Amanemu offers a rare combination of profound relaxation, impeccable hospitality, and breathtaking beauty. It is a place that truly rejuvenates the soul, and we left with the most wonderful memories. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an unparalleled luxury retreat.

  • Amore
    ★★★★★5 months ago

    A beautiful and peaceful onsen resort. It's not a traditional Ryokan. All rooms are villa. It's environment is very feel like staying in the tent in Africa except you can walk around. I'm impressed with the outdoor spa. However I don't suggest bringing kids. All staff very friendly but not all speaks English. Only thing is the spending is a bit high comparing with other luxury Ryokan.

  • a b
    ★★★☆☆6 months ago

    My wife and I stayed here for 3 nights during our honeymoon in May 2025. Positives first: We genuinely loved our suite and enjoyed it to the fullest. Having a private, hot onsen bath in the room was a highlight of our stay and something we would absolutely return for. We also really enjoyed the Japanese breakfast, the spa facilities (great massage too!) and a few standout staff members who went above and beyond - most notably Mao. Unfortunately, that level of service was not consistent. As mentioned in other reviews, the majority of the staff did not meet what we consider "Aman standards". Even allowing for a possible language barrier, this should not happen - especially as it was not an issue for us at Aman Tokyo. Honeymoon recognition & upgrades: We informed the hotel in advance that this was our honeymoon, yet it was completely overlooked. Only after casual conversation with staff about our reason for visiting Japan did we receive a small welcome gift. While the gesture was appreciated, a low-cost bottle of prosecco felt underwhelming given the premium nightly rate. We fully understand that upgrades are never guaranteed, but the hotel was far from full capacity. Despite traveling on our honeymoon and booking via a travel advisor (who typically secures upgrades subject to availability), none was offered. To make matters worse, we were placed next to a suite with two screaming toddlers - hardly ideal for a honeymoon stay. Service consistency: As frequent Aman guests, we are used to staff knowing guests by name and room number. Here, only two staff members remembered us throughout our stay: Mao and the staff member who checked us in. This was disappointing and not in line with our experiences at other Aman properties. Food & beverage: The restaurant food was average by Japanese standards and significantly overpriced for the quality. After one disappointing dinner, we chose to dine outside the property for the remaining two nights, where we had exceptional meals. Given the lack of walkable alternatives, we were surprised that Amanemu does not offer complimentary transportation to nearby villages, especially since this is provided at other Aman properties. This would greatly improve the overall guest experience. The bar was another letdown. The bartender was unfamiliar with classic cocktails such as a Boulevardier and had to look up the ingredients. He was also unable to recreate a cocktail we had enjoyed at Aman Tokyo, which we would reasonably expect from a bartender at an Aman resort. Checkout & spa experience: Our booking included benefits via a travel advisor, including potential late checkout (subject to availability). A request for a 2-hour late checkout was declined. We then asked to spend 2 additional hours at the spa instead, which was initially approved. However, during checkout we were told this was no longer possible as the spa was "closed for maintenance". After expressing our frustration, we were offered access to the private spa for 2 hours, a compromise, though it is notably inferior to the main spa. We later discovered the spa was not closed at all but reserved for a bridal photoshoot. While we understand that such events generate revenue, closing a key facility to paying guests at a luxury resort is difficult to justify. Final thoughts: Amanemu is a beautiful property with enormous potential, but the service falls short - not just of Aman standards, but of what one would expect from any true 5-star hotel. Food quality and dining options are also an issue. We truly wanted to love this resort, but given the price point and our experiences at other Aman properties, we are left questioning whether we would return.

Reviews from Google. Google does not verify reviews.