Abba Resorts Izu - Zagyosoh

The Japanese dinners were a highlight of my trip. Each night was different, with sashimi, cooked fish, shrimp, soups, dumplings, a rice dish, pickled vegetables, and dessert, served like a seven-course tasting menu. At the French restaurant, dinner was another wonderful seven-course meal featuring local produce: a savory tart, salad, soup, fish, a main such as venison, risotto, and two desserts. The ice cream was outstanding. I stayed five nights over Christmas in a villa with a private open-air bath and used it every day, sometimes twice. It was exactly what I hoped for, and even better in person than in the pictures. I especially liked the large, climate-controlled walk-in wardrobe. The main building was beautiful too, and I picked up a few things from the household goods and food souvenir shops. The hotel picked me up from Izu Kogen station and dropped me off when I left. There were thoughtful touches all around. A different beautiful bonsai appeared in my room's entryway each day. The amenities included tea and coffee machines, a fridge stocked with complimentary items, and a full set of branded toiletries. I also enjoyed walking through the lovely gardens between meals and the public baths, sometimes stopping on a bench to watch the view and the squirrels leaping around. The Japanese breakfast was delicious, with fruit, pickled vegetables, salad, fish, miso soup, rice, eggs, tea, and coffee. Breakfast at the French restaurant was a champagne buffet with fruit, then soup and bread, then eggs with bacon and sausages. There were vegetables, pastries, yoghurt with honey, fruit and nuts, plus espresso, tea, juices, herb water, and champagne. The food quality was outstanding. The staff were attentive, friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Several spoke good English; most spoke only a little, but took great care with every interaction. I loved every moment of my stay.