Vacation Villa & Glamping Blue Eden

The outside and the food were fine, but I won’t stay here again. The so-called low-frequency sauna was barely warmer than the February air outside, and the indoor shower stayed cold, so the bath wasn’t much use. I don’t mind washing dishes at a glamping place, but bringing breakfast at 9 when checkout is at 10 felt inconsiderate. After we arrived, the electricity wouldn’t come on even after I switched the breaker. Someone helped, but laughed and asked if I’d done something wrong. That made me feel awful. Worst stay.

The night view was beautiful, and I loved watching the stars. I’d brought candles in case lights attracted bugs, and the atmosphere with them was really lovely. Even on a cold January stay, I saw a stink bug and a moth, so I’d avoid summer if you hate insects. There must be a lot then. We had no real complaints and enjoyed our stay, despite the mixed reviews. The room was huge but warm, with air conditioning throughout. The appliances were a bit old. There were enough plates for most groups, though maybe not around 15 people, and the dishes worked for different uses. We also had regular, wine, and shot glasses. Towels, toothbrushes, shampoo, and other hair products were supplied, and I was happy the tub was cypress. Reception and the accommodation are in different places, so we got a little confused finding our way. There were signs, and the receptionist explained it correctly. We just didn’t listen very well, lol. You can watch YouTube and Netflix if you have your own account. There was also a washing machine and vacuum, though we didn’t use them. I like rinsing dishes before using them, and didn’t notice any problems. The jacuzzi and coffee maker were there too. I think it’s better to stay without meals, buy groceries at a supermarket, and do a BBQ. Adding meals makes it more expensive, and if they aren’t what you expected, you could be disappointed.

The food was generous and really tasty. Dinner was mostly meat, with so much for two people that I couldn’t finish it all. The live abalone was tender and delicious, and I ate it straight off the grill. The shrimp and vegetables were great too. Breakfast had sausage, ham, salad, fruit, granola, and French toast, and again I couldn’t manage everything. The sauna was great. I’d read that it might be cold, but heating it with steam and fanning myself with a towel made it just right, like a hot bath where you can sweat a lot. The indoor bath was spacious and comfortable. We didn’t get enough towels at first, just one set per person, which isn’t enough if you use the sauna and bathe at night. When I asked an overseas staff member who brought the food for another, they got one for us right away. Thanks! The dome is vinyl, so rain hitting the ground makes a loud echo and you can barely hear each other talking. Still, the rain sound had its own charm. The dome had mold all over it, probably from being there a long time. It seemed like they could have sprayed and wiped it off. Some practical things: the slope really is incredibly steep, though I can imagine it’d be hard to repair. It was sunny when we arrived, then rained heavily on checkout day. Getting down was scary, but the tires didn’t slip. Staff weren’t bad, though we barely had to interact with them. You have to wash dishes, so bringing paper plates and disposable cups was a good call. The door instructions were easy to follow if you listened, and the boiler noise I’d read about wasn’t very noticeable. The neighboring glamping area can see quite a bit into your space. A more private screen would be better than the wooden one. I tried calling with questions before check-in but couldn’t get through twice, so I went straight to the hotel. Maybe they’re short-staffed. The lobby was dim, which made me worry a little. After reading the reviews, I’d expected more inconvenience, but it wasn’t that bad. Prices double in March, so winter seems like the best time. I imagine there are more bugs when it gets warm.

For the price, the place felt shabby. The dome was patched with tape, and the view through the dirty windows wasn’t great. The room itself, especially the bath, was surprisingly clean. I was very disappointed, especially since it was my first trip to Izu, and I don’t plan to return. Using the tent sauna was more like sitting in a warm room than a low-temperature sauna, and my feet were especially cold. I’d heard sauna hats were available to rent, but none were offered. When I asked, they said they did have them. There were only as many towels as guests, and what I thought was a towel turned out to be a mat for a hotel shower entrance. More towels and places to dry them would help. When I called with questions about using the facilities, reception kept having to check things. Maybe it was because I’m a foreigner, but it was a hassle to ask each time. A simple information sheet would make things easier. The entrance was narrow and poorly marked, with a high step that made my car skid. I wish they’d warned us at check-in. Food arrived late. There was also a sign telling us to wash and put away dishes, which took away some of the convenience I expected from glamping.