Hakone Retreat Fore

Breakfast was a Japanese-style take on a Western breakfast, and it completely won me over. As an award-winning chef, I gave it 10/10. Our group of three also loved the lounge wear and gift socks provided for use during the stay. The onsen was nearly empty whenever we went, which gave it a secluded, private, luxurious feel. Service was top-notch, with thoughtful details throughout, including the complimentary drinks and amenities. Such an amazing stay.

There’s a free shuttle to restaurants within 2 km, and the view from our room was beautiful. The room had a coffee and tea maker and speakers, but no TV, which was fine with us. We were given pajamas and soft quilted jackets to wear around the hotel. Complimentary coffee and tea were available at the cafe, and the common area had board games and a fire pit. Debora made check-in smooth. If you’re arriving by public transport, you’ll need to walk up the path, where a golf cart takes you to the entrance. The resort is peaceful and tucked into the forest. Breakfast was excellent, though I thought it needed more Japanese options. The sink-area walls could use repainting, as the paint has started peeling.

We booked a Superior Twin Room and loved how spacious and peaceful it was. The beds were comfortable, though firmer than the typical beds in the US, and the pajamas they provided were a nice touch. One thing to know: the bathroom is a wet room, so after a shower the entire floor, toilet included, gets wet. The onsen was spotless and felt luxurious, and we’re still talking about it. Staff were kind and helpful. A reservation mix-up put us at Hyoseki instead of the main restaurant, but we ended up being grateful: the kaiseki was a flavorful treat. Hakone Retreat Fore was a highlight of our trip. We stayed two nights and wished we’d booked longer.

The breakfast was 10/10, and the on-site onsen was wonderfully relaxing. There’s also a lounge with games and tea you can make yourself. Debora greeted us with such warm hospitality. This has been our favorite stay in Japan so far. You’ll definitely need a car, though that was true of most places we visited in Japan.