Setouchi Retreat By Onko Chishin

We loved every minute in this magical place. The design is completely one of a kind, and the whole team deserves thanks for creating it, along with Tadao Ando. With only seven rooms, it deserves seven stars.

The bathroom felt odd and looked a little disappointing next to the rest of the hotel. Lunch was so-so, and though we skipped dinner, we regretted that the only option was a very expensive one with no simpler choices. Still, we had an amazing stay in this beautiful Tadao Ando-designed hotel. The room was really great, and the service, pool, and breakfast were amazing.

The private pool area is a must, with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and sauna. It’s an experience worth having. The place also works well for a honeymoon, anniversary, or a couples’ getaway. Its simple, brilliant architecture and small number of rooms make for a peaceful retreat from city life, with friendly, attentive bilingual staff who pay attention to your needs. The rooms are spacious and well equipped, and the balcony view is beautiful, though light pollution makes stargazing difficult. The Japanese-style meals are high class and good if you enjoy those flavors, but may seem bland to people who don’t. The location is fantastic in itself, but getting to Matsuyama city takes about 30 minutes, which can be a drawback if you plan to tour there.

The only downside was that the air conditioning could be a little noisy. The building by Ando is spectacular, and the room had an amazing view and sunset. The service, food, and room were all top notch. Excellent stay!