Costa Del Sol

The spare ribs were tender, and the seafood was delicious. Drinks were reasonably priced and paired well with the food. I found the bath relaxing, and the kind, gentle hospitality was soothing.

I stayed there back in September 2002, 21 years ago as of 2023. I can't say whether the original owner is still running the place, but recent Google Maps views make the facilities look well cared for. The guesthouse has many works by an Italian sculptor, and the building itself, known as "The House of Books," is a work of art. Even the gate, shaped like a pair of eyeglasses, is fun to see. It's in a quiet part of southern Izu, between Shirahama Beach, where I went long ago, and Nakagi, which I visited more recently. I drove; public transport would leave you quite constrained by bus schedules. If you drive, the parking lot is huge, so that's no problem. Given the setting, you can admire the art, look out at the sea from the window, or simply take it easy.

I used to spend summers here some time ago. There's no hot spring in the area, but the separate building has a large bath. The building itself is Livio de Marchi's work, called the "House of Books." The Mediterranean food is so good that it alone would justify the room price. The rooms aren't luxurious, but they're neat and clean, and the loft is a nice feature for families with kids. Ants and other little insects do get in during summer, but that didn't bother me. The place really has a Mediterranean feel, and a quiet, lovely lady welcomes you.

It's a long way out, but there's something special here that you don't find elsewhere. I went more than 10 years ago, and the trip was worth it.