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Commune wi th nature
while immersed in
healing spring wa ters
Best for hot sPRing Bathing
eco and Wellness retreat
Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Japan
ACCOMMODATION: This luxury
eco-hotel in the Hoshino region
of Japan is an hour by bullet train
from Tokyo. Hot spring bathing
(onsen) is key to the experience at
the resort, which is set within a
rich natural hot spring area. The
22 guest pavilions are designed
with minimalistic interiors that
extend into the natural
surroundings (a crucial element of
Japanese design), with terraces,
living areas and comfortable
Japanese-style low beds.
WHY GO? The spring’s soothing
waters provide spiritual and
physical healing, as well as many
skincare benefi ts from the
mineral-rich waters. There are
various ways to experience onsen,
including a ‘meditation bath’ in
which you take a long soak in a
39-40C bath that’s softly lit, then
enter a space completely devoid
of light where your senses
sharpen the longer you stay. You
repeat the process until you
achieve spiritual calmness. The
‘Tombo no yu’ baths have huge
windows offering bathers a
relaxing place to enjoy the area’s
seasonal colours. There are also
fl oating and stretching exercise
classes available designed to
improve fi tness and also ease
your mind.
Visit hoshinoya.com.