Hakone Retreat Före

Heerlijk hotel in de bossen. Uitstekend ontbijt. Goede bedden. Onsen zijn ook goed geregeld

To be honest, I was initially hesitant to stay at Hakone Retreat Fore. Having looked at the property photos, a part of me was worried that the aesthetic was too modern and wouldn't deliver on the traditional ryokan experience that our family was hoping for. However, I am so glad to be proven wrong - Hakone Retreat not only honours the ryokan spirit but further elevates it with unforgettable service, food, and comfort. The main building and villa rooms are understated by design. There are no ornate furnishings, glittery trinkets, or flat screen TVs. Everything serves as the canvas which highlights the nature surrounding you - the calm, the birdsong, the gentle breeze. It is truly a retreat from the frenetic pace of city life. The onsen features both indoor and open-air baths. You're not just staring at a fence - both have a direct views of the trees and the mountain beyond. The combination of bathing in the water as well as in the forest ("shinrin-yoku") creates the deepest state of relaxation. Lastly, the staff and dining are incredible. We live in a self-proclaimed foodie city and were still blown away from the quality and execution of the Woodside dinner. The kaiseki dinner at Hyoseki was equally impressive in its deceptive simplicity and flavours. The breakfast buffet had a tremendous variety of dishes, all freshly made and delicious. Hakone Retreat blew my expectations right out of the water! I am grateful to have stayed here and can't wait to return again very soon.

This is a very beautiful place for a few days of tuning out and relaxing. Highly recommended.