Welcome to Vogue’s first-ever spa guide—a compendium of the 100 best spas worldwide, pulling from the expertise of our global editors. There is a lot out there in the world of wellness, and we are here to sort the cryo from the cold plunge, the infrared light treatment from the IV infusion. Or if your path is a more holistic one—there’s something for you here as well.
Why go here?
Tokyo and Kyoto might hog the spotlight, but Japan’s true beauty lies in its rural destinations. Tucked away on the eastern edge of Mie Prefecture in Ise-Shima National Park, Amanemu is not the easiest to access, but that also means this secluded retreat is primely positioned for relaxation. But what really sets Amanemu’s spa apart from the rest of the Aman group’s extraordinary portfolio of sumptuous properties around the world is its access to mineral-rich waters. In Japan, onsen culture is the pinnacle of wellness. These natural hot springs are said to boast a host of benefits ranging from skin health to improved blood circulation (some even believe they can cure severe ailments). And at Amanemu, not only are the spa’s two outdoor pools fed by these healing waters, but so are the rooms.
What’s the vibe?
As with all Amans, the overall design narrative is minimalist, clean, and posh. At Amanemu, low-lying black cedar buildings are dressed with blonde woods that serve as a blank canvas for unobtrusive artwork and dainty ikebana-style arrangements. The spa itself spans about 21,500 square feet, and the large hot-spring-fed pools are the crown jewels. Daybeds are strategically laid out throughout the spa garden, and a sunken fire pit sweetens the deal. For those keen on having their own space, there’s also a pair of private onsen pavilions that can be booked at an additional fee. Otherwise, once you’ve completed your soak, head into one of the 24 suites and kick off your treatment with a soothing foot bath.
The history?
It all began in 1988 with Aman’s first property on Phuket. Since then, the brand has become synonymous with luxury and minimalism. And while most Amans are escapes in hard-to-reach locales, in recent years, the company has expanded into urban destinations, starting with a Tokyo outpost in 2014. Amanemu followed shortly thereafter and, with it, came the spa’s “unique approach to wellness, offering traditional Japanese healing techniques with contemporary treatments that embrace the restorative power of the mineral-rich waters,” general manager Tadao Kadota says.
What should you try?
If you’re willing to splurge (you’re at an Aman, after all), go with one of the lengthier seasonal journeys for the ultimate trio of a full-body massage, body scrub, and wrap, all with the aid of local sea salt and herbs du jour. But if you’re here to harness the power of the area’s healing thermal waters, there’s also a dedicated suite with a generously sized pool set to a balmy 97 degrees Fahrenheit for watsu (water shiatsu).
How environmentally friendly is it?
Where possible, Amanemu uses local ingredients for its scrubs, wraps, and herbal compresses, such as sea salt and seaweed harvested from Ago Bay along with herbs picked on-site. Aman’s own line of products are also vegan and cruelty-free, and are packaged in recyclable glass bottles. The Aman brand overall has a well-articulated sustainability practice.
What else do we need to know?
For onsen purists, this might not be your vibe. Proper practice calls for complete disrobement in gender-separated oases. But if you’re coy like me, this modern approach to Japan’s traditional bathing culture is much appreciated.
Who can go?
The spa is exclusive to hotel guests.
Booking details for Amanemu
Address: Hamajima-cho, 2165 Hamajimacho Hazako, Shima-shi, Mie 517-0403, Japan
Read more from Vogue’s Global Spa Guide.
