Beppu ushers “new era in travel” with first international luxury resort

IHG (InterContinental Hotels & Resorts) has announced the opening of ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa — Oita Prefecture’s first international luxury resort, offering traditional hot spring culture.

Luxury accommodation comes to Oita Prefecture in Southwestern Japan, as the world’s largest luxury brand announces its new property, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa. According to the hospitality group, the resort is one of four “immersive” resorts to open in 2019. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort opened on 1 July and InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort and InterContinental Phuket Resort are scheduled to open in September.

“A new era in travel for Beppu”

Stéphane Massarini, general manager, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa, said: “The opening of ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa presents a new era in travel for Beppu. The resort has been designed to embody the tremendously rich nature and history of the city, bringing to life a meaningful connection to the surrounds and offering a memorable stay for both locals and international guests alike.”

Nestled between Beppu Bay and volcanic mountains, the City of Beppu offers the world’s second-largest volume of hot spring water, making it a popular tourist attraction. ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa offers two large outdoor onsens designed with Beppu stones selected by skilled masons, placed to create a waterfall effect.

For guests looking for an immersion into the region, the hotel is offering the Beppu Luxury Collage where they can learn about ancient Japanese art and craftsmanship. The experiences include a demonstration and masterclass from local Shuji calligraphy masters and the art of bamboo weaving – an intrinsic part of the local culture with Beppu being the largest producer of madake (Japanese timber bamboo).