Bach’s Oasis: Luxury and Wellness Atop Mount Izusan
Hotel GrandBach Atami Crescendo is an exquisite wellness-oriented accommodation. The Hotel GrandBach brand currently boasts four prestigious locations: Ginza, Kyoto, Sendai, and Atami. The Atami property, which we are highlighting, is perched at an elevation of 361 meters on Mount Izusan, offering a breathtaking panorama of Sagami Bay. Guests can immerse themselves in the ever-changing seasonal beauty of the surroundings. This establishment caters to a discerning clientele, including wellness enthusiasts seeking relaxation and health-focused experiences, couples desiring a romantic getaway, groups of female friends or mother-daughter duos looking to indulge in spa treatments, and solo travelers in search of tranquil luxury.
Hotel GrandBach Atami Crescendo politely declines accommodations for children to maintain a serene and sophisticated ambiance. This policy ensures an ideal environment for adults seeking peace and refinement. However, the hotel does make a singular exception, allowing one family with children to stay per day. The establishment typically caters to clientele of discerning taste and elegance.
The hotel’s Bach-inspired motif serves a purposeful role in providing healing and relaxation through music. The incorporation of “Bach” in the hotel’s name is a deliberate choice, aiming to harness the power of J.S. Bach’s compositions to offer guests a uniquely soothing stay. The hotel’s interior is replete with musical elements, including live piano performances, creating an immersive auditory experience. This musical ambiance allows guests to unwind while enjoying melodious surroundings, making Hotel GrandBach Atami Crescendo an ideal retreat for music aficionados and those seeking a tranquil, restorative environment.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a welcome drink – either champagne or iced tea, both of organic origin, catering to health-conscious visitors. These refreshments are served in the spacious and comfortable lounge area, where guests can relax and take in the magnificent views of Sagami Bay.
During check-in, guests are encouraged to access the Tabi Life website via a QR code. This comprehensive digital platform provides a wealth of information, including hotel facilities, room amenities, dinner menus, instructions for using various appliances, coffee brewing techniques, details about the hotel’s beverage selection, curated music playlists, public bath information, and local tourism recommendations.
All 16 rooms at Hotel GrandBach Atami Crescendo are equipped with hot spring baths, divided equally between the first and second floors. The first floor boasts rooms with private open-air baths, allowing guests to enjoy the natural surroundings while soaking. Second-floor rooms feature indoor bathtubs with scenic views. Both floors offer “view baths” that showcase the stunning landscape. The hot spring water is sourced directly from a well and, although slightly diluted, flows continuously during guests’ stays.
The hotel’s signature suite, room 108, known as the “GrandBach Deluxe Twin,” is a spacious 76.3 square meter room featuring both a jacuzzi-equipped circular bathtub and a hot spring bath, providing an opulent bathing experience.
Guest rooms are furnished with meticulously designed beds to ensure optimal sleep quality. High-end Serta mattresses from the United States are installed, renowned for their comfort and support. These beds are conceptualized with an haute couture approach, tailored to provide each guest with a personalized sleep experience. The twin beds, each measuring 140cm x 205cm, offer ample space for relaxation. Premium linens and pillows further enhance the sleeping environment.
In-room coffee service features freshly roasted beans from local coffee roasters, offering a rich aroma and full-bodied flavor. The locally roasted Atami coffee provides a unique taste that reflects the region’s characteristics. The coffee selection changes seasonally to offer variety and reflect the time of year.
The hotel boasts a luxurious public bath. Notable features of the public bath include its spacious and relaxing design, panoramic views of Atami, and natural surroundings that promote physical and mental rejuvenation. The facility is well-equipped with amenities, and a sauna is available, followed by a refreshing cold water bath to stimulate circulation and revitalize the body.
The hotel offers a unique barrel-shaped sauna room available for private rental at 25,000 yen for a two-and-a-half-hour session. Guests are generally required to wear swimwear, which can be purchased at the hotel shop if forgotten. The barrel sauna is a bespoke creation, handcrafted by local artisans using domestic wood, lending it a warm and inviting aesthetic.
Hotel GrandBach Atami Crescendo boasts a diverse array of facilities, including Spa Crescendo, which offers personalized care with views of Sagami Bay; a 24-hour gym; a Music Theater Room equipped with high-end audio systems; a second-floor bar and lounge called “Magdalena,” with an intellectual ambiance and panoramic bay views; and a library space offering complimentary drinks and a tranquil reading environment.
The culinary offerings are a highlight of the hotel experience. The dining space, FUGA, serves a healthy “Atami Cuisine” French course dinner that showcases seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients prepared with authentic French culinary techniques. Vegetarian options are also available. Please inform the hotel of any dietary requirements by the day before your visit. The head chef, Mr. Kitano, brings a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred restaurants and his own establishment, creating dishes that are rooted in traditional French cooking but incorporate creativity and contemporary trends.
A standout dish in the French course is the kinmedai (splendid alfonsino) preparation, served with a sauce made from green nori seaweed and GrandBach’s original caviar from Shizuoka Prefecture where the hotel resides. The summer menu features roasted veal fillet with mussel saffron sauce, and Atami conger eel sausage with beignet, served with a curry-infused vinaigrette.
The French dinner is accompanied by a carefully curated wine selection, with sommeliers on hand to recommend perfect pairings. Dinner is often accompanied by live piano performances, creating a captivating ambiance. The menu changes seasonally, and alternative menus can be prepared for returning or extended-stay guests.
In addition to regular dining options, the hotel offers a barbecue stay plan featuring French-style BBQ during summer, typically available from May to September. Guests can enjoy wood-fire grilled meats and vegetables on the terrace, featuring produce sourced from the organic Kitayama Farm (https://www.kitayama-farm.net).
The breakfast menu features an array of fresh, local ingredients, including salads from contracted farms and vinegar drinks made with Shizuoka fruit vinegars. Both Japanese and Western-style breakfasts are available.
Before checking out, guests are encouraged to visit the hotel shop, which offers an assortment of enticing products, including mixed nuts flavored with truffles, gourmet popcorn, and fresh caviar from Hamamatsu, Shizuoka.
Hotel GrandBach Atami Crescendo, known as the “Forest Mansion,” offers a luxurious retreat with panoramic views of Sagami Bay from its serene, natural setting. With its private hot spring baths, exquisite cuisine, and comprehensive wellness facilities, it presents an idyllic sanctuary for those seeking to indulge in nature’s luxury, all enhanced by the soothing classical backdrop of J.S. Bach’s music.
Official Website
https://www.grandbach.co.jp/atami/en/
Address
〒413‐0002
1048-4, Izusan, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Tel: 0557-82-1717
Fax: 0557-82-1719