A Modern Sanctuary: The Amanemu Spa Experience in Ise-Shima
- Corey Jones
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Set within the forested hills of Ise-Shima National Park, overlooking the calm waters of Ago Bay, Amanemu presents a contemporary homage to traditional Japanese architecture. The resort’s dark cedar pavilions, designed by Kerry Hill, echo the understated purity of the nearby Ise Jingū shrine.
This ethos of quiet minimalism extends to the 2,000-square-meter Aman Spa, a destination that feels like a sanctuary unto itself. The spa complex is physically separate from the main guest villas, requiring a deliberate journey by golf cart or a contemplative walk. This separation is key to its power, creating a distinct and tranquil wellness enclave.
The centerpiece of the facility is not a building, but the water. The spa is built around its own natural mineral hot spring, which feeds two large outdoor onsen bathing pools. It is crucial to set expectations: this is not an intimate, rustic onsen. It is a grand, modern interpretation of Japanese bathing culture. The expansive, multi-level thermal pools, featuring both warm and hot sections, are designed for communal relaxation, and bathing suits are required. We found the pools to be a spectacular place to relax and absorb the natural surroundings, particularly on a misty, rainy day. For those seeking solitude, the spa also offers private onsen pavilions for rent.
The wellness philosophy at Amanemu is holistic, integrating movement, relaxation, and therapy. The spa’s approach is deeply rooted in Kampo, a traditional Japanese system of diagnosis and herbal therapy. This philosophy is not just a marketing concept; it is woven into the entire experience.
Upon arrival at the beautiful spa reception, we were welcomed with a warm herbal tea made from the local nemu tree, a brew traditionally used to rebalance emotional energy. Before any bodywork, every treatment begins with a "Japanese Foot Ritual." This traditional welcome uses salt harvested from Ago Bay to cleanse the feet and, more importantly, to calm the central nervous system, preparing the body for the therapy to follow.
The treatment menu is extensive and profoundly specialized, drawing on both ancient Japanese practices and modern therapeutic techniques.
Amanemu Signature Journeys: These treatments are tailored to the four seasons, utilizing different Kampo herbal compresses. Depending on the time of year, your treatment might feature yomogi (Japanese mugwort) in the spring, or warming azuki (red bean) in the winter. Longer journeys incorporate body scrubs using camellia oil and pearl sea salt.
Aman Signature Treatments: The spa also offers the brand's three core pathways: Grounding, Purifying, and Nourishing. These rituals employ precious ingredients to achieve their aims, such as rose-quartz crystals for the Grounding massage or jade powder and pearl extracts for the Purifying and Nourishing facials.
Traditional Japanese Wellness: This is where the spa truly distinguishes itself. Beyond conventional massage, the menu features specialized services like Shiatsu, Acupuncture, and Moxibustion (Kyu), a form of herbal heat therapy that penetrates deep into the muscles.
Aquatic Bodywork: The spa features a dedicated Watsu (aquatic) pool. This therapy involves a series of therapist-assisted stretches and acupressure while you float, allowing the body to decompress and realign in a way that is impossible on land.
The quality of the therapies is exceptional. We found our massage to be technically precise and deeply restorative. This level of expertise comes at a significant price, but the experience aligns with the cost.
The most critical piece of advice we can offer is to secure reservations well in advance. The spa, while large in footprint, has a limited number of treatment rooms and therapists. On our visit, we inquired about same-day availability and were informed the spa was fully committed until the following afternoon.
The Amanemu Spa is a comprehensive wellness institution. It successfully bridges the gap between a restorative hot spring and a high-performance therapeutic center, creating a modern, tranquil, and deeply healing Japanese experience.
Amanemu
2165 Hazako Hamajima-cho
Shima-shi, Mie 517-0403, Japan
+81 599-52-5000
