LOQUAT Nishi Izu

LOQUAT Nishi Izu: A Sanctuary of Luxury, History, and Culinary Excellence in Izu, Japan

LOQUAT Nishi Izu, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives exceptional praise as a unique and luxurious Italian auberge nestled in a renovated historical Japanese estate in Izu, Japan. Guests frequently highlight its impeccable service, distinctive design, private hot springs, and outstanding culinary offerings as reasons for an unforgettable stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for LOQUAT Nishi Izu is overwhelmingly positive, with an "Exceptional" rating based on guest experiences. It holds a remarkable 9.5/10 based on numerous reviews, with top marks for hospitality, staff, facilities, cleanliness, comfort, and value for money. Many guests describe it as "the most incredible place" they've ever stayed, praising its luxurious and unique blend of history and modern comfort.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several key aspects of LOQUAT Nishi Izu:

• Exceptional Service & Hospitality: The top-class hospitality and staff receive a perfect 10/10 score, with many guests noting the attentiveness and friendliness of the team, and some specifically mentioning excellent English-speaking staff.
• Unique Design & Ambiance: The property is celebrated for its distinctive design, which transforms centuries-old traditional Japanese kura (warehouses) and a former mansion into modern, luxurious accommodations while preserving historical aesthetics. The blend of traditional architecture with modern interiors, including exposed wooden structural frames and refurbished earthen walls, creates a nostalgic yet comfortable atmosphere.
• Private Onsen Baths: Each room features a private open-air hot spring bath with free-flowing spring water, often on a terrace with serene views, providing an exceptional and tranquil relaxation experience.
• Outstanding Dining: The on-site Italian restaurant, Takeru Quindici, is a major draw, offering exquisite farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
• Exclusivity and Privacy: With only a few guest rooms (two kura and one villa, limited to two or three groups per day), the property ensures a highly private and intimate experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at LOQUAT Nishi Izu are described as comfortable, modern, luxurious, and unique. They are primarily housed in renovated traditional Japanese kura (storehouses) and a spacious villa. Each accommodation is designed as a nearly self-sufficient private residence.

• Design & Comfort: The interiors thoughtfully blend the historical character of the buildings, such as ancient timber beams and earthen walls, with modern amenities and comfort. Guests appreciate details like a private terrace with lush landscape views and even individual cherry blossom trees outside windows. Under-floor heating ensures comfort even in winter.
• Amenities: Rooms come with a stocked mini-bar, comfortable beds, bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. The highlight of each room is the private open-air onsen bath, often found on a terrace, offering a deeply relaxing experience. The largest villa, Seguro, is particularly recommended for its expansive 160-180 square meters of space, featuring two bedrooms, a living/dining room with a kitchen, a reading room, and a hammam bath, along with an open-air hot spring.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at LOQUAT Nishi Izu is a significant highlight and often described as incredible and exceptional.

• Takeru Quindici: The on-site restaurant, Takeru Quindici, is an Italian auberge overseen by European-trained Japanese chefs. It specializes in cutting-edge Italian cuisine that emphasizes local production and the freshest ingredients from Nishi Izu.
• Gourmet Focus: Meals are described as thoughtful, beautiful, and extremely tasty, with dishes cooked to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, often accented with handmade natural salt. The restaurant also boasts a selection of over 50 Italian wines to complement the food.
• Breakfast: The Japanese breakfast is frequently mentioned as a highlight. Guests can also enjoy freshly baked bread and house-made gelato from the on-site bakery.
• Dining Style: Dinner is often a surprise, with the chef creating dishes based on the day's fresh catches and seasonal produce, adding to the excitement. Set meals are typically served in guestrooms, offering a private dining experience.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at LOQUAT Nishi Izu consistently receive perfect scores and overwhelmingly positive feedback.

• Top-Class Hospitality: Guests commend the "top-class hospitality" and the staff's ability to make them feel at home. The service is described as impeccable, attentive, and very friendly.
• Personalized Experience: A dedicated concierge is available to propose and tailor stays to individual guest preferences, further enhancing the personalized luxury experience.
• Language Proficiency: Several reviews highlight the staff's excellent English-speaking abilities, making international guests feel very welcome and comfortable.

6. Location & Accessibility

LOQUAT Nishi Izu is situated in the serene landscape of Izu, specifically in the Toi area of Nishi Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture.

• Nearby Attractions: The hotel's location offers proximity to several local attractions. It is within a 10-minute walk of Matsubara Park and Toi Beach, and also close to Toi Gold Mine and Anrakuji Temple. Odoi Beach is less than 0.6 miles away. Other scenic spots in the wider Nishi Izu area, known for beautiful sunsets, include Tenso-do Cave, Sanshiro Island, Norihama Beach, and Sawada Park Open-air Baths.
• Transport: While offering a peaceful escape, accessibility requires some travel. It is a 60-minute drive from JR Mishima Station or a 40-minute bus ride from Shuzenji Station. Free on-site private parking is available.
• Atmosphere: The area is appreciated for its quiet charm and natural beauty, making it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.

7. Value & Pricing

LOQUAT Nishi Izu is considered a luxury accommodation, and its pricing reflects the exclusive and high-end experience it offers.

• Worth the Cost: While described as "pricey," especially during peak seasons, guests generally feel it is worth the cost, praising the exceptional value for money given the unique luxury, impeccable service, and gourmet dining. Many consider it a "once-in-a-lifetime experience".
• Price Range: Room prices can start around JPY 3,576.59 (approximately RM 3,576.59, indicating a high price point). Additional charges may include a bathing tax (JPY 150-500 per person, per night) for properties with hot springs.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points of feedback have been noted:

• Quiet Nightlife: For those seeking a vibrant nightlife, the area around LOQUAT Nishi Izu might be considered a bit too quiet.
• No Elevators: The property does not have elevators, which could be a consideration for guests with mobility concerns.
• No Cash Accepted: The property accepts credit and debit cards, but cash is not accepted.

Sources

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12. michelin.com
13. michelin.com