TheMana Village

TheMana Village in Tosashimizu, Japan, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a serene and highly-regarded retreat known for its stunning ocean views, exceptional service, and unique blend of modern comfort with traditional Japanese hospitality.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for TheMana Village is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "hidden gem" and an "exceptional" destination. Review platforms reflect strong satisfaction, with an overall rating of 8.6 on Agoda and Power Traveller, 8.8 on KAYAK, and an impressive 9.4 on Trip.com, based on numerous verified ratings. The sentiment is one of a tranquil escape that leaves guests feeling refreshed and eager to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of TheMana Village:

• Breathtaking Sea Views: The hotel's location provides stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean from rooms, outdoor onsen, and dining areas. Sunsets and stargazing opportunities are particularly highlighted.
• Exceptional Service: The staff's warmth, attentiveness, and willingness to go above and beyond for guests receive widespread praise.
• Relaxing Onsen Experience: The outdoor hot spring bath overlooking the ocean is a major draw, providing a unique and tranquil experience.
• Delicious Dining: Both the Italian and Japanese culinary offerings are highly praised for their quality and ambiance.
• Unique Activities: Stargazing tours and the ability to rent e-bikes for exploration are appreciated by guests.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at TheMana Village are described as spacious, well-designed, and comfortable, many offering stunning sea views and balconies. Accommodations combine modern amenities with traditional Japanese touches. Deluxe suites, particularly those with sea views, are highly recommended and described as amazing. Guests have noted that while some rooms are elegantly appointed, other Japanese-style rooms might be older or less recently renovated. Newly renovated Western-style rooms are highlighted for being brand new, very nice, super clean, and comfortable.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at TheMana Village is a significant highlight. The hotel features an Italian restaurant, Azzurrissimo, which is praised for its quality cuisine and romantic ambiance, especially with its ocean views. Guests enjoy savoring the first two courses on the terrace, where the sunset views are stunning. The Japanese-style courses, particularly the fresh seafood from Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park, including sashimi, tempura, and grilled fish, are highly recommended. The chef searing bonito in front of guests during dinner is mentioned as a fun and eye-catching experience. Breakfast includes local specialties, juice, and fruits, with options for Western, Japanese, Asian, and Italian styles. There is also a coffee shop and BBQ facilities available.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at TheMana Village consistently receive exceptional ratings, with scores as high as 9.3 on Agoda, 9.4 on Booking.com, and 9.5 by Power Traveller. Guests frequently commend the staff for being warm, friendly, helpful, attentive, and proactive in assisting with requests, recommending local attractions, and ensuring a memorable stay. They are noted for going "above and beyond" to accommodate needs, even offering different delicious meals for multi-night stays.

6. Location & Accessibility

TheMana Village is nestled in the picturesque town of Tosashimizu, on the southernmost tip of Shikoku Island, within Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. Its location near Cape Ashizuri lighthouse provides stunning natural beauty, including coastal landscapes and pristine beaches. Nearby attractions include Hakusan Shrine (a 17-minute walk), Kongofuku-ji Temple, and the John Manjiro Memorial Monument. While the setting is serene and idyllic, it is considered somewhat remote. Many guests recommend having a car for full exploration, though the hotel does offer free onsite parking and a shuttle service. Public transportation from Kochi Ryoma Airport is possible via bus, taking approximately 2 hours, followed by a local bus to the village.

7. Value & Pricing

TheMana Village is considered a premium yet affordable option, with an average price of around $350 per room, compared to the average of $301 in Tosashimizu. Many guests find it to be excellent value for money, especially considering the quality of service, amenities, and breathtaking views. While one AI-generated summary on KAYAK showed a "Value for Price" score of 3.0 out of 10, other reputable sources like Agoda rate value for money at 8.6 and 8.0. Some guests mention that the dining experience, particularly dinner, can be a bit pricey.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Remote Location: The hotel's beautiful, secluded setting means it's "off the beaten path," and a rental car is often recommended for exploring the wider area due to infrequent public transport.
• Accessibility for Mobility Issues: The walk from indoor to outdoor baths, or to the annex and open-air baths, can be long and potentially difficult for guests with mobility issues. The hotel does offer a car shuttle service for these areas.
• Condition of Older Sections/Rooms: Some reviews mention that while parts of the hotel are renovated, other areas, like hallways to the onsen, or older Japanese-style rooms, might feel dated or neglected.
• English Communication: A minor point of criticism from one review mentioned staff not always being able to communicate well in English.
• Dining Consistency: One review specifically criticized the pizza at the Italian restaurant as "very bad" and the drink list as "overpriced," contrasting with the generally positive dining feedback.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. kayak.com
3. agoda.com
4. trip.com
5. powertraveller.com
6. booking.com
7. kkday.com
8. veronikasadventure.com
9. booking.com
10. japanican.com
11. rekall.be
12. travelated.com
13. michelin.com
14. ameblo.jp
15. trip.com
16. michelin.com
17. com-shikoku.com