ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa

The hotel brand founded by All Nippon Airways now belongs to the global IHG group, but its ANA-branded hotels still exemplify the straightforward, professional luxury that was always the airline’s aspiration. The ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa doesn’t trifle with boutique-hotel irreverence — it takes its status as as a high-end luxury resort absolutely seriously, and aims to stay out of the way as its guests enjoy an idyllic location and all the creature comforts they can handle.

Beppu itself is a well-known hot spring destination, a classic Japanese spa town, and the ANA InterContinental Beppu takes full advantage of the spring-fed waters; the HARNN Heritage Spa features two public onsen baths, one private one, plus the full complement of spa treatments and services.

The rooms and suites are spacious, handsome, and exceedingly comfortable; some feature their own private onsen baths, while all at least come with terraces with views of the surrounding landscape.

And in classic Japanese onsen-resort style it’s all tied together with a very fine restaurant — in this case a French one, Atelier, that’s supplemented by the somewhat more casual Elements and a stunning wood-paneled bar with a memorable mountain view.