THE BLESS Awaji

I visited this time as a birthday gift for my friend and myself, and it was a truly special place worthy of the occasion. Contemporary art is displayed throughout the property, reflecting the owner’s refined aesthetic and attention to detail. At the same time, the Room and Facility are very simple—nothing unnecessary—making it the perfect environment to savor Awaji Island’s slow, relaxed pace.What left the strongest impression was the cuisine centered around wood-fire cooking.Dinner was French yet wonderfully light, and their commitment to local production for local consumption came through in every dish.The young chef’s creative sensibility was outstanding—especially the sauces!In particular, an abalone liver sauce and a browned-butter sauce served with butterfish were exquisite; I kept dipping bread into them until the very last bite.Dessert was also a new experience: a melon soda made from fermented melon purée brought to a gently sparkling stage!Breakfast was equally superb, featuring enzyme brown rice aged for more than four days. The most moving dish was the clear soup.Even the fermented shrimp-, kelp-, and soy-sauce base used for it was homemade specifically for this meal.Throughout everything, their dedication to ingredients and natural use of fermentation made me feel energized from within.The sauna wasn’t overly hot, so even I—someone who isn’t great with saunas—could enjoy it comfortably, and that deep sense of release afterward felt like true meditation.All staff members were kind and friendly as well, so I felt at ease throughout my stay.Although it was an Accommodation stay, it felt like a retreat. My mind had been busy lately, but this visit helped me return to quietness in both heart and head—and regain my natural strength. It was a genuinely enriching stay.

On my first trip to Awaji Island, I stayed at THEBLESS Awaji. The magma-style sauna is set at 65°C, which is on the lower side for a sauna, but it’s a gentle temperature that’s easy on the body. I was able to relax and reset without any strain, and it felt amazing. You can experience the best kind of “sauna bliss.” It’s worth visiting even just for the sauna!! From the amuse-bouche onward, the food carried a subtle aroma of firewood, creating an atmosphere and flavors you don’t usually get to experience. I really enjoyed Awaji Island’s fresh new onions!! I’ll definitely stay here again when I travel to Awaji Island!!