There are many interpretations of what luxury entails in hospitality. For some, it is an abundance of square footage; a large room to cocoon within and decompress after a long day. Then there are others who place a hefty emphasis on an establishment’s facilities. And of course, there are the individuals with a different set of metrics entirely, choosing instead to hone in on a singular amenity of marked importance. That is, a bath tub—undoubtedly one of the key components of a room at 1 Hotel Tokyo.
“All our guest rooms feature a deep soaking tub as a nod to Japan’s rich bathing culture,” explains Alena Stavnjak, the Corporate Director of Spa at Starwood Hotel Group . “This is done purposefully to demonstrate the role bathing plays in relaxation and wellbeing.”
View this post on Instagram
The inclusion of a separate rain shower alongside a tub thus allows for visitors to engage in one of Japan’s most sacred traditions: ofuro, which involves washing and scrubbing oneself off before easing themselves into a tub for a hot soak. Within, folks are able to engage in meditation, or simply to relax. The practice is said to promote deep muscular relaxation, with the depth of the tub allowing for full-body immersion which stimulates blood and lymph circulation. The temperature of the warm water also helps to trigger active perspiration which aids in eliminating toxins and impurities.
While similar in notion to a traditional Japanese onsen, it is clear to see that the incorporation of in-room tubs allows for a more private experience. It is certainly in line with the hotel group’s emphasis on quiet and conscious decadence; an attempt at allowing every guest to indulge in a “restorative ritual that feels uniquely connected to the local culture.” But of course, the tubs are only a singular part of the 1 Hotel Tokyo wellness experience. Its very own Bamford Wellness Spa is a whole other beast on its own.
Of new heights
Located on the 38th floor, the Bamford Wellness Spa comprises several key areas. The first of which is a sprawling indoor pool flanked by a myriad of vibrant greenery; a space open only to hotel guests and service apartment residents. Take a dip in crystalline waters for some light exercise, or perch against one of the many lounge chairs that grant a bird’s eye view of the vibrant Akasaka district. There’s something about its clean, arching lines and design that fosters a sense of calm; a serene sanctuary that stands out in comparison to other swimming facilities typically located in the heart of the city.
View this post on Instagram
A few steps away is the hotel’s very own hammam room. Much like the indoor pool, its visual layout in itself is a marvel—think gently curving benches accompanied by soft lighting, peppered with beautifully uneven visual elements made from nature-inspired elements such as moss and reclaimed wood. A nod to Japan’s wabi-sabi culture, all of it comes together to create a feast for the senses. The careful amalgamation of textures, sounds and colours means that there’s always something to notice within the space; a grounding exercise of sorts while the wet sauna performs its magic of opening up pores, relaxing your body and bolstering respiratory relief.
“When designing the spa, we focused on the needs of today’s travelers who are looking for experiences that help them relax, recharge, and disconnect,” states Stavnjak,. “We see wellness as an integral part of the overall guest journey. Our Bamford Wellness Spa treatment menu, for instance, is crafted to combine therapeutic results with holistic wellbeing.”
To heal thyself
Of the multitude of options from the Bamford Wellness Spa’s treatment menu, the Japanese Bamboo Massage stood out the most to me thanks to its distinct similarities to Shiatsu. A homage to this specific form of Japanese therapeutic bodywork, this treatment utilises smooth bamboo tools from Kyoto to knead, massage and work out muscle tension—something I had in spades seeing that I had just emerged from a red-eye flight.
I was escorted straight into a treatment room where my therapist immediately got to work. Where the Japanese Bamboo Massage diverts from Shiatsu is in the usage of oils; the latter is performed entirely without any liquids, and is meant to be more acupressure-focused as well as concern-orientated. 1 Hotel Tokyo’s rendition makes relaxation its focal point. Various bamboo apparatus were gently tapped and rolled over key pressure points; soothing gestures that made my body melt into the mattress. Results, too, were instantaneous: not only did I appear less puffy and bloated, but I felt lighter than before—though that might simply be the result of my stay.
View this post on Instagram
While there were no special programs in place during my time at 1 Hotel Tokyo, the establishment has since conducted journaling workshops, sewing classes and even floral arrangement sessions; a clear commitment to amplify Japan’s wellness culture to the masses all while staying true to the 1 Hotel Group’s philosophy of understated luxury. We can only hope that there will be more to come.
Book a stay here.
