Simose Art Garden Villa

• Sleeps: 2 per villa
• Bedrooms: 1 per villa
• Bathrooms: 1 per villa
• Minimum stay: 1 night

Simose is a soul-stirring, architect-designed art complex made up of ten individually-styled forest and garden villas, an art museum, and a restaurant serving mouth-watering French cuisine.

Facing the dreamy Seto Inland Sea in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, the communal buildings are connected and camouflaged by a huge, mirrored glass screen that displays eight movable galleries, evoking scenes of the fantasy-like Setouchi islands beyond.

If that wasn’t enough, at the end of the mirrored screen lies Emile Gallé’s Garden, filled with heady, seasonal plants and flowers used by the eponymous 19th century French artist and designer, whose works feature prominently in the museum.

The villas, each sleeping two guests, were designed by Shigeru Ban, an innovative Japanese architect who won the highly prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2014. Five forest villas are surrounded by whispering trees on the south side of Simose, while five waterfront villas face the sea to the north.

Each villa is individually designed and styled, so no matter which one you choose, your surroundings will be completely unique. On the forest side, the Paper House makes use of Ban’s signature recycled paper tubes – 110, to be exact! – to create a jaw-dropping haven with an al-fresco bath. The Wall-Less House, meanwhile, is enclosed by sliding glass doors for a sense of floating among the trees.

The waterfront villas are expertly-crafted from Kielsteg, a distinctive, sustainable and lightweight series of wooden elements invented in Austria. Relaxed lounges face the sea, while indulgent baths are made from Towada stone and Japanese cypress.

Self-contained facilities in each villa include a well-stocked wine cellar and mini-bar, tea and coffee-making facilities, and complimentary toiletries, along with a sleek Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speaker and a TV for entertainment.

At a glance

• 10 architect-designed, individually-styled villas, set on a 4.6-hectare art complex in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
• The complex faces the Seto Inland Sea for incredible views.
• Choose from five forest and five waterfront villas, each with self-contained facilities to sleep 2 guests.
• Also on site is an art museum and garden, a gym and guest lounge, and a French restaurant.
• A buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant each morning.
• Nearby attractions include Kintai Bridge and a large selection of art galleries and museums.

Features

• Adults Only
• Hot Tubs
• Large Groups
• Seaside Breaks

More information

Spend mealtimes chatting over carefully-prepared French dishes at the on-site restaurant, with its laid-back open kitchen and magnificent views. Order an original Simose cocktail as an after-dinner treat, or perhaps even a glass of fine Champagne.

If you should choose to explore the art museum, you’ll discover fascinating collections of Japanese dolls and Art Nouveau glassworks alongside Shigeru Ban’s moveable, Setouchi Islands-inspired exhibition rooms that appear to float on water, in an immersive feast for the senses.

There is also an on-site gym, and an exclusive guest lounge serving drinks and snacks, in a stay so all-encompassing that the idea of leaving Simose Art Garden Villa is unlikely to cross your mind, all holiday long.

Things to note

The whole complex can be hired for group celebrations. Please enquire on the property website. Some items may be hired for your stay, including an iron and ironing board, trouser press, and DVD player.