Mandarin Oriental developing trio of resorts in Japan’s Setouchi region

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is developing three boutique properties in Japan’s Setouchi region, branded as Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi.

The three new resorts are strategically located around the Seto Inland Sea and are set to launch between 2027 and 2030.

Mandarin Oriental said the properties were being crafted by Japanese artisans using “centuries-old techniques” and would set a “new benchmark” in luxury hospitality while honouring the region’s traditions and history.

The first resort to open will be Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi at Takamatsu, which will open in 2027.

The 92-room urban resort will be situated on the harbour front of Takamatsu, the capital city of the Kagawa prefecture, known as the gateway to Setouchi. The site is a 30-minute drive from Takamatsu Airport, which accommodates domestic and international flights.

Mandarin Oriental said the resort would offer panoramic water views as well as “distinctive” restaurants and bars and comprehensive Spa and Wellness facilities.

Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi at Naoshima will also open in 2027 in a fishing village on Naoshima, one of Setouchi’s best-known islands due to its wealth of art exhibitions and creatives.

The property will be styled as a contemporary Japanese ryokan and will feature 22 guest suites and villas, which will be spread across the main building and three village houses.

The third resort, which aims to open in 2030 on a separate island, will feature 50 guest rooms with immersive wellness experiences. Mandarin Oriental said further details of this would be announced in due course.

To link the three properties, Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi will curate a cruise for guests to travel between the sites on board a private yacht.

The first of its kind for Mandarin Oriental, the offering will immerse guests in the diverse attractions and landscapes of each island.

The brand said the design of Mandarin Oriental, Setouchi would be led by sustainability, with the properties working in collaboration with local artisans to ensure local materials and practices are incorporated throughout the overall aesthetic.

“Setouchi is a unique part of a special country, beloved by discerning and curious global travellers,” said Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental.

“This relatively undiscovered region of Japan will excite our fans as they explore its different and remarkable facets, particularly as each of our three resorts channels its own distinct character, environment and purposeful, carefully curated experiences.

“Our elevated properties are set to add to the region’s luxury landscape and offer an unparalleled, sustainability-focused opportunity for guests – especially for lovers of art and nature – to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of this captivating part of Japan.

“This announcement also underlines that the group remains focused on growing its portfolio across the country with truly unique, high-end experience-driven hospitality.”