As parents know only too well, planning a holiday that appeals to both adults and children can be no easy task. It can be a real challenge to find the balance between a fun, activity-packed break for the kids and a relaxing, rejuvenating time for Mum and Dad. One answer may be closer than you think.
RISONARE Atami, situated in the beautiful seaside city of Atami, is only a 40-minute train ride from Tokyo. The hotel opened in December 2011 and boasts first-class facilities that cater to adults and children of all ages.
As we stepped down from the bus and looked out at the spacious view of the Pacific Ocean, we knew that we had found something special. The hotel’s interior is stylish and modern, with large, open communal spaces where children can take part in a variety of different activities.
Activities for everyone in the family
The resort provides an open environment for all ages. For babies only a few months old, there is a fully equipped nursery with a full collection of toys. If you need a little time to yourself to enjoy a spa treatment or a quiet dinner at the hotel restaurant, you can arrange for a qualified member of the staff to look after your children for a small additional cost.
For older children there is an indoor climbing wall located on the 8th Floor and an enormous ball pool, where they can play while their parents relax at the nearby Books & Café area. The hotel also runs a kids’ activity club (GAO) that organizes a range of outdoor activities for children and adults in the surroundings of Atami’s mountains and shoreline.
For adults in need of a bit of rest and relaxation, there is a spa that provides an extensive range of treatments. The luxury treatment rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the space in natural light as you enjoy the relaxing view of the ocean below.
If you still have the energy, you and the kids can make a splash in the indoor family swimming pool or soothe yourselves in a relaxing onsen. The onsen was recently renovated in February 2013, and it’s the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day.
Meals for any palate, and staff with an aim to please
Of course, the best way to finish off a day of relaxation is with a good meal, and Restaurant Mogu-Mogu’s impressive buffet has you covered. The chefs use local seafood and an abundance of fresh ingredients from all around the region to prepare a wide variety of Japanese, Chinese, or western dishes. An adjoining studio-style kitchen even lets kids take over as chefs and have fun creating desserts for the whole family. There is even a special menu for baby food, with a selection of tasty dishes for even the youngest diners. And if you fancy something a little special, the resort also has another restaurant, Hanabi, that serves delicious Japanese cuisine in an elegant atmosphere.
From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, the friendly hotel staff are happy to attend to your every need. And even if you don’t speak much Japanese there is no need to worry; the hotel has a number of English-speaking staff who are only too happy to help out. RISONARE Atami manages to strike that balance between relaxation and pampering for adults and fun packed adventure for children of all ages. It’s a great place for a weekend break or a longer family holiday.
How to get there
The best part of all is that Atami is only a short trip from Tokyo. You can get a direct train from JR Tokyo station (50mins) or Shinagawa Station (37mins). From Atami Station, there is a complimentary shuttle bus service, which leaves every half hour (from 14:00 until 16:30). For more details about the hotel and to make reservations in English, please visit the official website: http://global.hoshinoresort.com/risonare_atami/
