01Kiya Ryokan logo, by Naoki Suzuki
02Chikae Greb and daughter Yae, Bartholomeus Greb and Mari Mori
03Washing up in style
04Kiya ryokan, built in 1911
05Communal storage
06The lobby
07Kiya’s soon-to-be café run by Bo ulangerie Riz
08Transparent acrylic floors
09Fleece-lined hanten
10Geta wooden sandals
11Study where writer Ryotaro Shiba once stayed
12Kiya’s okami (chief service manager) Mari Mori
13Visitors can sit but not sleep in Shiba’s old room
14Vintage and modern decor
15At Yamako Udon, breakfast starts from 05.00
16Locals make their own udon in Yamako’s kitchen
17Uwajima’s fortunes were built on fisheries
18Rice farmer and fighting bull owner Hotatsu Ikeda
In the small city of Uwajima in southern Japan, a restored ryokan guest house has reawakened the area’s local pride. This simply presented style of accommodation whispers rather than shouts its quality and is a subtle sign of better things to come.
Issue 44
Brazilian hotelier Rogério Fasano’s latest creation is set among the rocky pampas of Uruguay. And the secret of his success? A creatively inspiring working relationship with designer Isay Weinfeld.
Issue 4
They never make it on to most magazine’s “Best Hotel” lists, but Japan’s simple, pared-down ryokan are setting new standards in service and design. The Fuyija, remodelled by architect Kengo Kuma, looks set to introduce a…
Issue 54
In the small city of Uwajima in southern Japan, a restored ryokan guest house has reawakened the area’s local pride. This simply presented style of accommodation whispers rather than shouts its quality and is a subtle sign…
Issue 46
Cuba is hoping to revive its ailing economy by opening up the tourist market, giving the go-ahead to a string of swanky new golf resorts. But how do you develop this unique country without diluting its character? Monocle…
Issue 42
This month, Monocle’s travel round-up covers everything from accommodation options in the historic village of Commeire to the latest fashionable restaurant opening in São Paulo.
Issue 33
Sankara Hotel & Spa is a new eco-friendly island hideaway surrounded by ancient forests and mountains off the coast of Kyushu. It offers detached villas and a cultural blend of Balinese design and impeccable Japanese hos…
Issue 54
A dream team of owner, architect, designer has created this 12-room hotel in a residence, reminding us, and the industry, what hotels should be: places that feel like home but are 10 times better.
Issue 36
The latest opening in Hyatt’s chain of boutique hotels is a rare beast – a friendly and relaxing NYC establishment where even native New Yorkers will be able to experience a fresh take on their city.
Issue 8
Room for improvement: So many hotels bombard us with unnecessary extras when what we really require from them is to do the simple things well. Isn’t it time they ditched the gimmickry and concentrated on the basics of…
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