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Aerial view of a resort pool with loungers and umbrellas, surrounded by palm trees. Ocean and mountains visible under a blue sky. Relaxing vibe.
Nestled among lush greenery, Botanical Pool Club in Chiba offers the perfect blend of modern luxury and coastal calm, with ocean views framed by palm trees and blue skies

Just a 1.5-hour drive from central Tokyo, BOTANICAL POOL CLUB in Chiba is a luxury resort that feels worlds away. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it’s a serene escape where tropical design meets Japanese minimalism. The property features two striking pools, stylish lounge areas, and a breezy coastal vibe that instantly puts you in holiday mode.



Pools with a View

The resort is home to two stunning pools - the Black Pool, a 40-meter infinity pool that melts into the horizon, and the Signature Pool, a circular pool surrounded by flickering fire features. Both offer completely different moods: the Black Pool gives you that endless ocean panorama, while the Signature Pool feels intimate and atmospheric, especially at night when the flames reflect off the water. Even in the cooler months, both pools are heated, making it a year-round destination. On clear days, you might even spot Mount Fuji across the horizon.


Glowing pool area with lounge chairs and palm trees at sunset. Orange and blue sky creates a tranquil atmosphere. Silhouetted landscape.
A beautifully illuminated luxury resort pool against a breathtaking sunset backdrop, with a silhouette of Mt Fuji and the sea

Stay: Pool Terrace Room

We stayed in the Pool Terrace Room, which overlooked the Signature Pool and offered a direct view of the ocean beyond. The room had a private terrace with lounge chairs and a gas grill, creating the perfect setup for a relaxed, private BBQ under the stars. The decor was modern yet warm, with natural textures and soft lighting that blended seamlessly with the coastal surroundings. And the best part - it’s dog-friendly, so Qoo could join us everywhere, even poolside.


A small dog sits in a black and white floatation ring by a pool, surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs. The dog wears a black shirt.
Qoo enjoying a quiet moment by the pool, lounging in an inflatable ring with the ocean breeze

Dining: BPC BBQ & Breakfast

Dinner was the resort’s signature BPC BBQ, served right on our terrace. The experience felt intimate and effortless - grilling over a gentle ocean breeze while the pool glowed softly in the background. The BBQ set included pork, chicken, lamb chops, truffle sausages, and fresh clams, all paired with seasonal Chiba-grown vegetables and organic herbs. Each ingredient was high quality, and the flavors were simple yet elegant - the kind of meal that feels both luxurious and grounding.


Grill with meats and veggies on a terrace at sunset, overlooking a pool and palm trees. Vibrant colours create a relaxing mood.
Grilling the signature BPC BBQ under a stunning sunset, overlooking a poolside oasis and Mt Fuji views

For breakfast, we enjoyed egg and pastrami sandwiches by the poolside - freshly made, hearty, and surprisingly indulgent for a morning bite. You can also grab coffee or light bites at the Poolside Bar, where guests sip champagne or tropical cocktails while lounging in the sun.


A small dog in a black shirt sits on a float by a pool. Nearby, two boxed sandwiches labeled "Botanical Pool Club" are on a towel.
Breakfast at the Botanical Pool Club includes egg and pastrami sandwiches, best enjoyed by the poolside

Atmosphere & Experience

Botanical Pool Club feels like a modern-day coastal sanctuary. It’s easy to spend the entire day drifting between the pools, lounging on the daybeds, and watching the colours of the sky shift from sunrise to sunset. Despite being known as a summer hotspot, visiting in the off-season has its perks - fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and a more tranquil atmosphere.


Dog-Friendly Escape

For pet owners, this is one of the few luxury resorts in the Kanto area where dogs are genuinely welcome. Qoo loved lounging by the pool in her inflatable ring and exploring the spacious terrace. Staff were warm and accommodating, offering water bowls and plenty of smiles.




Botanical Pool Club

Address: 1510-2 Shimosakuma, Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba 299-2115

Best time to visit: Summer for the full poolside experience, or early spring and autumn for fewer crowds and clear views of Mt. Fuji.

Getting there: About 1.5 hours by car from central Tokyo.

Bangkok is a vibrant culinary playground, offering everything from time-honoured street eats to elevated fine dining experiences. Whether you’re wandering bustling markets or indulging in high-end hotels, the Thai capital is a feast for all senses - here’s a curated guide to my favourite bites and drinks in the city.


"The Sea Holds the Forest" at Sorn, served with southern Thai herbs, turmeric rice, and fish innards dresing
"The Sea Holds the Forest", the signature dish at Sorn, the first restaurant in Thailand to receive three Michelin stars

Street Eats & Casual Dining


  1. 🦀 Ann Tha Din Daeng (Seafood)

  2. 🥭 K. Panich (Mango Sticky Rice)

  3. 🥢 Methavalai Sorndaeng (Traditional Thai)


Fine Dining


  1. 🌶️ Sorn (Innovative Southern Thai)

  2. 🇩🇪 Sühring (Modern German)


Cocktail Bars



Ann Tha Din Daeng

🦀Seafoodแอน ท่าดินแดง


  • Description: From street cart to a Bib Gourmand restaurant, Ann Tha Din Daeng specializes in fresh seafood. Signature dishes include Fried Prawns (garlic or salt & pepper) and Crab Omelette.

  • Recommendations: Creamy Omelette with Crab

  • Reservation: Walk-in only

  • Information: Google Maps



K. Panich

🥭Mango Sticky Riceก.พานิช


  • Description: A legendary vendor serving mango sticky rice, listed on Michelin's Bib Gourmand, with a secret recipe has been passed down for over 80 years; enjoy it in-store or take it to-go

  • Recommendations: Mango sticky rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)

  • Reservation: Walk-in only

  • Information: Google Maps



Methavalai Sorndaeng

🥢Classic Thaiเมธาวลัย ศรแดง


  • Description: A historic establishment serving classic Thai recipes for over 60 years

  • Recommendations: Spicy Banana Flower Bud Salad with Fried Soft Shell Crab, Spring Wing Bean Salad with Shrimps, Stir-Fried Fluffy Catfish with Chilli, Crispy Noodles in Sweet & Sour Sauce

  • Reservation: via TableCheck

  • Information: InstagramGoogle Maps



Sorn

🌶️ Innovative Southern Thaiศรณ์


  • Description: The first restaurant in Thailand to receive three Michelin stars, featuring innovative dishes with southern Thai flavours

  • Recommendations: Tasting menu only

  • Reservation: via TableCheck

  • Information: InstagramGoogle Maps






Sühring

🇩🇪Modern German


  • Description: modern German cuisine with Central European influences; signature dishes include Eisbein-Sülze and mini Currywurst bites.

  • Recommendations: Tasting menu only

  • Reservation: via SevenRooms

  • Information: InstagramGoogle Maps




Bars in Bangkok


  • 🍸 Tropic City: Award-winning tropical-themed bar in Charoen Krung

  • 🍸 Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar: Neon two-headed tiger and eccentric interiors

  • 🍸 The Pickwicks Chronicles: Named after the Dickens novel, with an impressive gin collection

  • 🍸 Firefly Bar: High-end cocktail bar in Sindhorn Kempinski, live jazz in a semi-formal setting

  • 🍸 Rabbit Hole: Hidden speakeasy in Sukhumvit, 26 cocktails inspired by each English alphabet letter




When you think of Niseko, winter might come to mind first - but summer in Niseko is a hidden gem. A complete contrast to the lively ski season, the warmer months are blissfully quiet, with sweeping mountain views, crisp air, and virtually no crowds. It's the perfect time to explore Hokkaido’s natural beauty - and indulge in some seriously good food.


View of a distant mountain under a cloudy sky, framed by lush green foliage in the foreground, creating a serene and natural scene.
The majestic Mount Yotei amidst lush greenery and soft summer skies

HITO by TACUBO at MUWA NISEKO


Located on the ground floor of MUWA NISEKO - a ski-in-ski-out property perched at the base of Grand Hirafu - HITO by TACUBO brings the elegance of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred TACUBO to the serene alpine charm of Niseko. Opened in December 2023, this refined destination draws on both the wild abundance of Hokkaido and the quiet precision of Japanese-Italian cuisine.

Fork twirls tagliolini spaghetti with thinly sliced zucchini and summer truffle shavings on a brown speckled plate.
Handmade tagliolini with zucchini flower and summer truffles at HITO by TACUBO

At the heart of HITO’s menu is a commitment to seasonal Hokkaido ingredients, prepared with Italian techniques and Japanese precision. The result is a dinner course that feels thoughtful and balanced, with a quiet focus on craftsmanship. The undisputed highlight? The woodfire-grilled Tokachi Herb Beef sirloin steak, slowly cooked with a gorgeously crisp crust and an incredibly tender, juicy centre. Simply seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing the full umami of the premium local beef to shine.



Niseko Confidential


Just a 15-minute walk from MUWA, Niseko Confidential is the younger sister to Azabujuban’s Tokyo Confidential. After a hugely successful debut over the winter ski season, the bar is back for its first-ever summer run - open throughout July and August. Tucked inside a cozy wooden cottage, the space pairs alpine charm with bold personality, thanks to an eccentric pop art mural splashed across the wall behind the bar counter. The vibe is intimate and relaxed, perfect for unwinding after a quiet day outdoors. We went for the drinks… but stayed for the food.

An eccentric pop art mural splashed across the wall behind the bar counter at Niseko Confidential
An eccentric pop art mural splashed across the wall behind the bar counter at Niseko Confidential

Standout cocktails included the Karai Margarita (tequila, jalapeño, hot honey, mango, citrus) - spicy, tropical, and vibrant - and the Blueberry Smash (shochu, blueberry, elderflower, mint, citrus), which was light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. As for the food, it was a complete surprise in the best way: the Fattoria Bio Ricotta Cheese with Cantaloupe & Prosciutto was a sweet-and-savoury delight, while the Summer Vegetable Curry, made entirely from scratch with Hokkaido corn, paprika, onion, and potato, was deeply comforting and full of flavour.

Plate of curry and rice with corn and meat, garnished with mint. A fork lifts a portion, set on a wooden table.
Summer Vegetable Curry, made entirely from scratch with Hokkaido ingredients

Wagyu to Worldwide


Near Kutchan Station, Wagyu to Worldwide serves some of the most satisfying hamburgers in the area. Their patties are crafted from 100% wagyu beef, nestled in buns baked in-house with premium domestic butter, and finished with a signature house-made sauce. We savoured the Classic Burger with a Kobe Beef upgrade and the indulgent Quattro Cheese Burger, layered with kuroge wagyu and four kinds of cheese: cheddar, mozzarella, gorgonzola, and parmesan.



Ruhiel


If you’ve rented a car, be sure to drive over to Ruhiel after your burger for the perfect gelato dessert. This must-visit gelato spot in Kutchan is famous for its luxurious Italian-style gelato made with fresh Hokkaido milk, pristine spring water from the foot of Mt. Yotei, and perfectly ripe seasonal fruits, juiced fresh for every batch. We tried two gelatos with two flavours each: Golden Kiwi, Watermelon, Plum, and Cantaloupe - each incredibly delicious, with every bite bursting with the natural, refreshing taste of fruit.



Niseko in Summer: A Culinary and Scenic Escape


Summer in Niseko offers a peaceful escape where nature’s beauty and exceptional cuisine come together perfectly. Whether you’re savouring the smoky flavours of a woodfire-grilled steak, sipping on creative cocktails made with local ingredients, or indulging in the freshest gelato around, this quiet season is full of unexpected delights. For anyone looking to experience a different side of Hokkaido, Niseko in summer is not to be missed.



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