Camille Van Puymbroeck is a Belgian freelance journalist with a big interest in anything lifestyle and ecology-related. Nothing makes her more happy than visiting a former Soviet building, overgrown by nature, equipped with a camera and a coffee. Not without an Italian meal afterwards, of course. Her work has previously been published in Metro, Sabato Magazine and Culinaire Ambiance.
The Pasona Natureverse Retreat was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban. The wellness hotel has been specifically developed for long-term stays, centring on the Mibyo philosophy.
Contrary to most other wellness hotels, Pasona Natureverse Retreat isn’t primarily aimed at people wanting to wind down for the time of a weekend. Instead, it mainly concentrates on long-term stays centring around the Mibyo philosophy, which translates into the idea of a preventive wellness treatment. However, guests can also check in for a shorter stay, with a minimum of three nights per booking.
“The Pasona embraces a philosophy of holistic wellbeing, from wellness treatments and nourishing menus to cultural and soul-stirring experiences. Immerse yourself in thalassotherapy, yoga, and meditation. Enjoy movement classes and feel muscle tension melt away. Or simply enjoy exploring this beautiful coastal region, followed by a long soak in your private onsen,” the hotel explains.
Natural design
The building was designed by architect Shigeru Ban, winner of the 2014 Pritzker Architecture Prize and the 2026 AIA Gold Medal, who has become world-famous for his projects using natural materials and cardboard. Previously, Ban already drew the plans for Pasona Group’s Farmer’s Restaurant and Zenbo Seinei meditation retreat on Awaji. The Pasona Natureverse Retreat is thus his third creation in the area.
“Architect Shigeru Ban is the mastermind behind the hotel design, which uses natural and recycled materials to lessen The PASONA’s environmental footprint. That’s not the only way in which The PASONA is in perfect harmony with its surroundings, though. Natural light flows throughout interiors that blend European and Japanese style and let the beauty of organic materials shine. The scene is set for a retreat that will leave you feeling grounded in mind, body and spirit,” states Pasona Natureverse Retreat.
The Pasona Natureverse Retreat spreads out over five storeys and features 57 rooms. Thanks to the D-shaped design, all rooms are set along a skylit atrium.
However, not all rooms feature the same views. On the inland side of the building, characterised by vertical wooden cladding, rooms look out over the forest. The other half of the rooms look out over the sea instead, while the façade privileges horizontal lines and generous balconies.
“On the seaside, using the seawall as a podium, the facade is highly transparent, featuring four levels of emphasised horizontal slabs that create a seamless continuity between the interior, exterior, and the surrounding scenery. In contrast to the horizontal emphasis of the seaside, the mountain-side facade features a rhythmic arrangement of timber-clad columns that emphasise a symbolic, somewhat classical vertical structure. At the centre, a massive timber canopy and a grand staircase welcome visitors”, Shigeru Ban explains.
Aside from a personalised wellness programme and private onsen or natural hot spring baths, the hotel features a dedicated aerial yoga room as well as an indoor saltwater swimming pool. On the culinary side, the Retreat offers five restaurants and multiple cafes.
The Pasona Natureverse Retreat can be booked online, with prices starting from approximately €2,300 per night for a double room.
