Destinations on Vivid Magazine - International Chinese Luxury and Style

DESTINATIONS

Utoco Deep Sea Therapy Center

Spring 2010
Utoco Deep Sea Therapy Center

by Anna Sueng
Photographs Courtesy of Utoco Deep Sea Therapy Center

Utoco Deep Sea Therapy Center and Hotel
Deep Sea World
6969-1 Muroto Misaki Cho
Muroto City, Kochi Prefecture

Shu Uemura, the makeup artist synonymous with fashion-forward eyelashes and beauty, had an intense fascination with the power of deep-sea water. His mission in life was to create a resort that would maximize the effect of deep-sea therapy, otherwise known as thalassotherapy. He zeroed in on the Muroto Port, about a 75-minute plane ride from Tokyo. The water around the port, rising from a depth of 700-1000 meters, was known to have healing powers. Uemura and the French design firm Ciel Rouge created an elaborate concrete-and-steel single-story resort, built in a way that wherever guests are perched, the views of the ocean are unobstructed.

The 10,720 square meter Utoco Deep Sea Therapy Center and Hotel opened in July 2006 and consists of a restaurant, a boutique, a library of Shu Uemura's work, 17 guest rooms, 4 pools and various types of treatment booths. There's even a sage-scented hammam, also known as a steam bath. Guests are encouraged to stay 10 days to fully replenish the body with clear deep sea water. With the list of treatments and amenities available, in addition to the sound of waves crashing in the background, the invitation sounds welcoming.

Indulge In . . . the detox course, which consists of a 30 minute water massage and jet bath followed by a 40 minute algae or fango pack. The water massage enhances your metabolism while improving the blood flow in order to cleanse your body. Afterwards, you step into a private jet bath that uses various levels of bubbles and jet streams systematically massage you from head to toe. The treatment stimulates acupressure points, removes stress and tension from the body and helps revive the body. If you choose the algae pack, the paste is applied throughout your entire body and wrapped in an insulating sheet to increase heat and maximize absorption. If you select the fango pack, the paste is applied to specific areas of the body, then wrapped. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and energized.

Bring Home . . . the Utowa Skin Care Line developed by Uemura's own son Hiroshi as well as Uemura's Depsea Moisture skin-care products. You can try some of the Shu Uemura hotel amenities before deciding to purchase them for your own. With an empire derived from the utmost reputation in beauty, you wouldn't even think twice about bringing them home.

Be sure to try . . . Bonne Pêche, the restaurant located at the resort. The cuisine's concept is beauty and health and uses local, organic ingredients to create the dishes. Serves lunch, dinner, and dessert. Guests not staying at the resort are also welcome.