Healing spaces

Dorae Forest © The WE

By Yun Suh-young

One of the many reasons people visit Jeju Island is for the great weather that can be enjoyed to the optimum coupled with the tranquil and refreshing tropical natural environment.

But as Jeju is becoming more populous day by day with tourists flocking to the island, the central tourist hubs of Jungmun and Jeju may not be the best places to visit.

On a recent trip to Jeju Island, W's reporter sought out accommodation in rather remote regions that may turn out to be a great healing getaway for summer vacations.

Aqua Meditation Pool

WE Hotel

The WE Hotel in Jeju's Seogwipo, which opened last year, is a unique healthcare resort that is the first of its kind on the island.

Tucked away in a hilly region 10 minutes from Jungmun, the resort is quiet, spacious and uncrowded. In front of the hotel lies a forest for strolling and meditation and inside the hotel, various programs are offered for healing the mind and body.

A combination of the first letters of the words water and energy, the hotel specializes in water therapy programs which are offered with natural bedrock water extracted from beneath the resort. All of the water used at the hotel, from drinking water to that used for showers and therapy purposes, is bedrock water containing natural carbon and minerals.

Water Stone Pool

The hotel is most famous for the Aqua Meditation Pool which is designed to make swimmers feel as if they're inside a mother's womb. Therapists massage, stretch and exercise the recipients in the water while soothing tunes are played under water.

There are five other therapy pools ― Dream Bath, Micro Bubble Aqua, Ultra Sonic, Water Stone, and Aqua Gym.

For a stay at this hotel, bringing a swimsuit is a must because you'd regret not experiencing their signature programs.

Address: 453-95 1100 Ro, Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Korea

Phone number: (064) 730-1200

Website: www.wehotel.co.kr

Exterior of Luston Hotel

Luston Villa & Hotel

The Luston Villa & Hotel located 30 minutes west from Jeju International Airport, is a villa and hotel complex overlooking the ocean.

Each of the rooms is a separate building constructed like townhouses so the guests get to enjoy the whole building on their own. The high-ceilinged “houses” have living rooms, bedrooms and huge bathrooms, and are thus suitable for two to four visitors.

Spa

The pool type villa has a private pool outside each of the rooms and an outdoor Jacuzzi.

The ocean is right across the street, just a few minutes' walk from the villa complex.

Address: Aewolhaean-ro 406, Aewol-eup, Jeju, Jeju Island

Phone number: (064) 799-1671

Website: www.luston.co.kr

Pool villa

Exterior of Podo Hotel

Podo Hotel

Podo Hotel is more popular for its architecture than anything else, and is a luxurious option for travelers seeking tranquility and privacy.

Shaped like a grape when seen from above, the hotel boasts spacious rooms on a single floor, and was designed by famous Japanese architect Itami Jun.

Oriental room

Of the two regular room types offered, Oriental and Western, the Oriental type is more popular among guests due to the unique interior and Japanese-style wooden bath tubs. All of the rooms have wood interiors.

The overall atmosphere is extremely tranquil as if secluded in a remote area. Inside the hotel feels like a gallery as various artworks are displayed along the hallway.

Bathroom of suite room

Address: Sanroknam-ro 863, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo city, Jeju Island

Phone number: (064) 792-5200

Website: www.thepinx.co.kr

Exterior of Tori Kaare Klint

Tori Kaare Klint

One of the three Tori Cottage series, the Tori Kaare Klint is a unique lodging space which is a combined concept of a villa, house and guesthouse.

Consisting of three separate buildings, the entire space is for the use of just one group of guests. The cottage is located in Aewol-eup, about 30 minutes from Jeju International Airport, and is inside a small village.

Living room

Because the cottage is 200 year-old and was home to a seven-generation household before it was turned into commercial accommodation, the architecture retains the traditional elements of a Jeju home despite its modern renovation.

The space is equipped with a pool and terrace with barbecue facilities and kitchen.

The cottage collaborated with furniture company Kaare Klint which provided its handmade wooden furniture.

Address: Gonae-ri 1046, Aewol-eup, Jeju Island

Phone number: (010) 2695-2369

Website: tori-kaareklint.com

Kitchen