Review / 1 Hotel Tokyo offers a green-focused retreat in the Japanese capital, with a Bamford spa

As a long-time fan of 1 Hotels – the US-based, sustainability-minded brand – I have been very much looking forward to the opening of 1 Hotel Tokyo, the chain’s only property in Asia-Pacific. Operated by Starwood, 1 Hotels has very little presence beyond the US – 1 Hotel Mayfair in London, 1 Hotel Copenhagen and 1 Hotel Melbourne are its only outposts outside the country – but it has already built a loyal following among luxury lovers who like to travel responsibly and stylishly. Located in Akasaka Trust Tower, a mixed-used high-rise in the tony area of Akasaka, 1 Hotel Tokyo is a short walk from the monumental Imperial Palace and buzzy Roppongi. The expansive and bright lobby, located on the 38th floor of the building, sets the tone for the entire property. Conceived as a Zen garden in the sky, the hotel’s interiors feature a mix of wood and stone, and plenty of greenery. A whopping 1,500 plants, bonsai and trees decorate the property’s public areas, and 211 rooms and suites. A dedicated team of gardeners meticulously tend to them every day. The “biophilic” design that has become a signature of 1 Hotels around the world – from West Hollywood to Manhattan and Miami – gives 1 Hotel Tokyo the look and feel of a sylvan sanctuary. Artworks made of preserved moss, doors crafted from the discarded wood of the building’s construction site, and the use of materials such as bamboo and tree bark are just some of the elements bringing home the nature-first approach. Lest you think this is all a bunch of greenwashing, the hotel also walks the talk. All accommodations are equipped with filter taps, refillable glass containers and toiletries from British skincare label Bamford in aluminium vessels. A recycling programme allows guests to get rid of unwanted items such as tattered T-shirts or old workout clothes. Hourglasses set to three minutes in every shower remind guests to be conscious of water consumption. Sustainability efforts aside, 1 Hotel Tokyo is first and foremost a world-class five-star property that will please ever-demanding high-end travellers. The spacious rooms – with lovely sitting areas overlooking Tokyo Tower, the Imperial Palace Gardens and the city’s constantly changing skyline – are tasteful and soothing cocoons of luxury. 1 Hotel Tokyo also offers all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel of its calibre, from a fully equipped gym to an indoor pool with a lovely outdoor terrace. Much like 1 Hotel West Hollywood – one of the most happening places in Los Angeles – the Tokyo branch, which only opened last month, attracts a cool crowd of stylish locals and chic travellers. Spotted Stone, its lively bar, offers more than 110 craft gins from Japan. It’s a great place for a nightcap after dinner at NiNi. Helmed by Nikko Policarpio, the restaurant offers a delightful surf-and-turf take on the cuisine of the French Riviera with Japanese influences, which shines in dishes such as shrimp carpaccio (Hokkaido Botan shrimp, carrot jus, ikura, parsley oil) and michinoku half chicken confit (jus de poulet, sweet and sour orange). Besides wellness activities such as sunrise yoga and sound bath sessions, the hotel stays true to its eco-minded credentials with happenings ranging from kitchen composting 101 to workshops that involve upcycling discarded materials. Those who want to indulge in some me time after a day spent exploring Tokyo’s busy streets should check out Bamford Wellness Spa, where many treatments incorporate techniques such as shiatsu, reflexology and acupressure. 1 Hotel Tokyo is only the latest addition to a luxury hospitality scene that has been on a roll in recent years, due in no small part to a favourable currency rate that has turned Japan into Asia’s top tourist destination. This new arrival, however, stands out in a crowded market thanks to its unique combination of attentive yet informal service, a cool vibe and genuine sustainability efforts. It will bring more exposure to a hidden gem of a brand that in only a decade has come to set the standard for its modern take on responsible luxury. The author stayed as a guest of 1 Hotel Tokyo

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}1 Hotels – which has outposts in cities like London, Copenhagen, Melbourne and West Hollywood – has opened its first Asian location in Akasaka, Tokyo

1 Hotels – which has outposts in cities like London, Copenhagen, Melbourne and West Hollywood – has opened its first Asian location in Akasaka, Tokyo