Sekitei

Nine detached villas cascade down a terraced hillside above Japan's Inland Sea, each with its own plunge pool and a direct view of Miyajima's famous red torii gate floating on the water below. This is a traditional ryokan, which means the nightlife is a cup of local sake and a slow walk through spectacular gardens, and that turns out to be plenty. The Michelin Guide awarded it 2 Keys.

One honor, in evidence: