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Scott Dunn, leaders of luxury travel, unveil one of the world’s most inspiring travel experiences as a new addition to its extraordinary Signature Departure journeys. The exclusive Guntû, a nineteen-room floating Japanese ryokan in the Seto Inland Sea in southwestern Japan, offers quintessential Japanese hospitality on board a boutique yacht that sails across some of the world’s most scenic oceanscapes. The three-day, two-night itinerary takes guests on a journey of romance and history through the island-dotted waters of the tranquil and historic Seto Inland Sea.

Whilst onboard Guntû, Scott Dunn couples luxury with adventure by crafting optional activities for exploration of the surrounding area. The excursions invite explorers to unearth the charming streets of Miyajima Island, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine, a  cultural symbol of Japanese aesthetics and discover the legendary ‘floating’ Tori Gate. Guests are also transported ashore by the yacht’s speed boats for a stroll and a first-hand look into local Japanese culture and the authentic and peaceful rural way of life.

Guntû is the pinnacle of luxury as a unique combination of a traditional Japanese Ryokan and a magnificent modern yacht. Designed by the renowned Japanese architect, Yasushi Horibe, the yacht’s distinct wooden aesthetic creates a refreshing, comfortable interior that forms a cocoon for guests to relax in. Horibe’s design exudes Japanese culture, from the bedrooms to the traditional style veranda that encases the yacht – reminiscent of those found in temples and traditional houses. Featuring just nineteen suites in four different styles, the focal point of each showcases the breath-taking views from an outdoor terrace. Each cabin has a wine cellar with high quality wines, including the finest of Japanese rice wines or saké and state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen speakers with an iPad pro. The fourteen Terrace Suites include a glassed-in bathroom with panoramic views to give the experience of being at one with the sea. Two of these have an open-air bath, providing an unobstructed view of the horizon. The two Grand Suites feature the most extensive terraces with an open-air bath and daybed to enjoy the unrestricted views of Setouchi. For guests searching for extra privacy and luxury, the exclusive Guntû Suite at the bow of the yacht has forward facing windows and a large open-air Cypress bath to indulge in pure tranquillity. Throughout the voyage, guests will be enveloped in iconic Japanese service. Guntû boasts a collection of cuisines tailored to each guests’ palette – the onboard, devoted chefs design each meal around the beauty of simplicity, preparing a selection of fresh fish and meat from the Setouchi area with other locally grown ingredients. Guests are invited to choose their favourite fish and meat from a specially curated selection by the Head Chef who assists each diner for an exquisite meal. For those wanting a traditional sushi counter experience, the intimate six seater Sushi Bar is run by Nobuo Sakamoto of the infamous Nobu, who divulges the delicate yet profound flavour of the freshly caught, seasonal fish each day. Alternatively, Western cuisine is also served, infused with a Japanese style – from seafood croquettes to a British stew inspired by Setouchi ingredients. These twists on classic dishes can be ordered as an accompaniment with the traditional Japanese cuisine.

An onboard spa includes communal baths, saunas and refined treatment rooms with traditional Japanese massages. The expert therapists are trained explicitly in Choukoku-Lymph treatments that warm the body on a bedrock mat, as well as the Japanese-style Nentai massage, which eases distortions and tensions within the body. These treatments are also available within the privacy of each suite.

This new Scott Dunn Signature Departure is paired with a visit to Okayama for a two-night stay in the soulful Kotohira Ryokan and a trip to Kagawa’s Ritsurin Garden, the most famous garden in Japan. An expert Scott Dunn Travel Concierge and an English speaking guide accompanies guests on the tour.