Online
Shizuka Ryokan is proud to be featured on a number of websites, offering an independent, external perspective on its facilities and services. The following is an evolving list of some of these sites...
- Traveler Reviews for Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa Retreat
Getaway
The following is what leading television travel lifestyle programme says about Shizuka Ryokan...
"Centuries ago, when Japan was not the safe place to travel as it is today, ryokans or inns were built as safe havens for relaxation and rejuvenation for weary travellers. Merchants stayed in the ryokans as they moved about the country selling their wares. They have evolved into places for travellers of all kinds and Shizuka Ryokan is the only purpose-built ryokan in Australia.
Hepburn Springs is the B&B capital of Australia and a ryokan is the Japanese version of a B&B. Shizuka, which is Japanese for tranquility, has a staff of Japanese looking after guests in true traditional style.
The building is Japanese farm-style with white stucco walls, cross beams and a grey, tiled roof. The lounge and dining areas are off the main reception. The lounge has a fireplace and comfortable chairs and off there is a traditional sunken Japanese garden with the ryokan's seven rooms around the garden.
Each of the rooms has a private courtyard with Japanese garden and en-suite spa. Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided, but there is no telephone or television — there is, however, a CD player. There is delicate matting on the floor and shoes must be removed before entering your room.
During the day, the room is set up with a low table. Traditionally, people eat dinner in their room but at Shizuka you may also eat in the dining room. After dinner, guests usually take a stroll in the garden as staff take away the dinner plates and prepare your futon, ready for sleeping.
Part of the ryokan experience is to enjoy Japanese therapy. There are various types and are done nearby to the guests' room. Traditional shiatsu and aromatherapy are on offer and can be booked for one hour. You can also treat yourself to a facial, body wrap or foot spa.
Remember, when you wear your traditional blue and white yukata — or cotton robe — put the left side over the right side. The other way around is reserved for the dead!
Shizuka is nestled amongst ancient pines on a one-and-a-half-hectare property, and is simply perfect for couples or small groups, or anyone who needs some harmony, beauty and simplicity in their lives.
- Catriona Rowntree
TheTravelRag
The TravelRag website contains independent reviews of interesting and unusual destinations throughout the world. Shizuka Ryokan has joined some elite accommodation providers on this site with a detailed profile and review written by experienced travel journalist Megan Flamer.
Please explore our own website, then see what a respected independent travel source says of our facilities and services. Go directly to the review at... http://thetravelrag.com/docs/10108.asp Also, check out the homepage of what's billed as "the independent traveller's read" at ...thetravelrag.com
Derryn Hinch
High profile journalist and media commentator Derryn Hinch recently visited Shizuka Ryokan and subsequently reviewed the experience, making comparisons to ryokan he has visited in Kyoto.
See the travel page of the official Derryn Hinch website for his overall impressions, whilst the review of Shizuka's cuisine is featured in the "Hungry Hinch" column.
Travel Intelligence
Respected English website Travel Intelligence is currently featuring a review of Shizuka Ryokan here
The Great Outdoors
See what the 7 Network's respected television travel lifestyle programme says about Shizuka Ryokan here
Additionally, "The Great Outdoors" has shown that there's plenty in Spa Country to occupy one's masculine side...
The twin towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have long held the title of Australia's "Spa Capital", offering a myriad of theurapeutic wellness treatments ranging from facials to Shiatsu massage. The region additionally features the natural benefits of "taking the waters" in the area known for producing some 80% of all of Australia's mineral water output. Accordingly, Spa Country is a natural magnet for couples, singles and even girl's and hen's celebrations. If this all sounds a bit warm, fuzzy and feminine to you, then it's time to discover the blokey side of Spa Country.
For the full report, click here
Lonely Planet
"If you don't find inner peace at this exquisite sanctuary then you need to find a karmic physician. Inspired by ryokan inns (traditional places of renewal and rejuvenation in Japan) this property is a serene getaway which strikes the perfect balance between traditional and modern.
Beautiful as the accommodation is, Shizuka Ryokan is also known for its spa treatments - and you should certainly sample the menu while you're here. Shiatsu, reiki and other massages are on offer, or you could enjoy a Geisha Facial, Herbal Back or Body Polish. And for the couples? Try the three-hour Synergy Package."
See the full review and recommendation from respected travel publisher "Lonely Planet" here For other online editorials, see our online review archive.
Word of Mouth
My wife and I celebrated our first year anniversary here, considering that paper was the traditional gift. We were impressed by the decor, the traditional room layout, Japanese massage and fantastic breakfast. With rooms limited to 6, it was a wonderfully intimate affair. The staff service is excellent and the surroundings pristine and relaxing. It is the perfect romantic getaway.
See the full review at the consumer recommendation site "Word of Mouth on the Web"
Victoria's "Top 101" Places to Stay
Travel organisation RACV has completed its campaign to find Victoria's Top 101 Places to Stay. Just visit the RACV website to see why Shizuka Ryokan was voted into this exclusive list.
TripAdvisor
"We stayed at Shizuka for 3 beautiful nights and have promised to return. Everything was better than I had imagined. The staff were lovely, and we had fun practising our Japanese with them. No request was too hard.
The spa treatments were also delightful and when compared to the major mineral spa complex down the road was quite reasonable in price too. The authenticity is amazing from the suprisingly comfortable futon bed to the wooden bathing stool and bucket!
All up we had a fantastic holiday at Shizuka and returned home feeling recharged very relaxed. The atmosphere is so tranquil, Shizuka is not just a place to sleep it's a destination in itself."
See the full review at the consumer travel recommendation site TripAdvisor