I drove to Manpa Resort, the only hotel in Wakanoura with a spa. After passing the fishing port, the road climbs steeply up the hill. The ample view on the drive up uplifted the senses. You make a series of curves until coming to a large building on the left.
One step inside, you are overwhelmed by the wondrous scenery. The whole wall of the lobby is glass and the blue sea fills your entire field of vision. Without even thinking, I let loose with a big "Wow!"

I was greeted by Assistant Manager, Mr. Yoshimura. The lobby was designed to look like the South Seas and makes you feel comfortable right away. It seems like an excellent spot for reading.
They have a restaurant called "Kamometei," which also serves coffee at teatime. Of course, you can eat there, as well. When I asked Mr. Yoshimura about the menu, he replied, "We will win your hearts and minds with seafood. This being Wakayama, we have hairtail sashimi and so forth. Many of our guests from other prefectures in Japan can't believe how good it is."

There is a bar in the one corner of the lobby; you can pick your preferred spot and enjoy whatever drink you prefer. The terrace looks directly over the sea, so you can hear the placating sound of the waves braking. They have tables and chairs outside, therefore, after a nice hot bath in the spa, you can enjoy some of the locally brewed ume (plum) brandy to the rhythm of the waves. The bar inside can accommodate anyone who wishes to drink more.

When I asked about any recommended walking trails, I was told, "The coastal boardwalk is a popular spot, but hiking up Mt. Takatsushi is good as well. One-way is about 30 minutes and, from the observation deck at the peak, you can see downtown Wakayama and a panoramic view of Wakaura Bay." It seems like an excellent choice for doing that exercise you never do.

I commented to Ms. Horiuchi, who has been working at the hotel for about a year now, that "Working in a place with such a fantastic view must be great," to which she replied with a smile, "When I came to the job interview, I saw the view and said to myself this is where I want to work."
As a side note, Ms. Horiuchi's recommendations for souvenirs are the "Ashibe-yaki" fish paste made in Wakanoura and Manpa's original "Dai-Dai Seville Orange Dressing". You have got to try them.