Hit slopes in luxe style in Japan
Don’t plan to spend a lot of time indoors after arriving at Higashiyama Niseko Village, Japan’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property — and only the fifth property in the world to receive such a designation. The swish new resort is at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, known for getting an impressive average of 18.3 metres of snowfall every year, making the region a hot spot destination for powder snow activities.
The ultra-luxe hotel is a must-visit for winter sports lovers, offering access to almost 890 hectares of land that is ideal for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and reindeer-pulled sleigh rides. But action-packed days aren’t limited to cold weather: golfing, zip lining, horseback riding and more are all available during the warmer months.
When designing the resort, hoteliers drew inspiration from “Kachou Fuugetsu,” a Japanese proverb that translates to “flower, bird, wind, moon” and is meant to encourage self-discovery through nature. This ethos is, of course, reflected in the sports focus at Higashiyama Niseko Village, but also through other indulgent sensory-fuelled experiences, like the stunning panoramic views of the mountain range that can be had from within the hotel, the high-tech on-site fitness centre, and the restaurant menus that emphasize and celebrate seasonal, locally-produced ingredients. The spa, meanwhile, features a traditional Japanese onsen that is filled with the mineral-rich waters from Niskeo’s underground hot springs.
After an exhilarating day on the slopes, there’s no better way to wind down than in one of the hotel’s 50 elegant rooms (starting at $915). Floor-to-ceiling windows highlight the scenic landscape while natural textures of polished marble and cedarwood fill the space. Personal hosts, referred to as do sans, are also on hand to guide guests through the resort’s services and assist with special requests. It’s enough to make you forget how cold it will be outside when you decide to do it all over again the next day.