(TAN): Higashiyama Niseko Village, the newest resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, has begun to welcome guests to Japan’s top winter sports destination of Niseko. Located in the country’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Higashiyama Niseko Village offers an exceptional escape for guests seeking personal and physical exploration.
The resort, owned by YTL Hotels, is a ski-in/ski-out property that interweaves the highest level of personalised service and care with the charm of Japan’s local history, culture and cuisine. Higashiyama Niseko Village is only the fifth Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the world, and the very first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Japan.
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Higashiyama Niseko Village, positioned at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in the heart of Niseko Village, is an integrated all-season alpine resort. The resort is set within the Niseko United ski area that offers 2,191 acres of skiable terrain and access to extensive backcountry skiing. The area also has an international ski school, chairlifts and gondolas, a dining and retail venue, an outdoor activity park and two world-class golf courses.
Unfolding over a vast landscape with panoramic views of Mount Yotei and Mount Niseko Annupuri, the inspiration behind the ultra-luxury resort lies in the Japanese proverb “Kachou Fuugetsu” (Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon) that encourages reverence for the transient beauty of nature and wellbeing through self-discoveries. Expressions of heartfelt emotional connections, indigenous aesthetics, unique cuisine and sensory-rich journeys characterise every element of the guest experience.
Higashiyama Niseko Village features 50 guest rooms and suites appointed with refined amenities. A sense of cultivated beauty infuses all the spaces in the resort, with natural polished marble, fragrant cedarwood and flame brushed finished granite. Every space is designed to frame nature, showcasing the transitions of light and the seasons on the nearby mountains.
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“Marriott International’s luxury brand footprint continues to expand in Japan, and we are very excited to be opening the very first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the country, the latest property in our long-standing partnership with YTL Hotels,” said Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “Despite the challenges of the past year, we have seen a strong growth in demand from the luxury travel sector. With the opening of Higashiyama Niseko Village, we look forward to providing our guests a warm and familiar welcome, a luxurious home away from home when they travel to Niseko, Japan’s amazing winter wonderland.”
Its culinary ethos focuses on the philosophy of “shun”, the celebration of seasonal produce harvested at its peak. Guests can expect delectable cuisine that mirrors the seasons with the finest locally sourced vegetables, prized cuts and seafood served at Yukibana, or quintessential dining experiences at Sushi Nagi that observes the omakase tradition of entrusting the “Itamae”, or head chef, with his delicate creations. Customised cocktails, single malts and local brews may be savoured by the fireplace at Ume Lounge, with an eclectic array of Izakaya-style dishes.
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Bringing to life the Reserve brand’s commitment to intuitive and heartfelt service, a trusted personal host or “Do San” (a person of Hokkaido) will assist guests in a highly personalised stay through a single touchpoint to access every service, amenity and offerings. Their sense of genuine care and responsibility, known as “omotenashi”, is the gold standard of Japanese hospitality, driven from the purity of heart and mutual respect with no pretence or expectation, that has evolved over the centuries as a subtle art form.
With a holistic focus on wellness, the bespoke spa offers tailored treatments to provide respite for the body and soul. The resort also features a traditional Japanese onsen for guests to luxuriate in the rejuvenating mineral-rich waters of Niseko’s natural underground hot springs. For guests who wish to maintain their workout routines during their stay, the resort offers a fitness centre complete with high-end Technogym equipment.
Leveraging Niseko’s heritage and varied recreation, Higashiyama Reservists, the resort’s creative curators are familiar with the locale, terrain and natural wonders, and offer a crafted collection of unforgettable excursions and self-discovery experiences. Reservists are always on hand to provide guests with the best insider tips, exclusive access and priority privileges that span nature, adventure, culture and gastronomy.
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“There are presently five Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world, each one a rare destination in itself, set aside for those who appreciate a sanctuary of bespoke luxury in some of the most beautiful places on earth,” said Jennie Toh, Vice President, Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “The exceptional Higashiyama Niseko Village is one such place, where our guests are able to enjoy the beautiful alpine surroundings, and then come home to be pampered by the impeccable luxury, amenities and service that only the Ritz-Carlton Reserve can offer.”
