Aman’s fourth resort in Japan is Aman Niseko – an all-season retreat situated on the high slopes of Mt Moiwa on an untouched nature reserve amidst the undiscovered gem of Hokkaido’s Niseko region, scheduled to open in 2023.
With 30 guest rooms, extensive wellness facilities and a number of restaurants on an expansive 187-hectare site, this forthcoming resort and destination with exclusive residences, will provide an all-season retreat and will see Aman lay foundations on Hokkaido, Japan’s untamed northern wilderness, for the first time.
The Niseko region is renowned for its abundant snowfall, vast long ski runs and endless powder. The summer months are equally appealing, with mild weather ideal for hiking, mountain biking and river rafting. Mountains, forests and rivers dominate in a dramatic landscape that has entranced artists and poets for centuries, while Japan’s onsen bathing rituals, together with the history of the Ainu people and renowned cuisine are unique cultural offerings. Immersed in nature, Aman Niseko will be situated just minutes from the restaurants, cultural museums and entertainment of Niseko’s five main areas – Moiwa, Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri and Hanazono.Paying homage to Japan’s ryokan (traditional inn), Aman Niseko will frame spectacular forest and mountain vistas from every angle, while incorporating open fireplaces, private Furo bathtubs in each room and onsen facilities. Terraces will offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, and wooden accents throughout the interiors will provide warmth, depth and a sense of bringing nature within.
Sensitive to the natural dictates of the property and aligned with its cultural setting, the resort and its residences have been designed by Kerry Hill Architects, also responsible for the design of Aman’s other Japan properties; Aman Tokyo, Amanemu and Aman Kyoto. Spaces are laid out in a masterful linear design that invites the outside in through floor to ceiling windows and doors. Feature walls reflect the time of day, as well as the changing seasons, while volume and transition are notable motifs.
The first full spa and wellness resort in Japan, Aman Niseko will offer peace for the senses in multi-faceted experiences that nourish mind, body and soul. Personalised retreat programmes crafted in consultation with each guest will offer the benefits of Japanese and European spa and healing rituals, fitness and mindfulness activities, and healthy cuisine for indulgence and vitality.
The Aman Spa will feature single and double treatment suites, pre-treatment lounges, relaxation pods and extensive thermal spa areas, including Finnish saunas, Watsu treatment chamber, cold plunge pools, steam rooms, hammam, experience showers and onsen. An indoor lap pool and an aqua fitness pool will overlook an outdoor terrace with forest and mountain views. An expansive spa lounge leads to a boutique and Spa Tea Room.
A number of dining venues will make this new Aman as much of a culinary destination, as a ski and all-season mountain retreat. Offering both fine dining Japanese, and Italian in Aman’s Arva concept, together with a number of other venues which will offer seasonal cuisine – whether international comfort food for the winter or inspired lighter flavours for the summer season.
The two-storey kids club will feature a reception area, healthy refreshment area and macha bar, an indoor playground, bowling alley, games zone, theatre, matcha bar, half a basketball court, indoor swimming and wading pools, male and female changing rooms, and an extensive outdoor terrace. There will also be a toddler’s play area and a nap room. Experienced staff will be on hand at all times to entertain and watch over children of all ages.
With just 31 exclusive Aman branded residences, Aman Niseko presents a unique opportunity to own a home within a very select community, immersed in the Aman lifestyle and the remarkable natural splendour of Hokkaido. Not only that, the residences are built on a mountain within a nature reserve – a first in Japan. Residence owners will also enjoy privileged access to all the wellness and dining facilities of Aman Niseko, the first retreat of its kind in Japan.
Set on a forested slope, with sensational views of Mount Yotei, the free-standing, two-storey residences will demonstrate the same calming aesthetic as the resort, with interiors customisable to suit individual preferences. The addition of home theatres, massage rooms, wine cellars and cigar rooms are all possibilities. This ultimate residential experience offers private indoor and outdoor onsen hot spring facilities, extensive entertaining areas and staff quarters which will complement three en-suite bedrooms over two floors, with a loft-like mezzanine level. This is enhanced by a covered garage, dedicated ski-room, and ample storage.
Vladislav Doronin, Chairman and CEO of Aman, said, ‘The announcement of Aman Niseko follows the recent and successful debut of Aman Kyoto. Aman Niseko is designed in harmony with its expansive and serene surroundings and the resort and residences will embrace Aman’s devotion to detail and impeccable service. This all-season resort will be a haven of peacefulness immersed in the purest Japanese scenery with the renowned thoughtfulness of Japanese hospitality’.
Part of its Japanese portfolio, Aman Niseko, together with Aman Kyoto are owned by Kyoto Resorts, a subsidiary of the Chartered Group. Mr Eyal Agmoni, Chairman of the Chartered Group, said ‘As owners of Aman Kyoto which opened on 1 November 2019, we look forward to revealing Japan’s next Aman, this time on nature reserve on a sloping forested hillside in an exclusive valley that we own and are developing. This destination retreat with residences will set a new benchmark in Japan’.
Destined to be a sanctuary of privacy, serenity and renewal overlooking legendary Mount Yotei and resting on the upper slopes just west of Annupuri is Niseko’s finest gem – Moiwa. Peaceful and secluded, it is in this breathtaking setting that Aman will unveil a new sanctuary of privacy, serenity and renewal.
