23-11-2023 (TOKYO) Singapore’s renowned luxury property developer, SC Global, has achieved a remarkable milestone as its inaugural hotel, Setsu Niseko, was crowned the World’s Best New Ski Hotel by the prestigious World Ski Awards. The accolade places Setsu Niseko ahead of formidable nominees including Six Senses Crans-Montana in Switzerland, The Comodo in Austria, and Badia Hill in Italy. The World Ski Awards, a distinguished programme in the realm of ski tourism, determines winners through the input of ski industry professionals, tourists, and skiers worldwide.
Nestled between Mount Yotei and the ski slopes of Mount Annupuri in Hokkaido, Setsu Niseko draws its name and design inspiration from the Japanese expression “setsu-getsu-ka,” which translates to “snow, moon, flowers.” The high-altitude resort, developed by Singaporean architect Mok Wei Wei of W Architects, boasts a facade and interior that blend Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury.
The resort features 190 fully furnished Japanese-style apartments, ranging from studios to penthouses. These curated spaces pay homage to Hokkaido’s rich artistic heritage and culture, displaying a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, and photography. Setsu Niseko also offers a 750 sq m wellness centre – Niseko’s largest – complete with public and private onsen baths and a spa. Additional amenities include six restaurants, a ski rental shop, and a yoga studio.
The resort provides guests with opportunities to participate in seasonal cultural activities, from traditional sake barrel ceremonies to Setsubun, a festival marking the beginning of spring in February. Setsu Niseko has previously garnered attention, securing a top-three finalist position in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 earlier this year. It also received five awards at the 2021 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards in the Greater Niseko category, including Best Hotel Condo Interior Design at the regional grand finals, even before its official opening in December 2022.
While Setsu Niseko marks SC Global’s inaugural overseas resort development, the company, led by founder and chairman Simon Cheong, is setting its sights on further expansion in Japan. Simon Cheong shared that the decision to purchase and develop land around Niseko stemmed from his family’s annual trips to the region, noting that back in 2012, the popular ski destination lacked exceptional lodges.
Commenting on the recent accolade, Cheong expressed his delight, stating, “This award is wonderful news not just for the hotel, but also for Niseko tourism at large, shining a spotlight on one of the finest ski destinations in the world.”
