An insight into the history of Niseko and the birth of Skye Niseko.
Originally an onsen (natural hot spa) resort, Niseko was popular within Japan but remained largely unknown to the rest of the world. Garnering international interest for its stable snow conditions, Niseko's development boom began in the early 2000s. Today, Niseko is famous throughout Japan and around the world for its exceptional powder snow and beautiful scenes of nature all year round.
Combining Japanese character and international influences, Niseko is definitively unique in this world. With rich history, traditional culture, picturesque scenery, bustling environment and action packed activities, Niseko offers more than an unforgettable experience.
Skye Niseko benefited from an extensive multi-year planning process that began in 2010. The goal was to produce a product that is stunning to look at, fabulous to live with, complete in its offering but always without compromising practicality. Multiple international architectural firms were invited to provide design concepts, culminating in a proposal from one of Australia’s pre-eminent architectural and design firms, Architectus. This proposal comprised of two interlocking ‘L’ shaped buildings connected underground providing for extensive grounds but also ensuring that all living rooms and bedrooms have views of the mountains and ski slopes.
Using the topography of the land and incorporating a private elevator for residents’ exclusive use allowed for the creation of an optimally located ski valet which ensures ski-in/ski-out access unmatched anywhere else in Hirafu. Within individual units, all living rooms are orientated to optimize the views for which Niseko is so famed, and all bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms.
The public spaces, lobby, restaurant, spa, gym, onsen, retail space and café have likewise been designed with matching care and attention to ensure that all residents’ needs are met. This has been achieved by marrying first class architecture with a similar quality of interior design handled by two world class interior design firms: Pike Withers, a renowned Sydney-based hospitality and residential interior design firm has handled all residential units excluding the penthouses; and Wilson Associates a US firm based in Dallas, Texas, known for some of the most iconic hotels worldwide has handled the interior design for the public spaces and the penthouses. The results are truly spectacular.
In 2019, Skye Niseko was recognised at the World Ski Awards as one of the Top 3 Best New Ski Hotels in the World.
