Steve Leung, the founder of internationally renowned and award-winning Steve Leung Design Group, is proud to present OOAK Niseko, his family’s holiday dream home in Niseko, Japan’s ski capital in Hokkaido. Starting off as an architect, to developing his professional business of architecture and interior design in parallel, Steve has become one of the most influential leaders in design. As a personal passion project in recent years, Steve has taken the lead to drive the architectural, interior design and art display of the dedicated family residence OOAK Niseko.

OOAK Niseko, Hokkaido – Guest Room

Lauded as the ‘crown jewel’ of Japanese ski resorts and holiday homes, and favoured for its abundance of space and privacy, Niseko is notorious for its mesmerising seasons. Often referred as one of the world’s top 10 ski destinations and the ‘Aspen of Asia’, Niseko is beautifully snow-blanketed with light fluffy powder snow throughout winter; in blissful summer months, it offers an array of outdoor activities including lake boating, lavender fields touring and golfing, to name a few. The destination also witnessed a distinctive cross-cultural phenomenon otherwise unseen in Japan over the past decade, evolving into an international melting pot, and uniquely positioned to celebrate the confluence of Japanese and international architectural design occurring in this special environment, making it the perfect base for OOAK Niseko to unfold in its majesty.

OOAK Niseko, Hokkaido – Massage Room

An acronym for ‘one of a kind’, the OOAK brand is the brainchild of Steve Leung and his family. Fuelled by Steve’s personal motto, “Enjoy Life, Enjoy Design”, OOAK offers a rare experience to enjoy not just exceptional and unique architecture and design, but also beautiful vignettes of his various life inspirations. Steve sought after architect Makoto Nakayama for a collaborative effort further to the successful debut of OOAK Lamma, celebrating the meeting of traditional Japanese aesthetics and Steve’s own design language. Following the similar design ethos between Steve and Nakayama, OOAK Niseko brilliantly showcases a timeless style characterised by clean lines and simple forms, paying homage to the long-established Japanese architecture through liveable spaces that embraces nature through the contemporary space.

OOAK Niseko, Hokkaido – Living Room

Tucked on a hillside with two hinged structures, the two-storey OOAK Niseko is designed in consideration of the natural topography, showcasing the magnificent surrounding of the lush forest and panoramic views of the undulating countryside, whilst applied practical approaches minimise environmental impacts. Seamless transitions define OOAK Niseko, with the exterior and interior harmonious and fluid throughout the 600 square meters space. Three-sided floor-to-ceiling windows sit on the upper floor where the splendid vista of Mount Yotei is available at the alpine sanctuary. Apart from the spacious living and dining areas, the space shows off three large bedrooms, the 94 square meters master suite, – with each room being an ensuite with huge Japanese-style baths. Catering to the residents’ maximum enjoyment and private relaxation, OOAK Niseko has a dedicated entertainment room for karaoke and cigars, as well as a spa room for massage which cultivate more opportunities for quality time with family and friends.

OOAK Niseko, Hokkaido – Guest Room

The architect Makoto Nakayama shared his feelings of gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Steve. Nakayama says:  “it has been my pleasure to work on such a rare passion project with Steve. At first I was a bit wary about working with another architect with a clear vision and opinions about design, but the collaboration was a wonderful and educational experience, and resulted in a more personal work that had a feeling of completeness to it. Steve Leung is a highly sensitive designer who goes through iterative stages, exploring the design from all directions. He makes decisions by considering over and over again with the scale ruler and sketches. This manual style is more disciplined than how I work, and I remain deeply impressed.”

Steve Leung says: “I am thrilled to share my design journey and legacy from a very intimate perspective. Working on my dream home with Nakayama-san, a prominent architect and one of the best, and throughout this meaningful journey, I have learned so much from him and I hope I have returned this great favour. OOAK Niseko is a labour of love and a family home deeply rooted in design and in one of my most favourite locations in Japan.”

The post The ‘OOAK Niseko’ Holiday Dream Home appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Club Med, the pioneer of Premium All-Inclusive holidays, is ready to welcome travellers back to Japan, following the further relaxation of travel restrictions for overseas travellers into the country. This much-anticipated move by the Japanese government is the final lid to allowing overseas travellers easier access into the country after more than two years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Japan has been on the wish-list of many of our guests and travellers alike, listing the country as the top place to visit amongst Asian travellers post-pandemic, according to a survey by the Development Bank of Japan and Japan Travel Bureau Foundation and is the number one choice for 58% of respondents in Southeast Asia according to Club Med’s Southeast Asia Travel Survey for 2021. Our resorts in Japan have been preparing to welcome back our guests with the needs of post-pandemic travellers in mind,” said Rachael Harding, Chief Executive Officer, East and South Asia & Pacific Markets, Club Med. ““We are very excited to introduce another property in Japan to meet this pent-up travel demand and to also showcase both enhanced and new programmes plus activities aimed at multi-generational families. Our guests can look forward to meaningful and distinctive travel experiences that are unique to the destination. This comes of course with our all-inclusive package and flexible booking policy.”

The Brand New Club Med Kiroro Peak, Renovated Club Med Sahoro and New Experiences in Club Med Tomamu

Travellers who have been eyeing Japan as a go-to destination post-pandemic can choose from three Club Med resorts in Japan, each offering unique locations and experiences, just in time for the winter season from some of the best powder snow in the world found on the ski slopes of Hokkaido. Listed below are the unique attractions, experiences and programmes that are available in each of the resorts: 

Club Med Kiroro Peak, Hokkaido – For Savvy Travellers Looking For Unconventional Snow Vacations

Opening in December 2022, experience an unconventional snow vacation at Club Med Kiroro Peak, where mountain meets ocean. The ski-in-ski-out resort offers snow enthusiasts direct access to an untouched ski domain with 23 courses for all levels and pristine off-piste ski slopes. With the highest annual snowfall in Japan (averagely 21 m of snowfall a year) and one of the best powder snow in the world, guests can enjoy abundant snow coverage and long ski seasons that start as early as November and last till May, the only mountain resort in Asia to offer spring skiing with this seasonality.

Aprés-ski the Hokkaido way as Club Med Kiroro Peak offers a wealth of experiences, featuring Club Med’s first traditional Japanese onsen, Rotenburo outdoor open-air hot bathtub, saunas and a dedicated wellness hub. Guests can also expect a multitude of facilities at Club Med Kiroro Peak, including cultural workshops and activities, nature centres and an indoor resort pool. Not forgetting about Club Med Kiroro Grand is set to open in 2023 and welcomes guests of all ages with a wide host of family-oriented activities and facilities suitable for 2 years old and above.

Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido – For the Discerning Travellers Looking to Unlock Hokkaido’s Mountain Charm

Surrounded by the magnificent Hidaka mountain range that is known for their fresh and snowy slopes, experience the exclusivity of a private mountain at Club Med Sahoro. Begin new traditions and experience a true immersion into authentic Japanese culture and heritage. Having completed its renovation in December 2019, the fresh new look is reflected in Club Med Sahoro’s rooms, reception, theatre, dining and outdoor spaces, blending a level of nuanced modernity with traditional Japanese aesthetics while preserving the beauty and splendour of the Ainu culture.

Discover the best of Hokkaido from indulging in a traditional nabemono dining experience in the specialty restaurant and interactive Hokkaido cooking lessons to trying out ski in Club Med’s first ever Ski Simulator (digital climbing wall) and unwinding in an open-air hot Canadian bath amidst a picturesque mountain landscape, Club Med Sahoro offers a unique selection of magical experiences and moments to share with family and friends. 

Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido – For the Trend Seekers Looking to Ride a Different Wave

Situated amidst Tomamu mountain, the 145-hectare ski-in and ski-out resort is a paradise for ski lovers and adventure seekers with 29 ski runs for all levels. The perfect natural playground in this winter wonderland, be the first on the mountain and strap on your skis or snowboards to ride a new wave on the freshly prepared white powdery slopes all day long. The fun doesn’t end after the sun sets as the expert Gentils Organisateurs (G.O.) pave the way for a memorable night skiing session under a star-filled sky. 

Be in for a treat with a host of wonderful and spectacular winter experiences that ignite the senses at Club Med Tomamu. Immerse yourself in Hokkaido culture and mountain lifestyle with a weekly “Feel Hokkaido” Festival and Cosy Winter Lifestyle concept over special themed activities and entertainment. Not forgetting that food aficionados will have a great time savouring a farm-to-table authentic yakiniku barbecue and indulging in the best local brews with a guided tasting of three premium Japanese whiskies and sakes at The Nest.

A Snow Holiday Like No Other

With over 25 ski resorts spanned across Canada, France, Italy, China and Japan, Club Med offers a world of incomparable snow experiences. Guests can expect an all-inclusive, hassle-free holiday experience Club Med is renowned for, which includes accommodation with refined comfort and contemporary interior design, gourmet cuisine and open bar located in exceptional destinations. This is completed with a myriad of activities and entertainment throughout the day including ski and snowboarding classes with ski passes, as well as kids’ clubs from 4 to 17 years of age which are made possible by an attentive and dedicated G.O. team. 

Peace of mind in a post-pandemic world

Club Med has developed Safe Together, a guest assurance program with the support of Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services, to ensure optimal health and safety of the travellers through a series of heightened hygiene and safety protocols implemented across all of Club Med’s resorts and aligned with recommendations from the worldwide health authorities and local regulations.

Aside from heightened safety measures, Club Med also understands the need for increased flexibility and security with travel planning and has introduced the Peace of Mind policy at the start of the pandemic, giving travellers the freedom of a complementary change of travel date, a book-now-pay-later option, and free cancellation of up to 30 days before the travel date. Complimentary COVID-19 coverage is also included in its all-inclusive holiday package for international destinations.

Offering a unique blend of sports, cultural experiences, family activities and peace of mind, Club Med aims to make travel happen again to the land of the rising sun, with a renewed purpose of providing their guests with a Premium All-Inclusive worry-free experience. The same all-inclusive signature formula of great people, transformative experiences and idyllic destinations await guests at Club Med.

For more information about Club Med. Please visit www.clubmed.co.th 

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