The promise of pampering with all the convenience of home is what is drawing people to invest in properties that belong to six-star resorts. It also means you can relax without worrying about having to hire staff to clean or check on your investment. And for this holiday season, powdery-white ski resorts are just the ticket.
Families looking for quality holiday homes, 'where they can build a family holiday legacy', are investing in Japan's Capella Niseko Resort and Residences, says Ernest Tsang, general partner of Annupuri Land.
Situated in the heart of Niseko, a popular ski destination in Hokkaido, the project aims to attract the top 10 per cent of the travel market and is scheduled to be completed by winter 2012. 'Most buyers come from Hong Kong and Singapore as they like Japan, its proximity to home, its culture and food, its safety and security, freehold title, and the quality of activities and services Japan offers,' Tsang says. Properties range from 2,000 sqft for apartments to 5,538 sqft for villas and are priced at HK$8 million to HK$40 million.
Niseko is a snow haven, and the resort has been designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando - recognised as the father of modern Japanese design, Tsang says. 'When we started choosing designers and architects, we wanted to build a Japanese resort, not another resort that's similar to those others around the world. We believe Ando's work represents the true Japanese style and cultural essence.'
This is the first project in Japan by Annupuri Land and will be managed by Capella Hotels and Resorts, led by hotelier Horst Schulze from the Ritz-Carlton. The property also comes with a spa, gym, indoor pool, natural hot springs, various dining experiences, children's activities, full valet and concierge services and a wedding chapel.
Tsang says holidaymakers are drawn to Niseko's accessibility - by rail, road and direct international flights to Sapporo's new Chitose Airport, which is 120km away.