Celebrity Life

It’s the final night of our three-night stay at Kiroro Resort, on Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido, and a soothing stillness descends along with the big, fluffy flakes of snow that have been falling almost non-stop since our arrival. With only two hotels tucked in the bowl of a small valley, Kiroro is a far cry from its bigger and busier neighbour Niseko. But not long after the sun sets and the entire valley becomes shrouded in darkness, cheers ring out as the sky lights up in a dazzling display of fireworks.

Kiroro, it seems, has a lot to celebrate. The one-time corporate retreat for Japanese conglomerate Yamaha (whose chairman tasked his staff 25 years ago with locating the best snow in all of Japan) is attracting more and more visitors for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, Japanese-style hospitality and wide range of activities to keep the entire family entertained. And, as locals are quick to point out, the best powder in the entire world.

It’s January when we visit and check in at The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, which served as Yamaha’s employee retreat before it was purchased by Thai developer Property Perfect and converted into a 282-room hotel. Property Perfect also owns the 140-room Sheraton a few minutes’ drive away, at the base of Kiroro’s twin mountains, and the Yu Kiroro condominium complex that’s due for completion by the end of 2019. Just a 90-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, Kiroro also happens to be the closest ski resort to Otaru and Sapporo.

After dropping our bags in the spacious double rooms situated around the hotel’s central atrium, it’s time for a tour of the facilities. As with most, if not all, Japanese hotels, there are various public bathing options including a smaller single bath inside the hotel and a larger complex that requires a brief walk outside but is rewarded with indoor and outdoor baths and -- my favourite after a long day of skiing -- massage chairs in the relaxation area.

[caption id="attachment_153672" align="alignnone" width="3811"] Fresh powder on the hills surrounding the resort.[/caption]

The Kiroro also has an arcade, small fitness room, outdoor-activities centre, arts and crafts room, pirate- themed play area and makeshift town with bars and restaurants as well as a gear and souvenir shop. In winter, there’s a skating rink, snow park for kids and the Ice Star Resort bar/restaurant built entirely of ice.

After learning about the weather systems that bring cold air from Siberia and across the Sea of Japan to deliver about 21 metres of snow annually in Kiroro (only after which they move on to Niseko), we can hardly wait to hit the slopes. With snow falling steadily for about 150 days a year -- which means Kiroro has the added advantage of Japan’s longest ski season, from November to May and sometimes even stretching into June -- there’s no need for artificial snow and no risk of avalanche.

Once we’re geared up at the Mountain Center and equipped with a handy smart card that stores our sizes and lift passes, all that’s left to do is choose our first run. Kiroro comprises 22 groomed runs on Nagamine and Asari peaks, served by nine lifts (all covered except one) and a gondola. And the best part? Because this is Kiroro, and not Niseko or Nagano, we never have to wait in line.

So we jump on the gondola that takes us to the summit of Asari Peak and kick things off with a photo op at the resort’s famous Niisa Bell, a local landmark that appeared in the Thai film One Day and is said to result in marriage for couples who ring the bell twice.

[caption id="attachment_153670" align="alignnone" width="3500"] The row of restaurants and shops outside the Kiroro.[/caption]

The bell tower is also a fun way to see just how deep the snow is, which on the day we visited reached at least halfway up the 5.8-metre-high structure. But we came here to ski and for the rest of the day, that’s what we do. This being my first time skiing in Hokkaido -- and first visit to the island since a three-month exchange programme in college -- I had high hopes for its legendary powder.

And, as it turns out, it’s legendary for a reason. At times I feel like I’m floating down a run, at others both relieved and surprised when what would normally be a patch of ice carved by previous skiers or boarders is nothing but smooth, packed powder.

Kiroro has a good mix of beginner and expert runs, plus extra snow features and banks for practice and tricks. For the more adventurous, it also has extensive off-piste offerings. Skiers must register with a Mountain Club, where they’re provided with safety equipment and tracking devices. Thanks to these measures and various checkpoints, it’s possible to find anyone lost or injured in the backcountry within 20 minutes.

Off-piste skiing is certainly something to aspire to on our next visit, but after talking to the hotel staff and local residents we could be back even before the next ski season. Hokkaido is one of those rare places that can truly claim to be a year-round destination.

[caption id="attachment_153668" align="alignnone" width="4928"] Taking in the scenery.[/caption]

From the lush beauty of spring (despite the lack of a rainy season) and the perfect hiking and golfing weather of summer, to the beautiful display of autumn colours (not to mention Japan’s biggest and best beer festival), and of course that powder in winter, the island satisfies all comers. And perhaps the best news I’ve heard: no mosquitoes.

Finally, and one of the main reasons people visit Japan, is the food. Hokkaido, I’m told by our Kiroro hosts, supplies most of the country’s foodstuff. It’s most famous for its seafood and dairy products but the island also produces some of the finest fruits, vegetables and speciality dishes such as ramen and jingisukan (the latter being the iconic grilled meat-and-veggie dish otherwise known as Genghis Khan).

The restaurants at Kiroro, like the rest on the island, focus on serving the best of the season. For our winter visit, that means big, meaty king crab legs, colourful assortments of fresh-caught sashimi, thinly sliced pork belly for hot pot, and some incredible sake.

As I’m lying back in my massage chair after a full day of feasting, snow-cat touring and snowshoeing, flakes continuing to fall silently outside, I wonder how I’m going to describe the Kiroro experience. And then I recall the words of the resort’s COO, Lothar Pehl: “You have to see it to believe it. It’s as simple as that.”

Yu Kiroro, a ski-in ski-out luxury condominium, is the first of many exciting developments at Kiroro Resort.

Since acquiring the two hotels and ski resort at Kiroro in 2012, Property Perfect has set its sights on creating nothing less than “the premier alpine destination in Asia”. The next step in its master plan is Yu Kiroro, a 108-unit luxury condominium due for completion in December of this year.

The six-storey building sits in between the Sheraton and Tribute hotels and will be connected to the slopes by a new combi lift/gondola serving all three buildings. It will also offer ski valet services, a family-friendly snow sports area, and natural indoor and outdoor hot-springs baths as well asstandard amenities such as all-day dining and a fitness centre.

Inside, the units range from one-bedroom (667 square feet), two- bedroom (904 -- 1,367 square feet) and-three bedroom (1,313–1,507 square feet), to a four-bedroom penthouse (2,874 square feet). Even the smallest units are suitable for long stays with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and all furniture and accessories provided.

[gallery ids="153671,153667"]

The design, meanwhile, is described as 70 percent alpine and 30 percent Japanese with muted colours, and wood and stone finishes. The penthouse also features a private outdoor bath and spacious entertaining areas. Yu Kiroro is just one part of Property’s Perfect long-term vision for the valley. The Thai company plans to develop an entire village with villas, townhouses and apartments centred around dining and shopping areas, a premium ski club for the winter and various outdoor activities year-round.
With more and more visitors hailing from Thailand, China, Indonesia and the rest of the region, Hokkaido could well be on the cusp of an Asian ski boom. And if the 2020 Olympics raise the level of international tourism even further, Kiroro could well be perfectly positioned for its developers and investors alike.

For more information on Yu Kiroro, including floor plans, property news and investment opportunities, see yukiroro.com. For information on Kiroro Resort, see kiroro.co.jp. Both properties are accessible from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, with non-stop flights from Hong Kong (roughly five hours) available from Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines.

The post Welcome to Kiroro, The Premier Alpine Destination in Asia appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Located on the sought after Brickell Avenue, this ultra-luxurious Miami penthouse is considered an exclusive architectural icon south of New York. It'll only cost you US$37 million.

The post Luxury Miami Penthouse in prestigious Echo Brickell is asking for US$37 million appeared first on LUXUO.

In the heart of Bangkok’s oh-so-vogue Ploenchit and a literal stone’s throw away from Wireless Road stands the opulent Noble Ploenchit, the city’s iconic 51-floor skyscraper that will be sure to bring its highly-esteemed inhabitants to new heights.

The condominium is extremely close to all of Bangkok’s golden treasures, with a direct connection to the BTS skywalk.

[caption id="attachment_74354" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] In the heart of Phloenchit[/caption]

The luxury of shopping is also within very close reach, as the condominium’s local neighbourhood stores are none other than Central Chidlom, Central World, Gaysorn Plaza and Central Embassy. Some of the finest educational institutions of Thailand, Mater Dei School and Chulalongkorn University are also nearby. And across the road you’ll find the office buildings of Park Ventures and All Seasons Tower. Commuting, by foot on a five-minute walk, could not be made any easier.

Noble is built around the concept “Architecture of Future Living”. Each of the units, from the one, two and three bedrooms to the penthouses, do so much more with less as the minimalism school of design is the philosophy that circulates every corner and crevice of the property. It is no wonder why such a philosophy has been highly influential time and again in the world of art and design as in a world of chaos, the mind sees beauty in simplicity.

[caption id="attachment_74355" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Minimalism means more space for what you really love: happiness[/caption]

And a grand simplicity is what you’ll find at Noble. Even with the smaller units, for instance the one-bedrooms, the space feels larger than it actually is as the design and layout of the furniture and rich fittings are to such a high standard that it complements and brings out the best of the space.

Boasting 4 rai of lush serene gardens and sky gardens across all 4 of its towers, the condominium certainly is a breath of fresh air for busy city dwellers who want to be close to nature while still remaining in the centre of it all. Let’s face it, the way this city moves, who would want to miss a beat by leaving?

[caption id="attachment_74384" align="aligncenter" width="1019"] Nature and the city[/caption]

Privacy is an utmost delicacy when it comes to living at the Noble as residents are able to elevate their ultimate living experience through having a private lift that takes them straight to their living space in a matter of seconds.

[caption id="attachment_74641" align="aligncenter" width="1014"] A private lift straight to your home[/caption]

In tower blocks B and C, there are certain units that come with balconies free of obstruction that allow residents to feel like they are almost reaching out and touching Bangkok's skyline. They can also do so without suffering from the heat as the building uses a new central water-cooled system that is quiet, energy efficient, eco-friendly and easy to maintain.

[caption id="attachment_74356" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Overlooking All Season's Place[/caption]

One of the highlights of Noble that makes it stand out far more than the hundreds of luxury high-end condominiums of Bangkok is its incredibly long 45m zero-gravity pool. This length is almost Olympic size! ­ There aren’t many pools in Bangkok right now that boast zero gravity, which ensures a very different swimming experience altogether. If you haven’t already swam in zero-gravity, we highly recommend you try it!

[caption id="attachment_74353" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] An almost Olympic-sized pool[/caption]

Other facilities include:

• state-of-the-art and futuristic fitness room;
• steam room and sauna;
• game's room
• mailrooms in each of the towers;
• juristic office on call for whatever demand you may have;
• CCTV on for 24 hours;
• high-tech security system with access control by key card;
• security officer on call for 24 hours;
• car park with 1,000 parking spaces

If this sounds like an abode you've been dreaming to live in, we highly recommend you get in touch with Noble Ploenchit as soon as possible. Come with yourself, as the penthouses and 3-bedrooms have already, not to our surprise, sold out!

Noble Phloenchit is located on Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330. For more information, please call (+66)-02-251-9955. To register for more information, please visit www.noblehome.com/condominium/ploenchit/en/home.

The post The Noble Life appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

New York Yankees designated hitter and 14-time MLB All-Star, Alex “A-Rod” Rodriguez, has joined the ranks of celebrity buyers at GranParaiso, the final and most luxurious condominium tower in the ten-acre Paraiso oasis. A-Rod scored a 3,200 square-foot penthouse with breathtaking views and expansive 12-foot ceilings on the 53rd level of the signature glass tower.  Paraiso is […]

The post Alex Rodriguez to buy into Related’s Star-Studded GranParaiso appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.