Few parts of the world do luxury as well as Asia. And few hotels do luxury as well as Ritz-Carlton.
Which is why fans of luxury travel and way-cool Asia experiences should be excited by news of two new Ritz-Carlton properties across the Pacific. One is a beautiful resort on the north shore of Koh Samui, a fantastic island off the coast of Thailand with fabulous beaches, glimmering waterfalls and wonderful snorkeling and diving opportunities. The other is a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Niseko Village, which is set at the base of Mount Niseko-Annupuri, the Japanese ski region.
The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui will be developed in the region of Plai Laem, known for its white sand beaches (they are quite attractive) along the Gulf of Thailand. The hotel will feature approximately 187 luxurious guest rooms and pool villas with a collection of dining, wellness and recreational experiences and facilities on the beachfront.
“When styling and designing a Ritz-Carlton, we are extremely conscious of the surrounding and abundant natural beauty which makes people fall in love with the destination,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity and beauty to be found in this part of Thailand.”
Niseko is home to the largest ski resort in Japan and is one of the world’s leading ski destinations. The New York Times recently listed Niseko as one of the top 20 places to visit in the world, and Forbes Travel ranked Niseko among the world’s top 20 ski resorts.
With only 50 guest rooms, the ski-in and ski-out Ritz-Carlton Reserve will be the first in Japan and is scheduled to be completed in 2020. The resort will be located at the heart of the all-season Niseko Village. With spectacular views of Mount Yotei or Ezo Fuji (named due to its resemblance to the iconic Mount Fuji), Niseko Village boasts some of the best ski slopes in the world and is famous for its dry champagne powder snow. During the summer a diverse range of outdoor recreation include golf, trekking and horse riding.
Upon opening, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort will be the fifth property in Japan for The Ritz-Carlton, joining Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Okinawa.
“Ritz-Carlton Reserves feature signature, one-of-a-kind boutique resorts positioned in unique settings, each with a distinctive personality and sense of place reflecting its history and culture,” said Humler. “A refuge from the expected, Ritz-Carlton Reserve is for travelers seeking to discover a singular location and peerless resort that will offer guests’ exotic, hand-selected ‘hideaway’ destinations in a relaxed, casually elegant atmosphere. Niseko is a natural choice to complement our existing exclusive portfolio.”
A little closer to home, the folks at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Toronto (and a lovely one it is, at that) have unveiled what they say is the city’s largest gingerbread house, a nine-foot high beauty that’s sweeter than a pile of Valentine cards.
Toronto’s largest gingerbread house goes on display at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, Friday, December 4, 2015. The life-size confection took over 500 hours to create and is the work of the hotel’s pastry team. The Canadian Press Images PHOTO/The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto
At almost 11 feet wide and made entirely in-house by the hotel’s pastry team, the Ritz-Carlton Toronto gingerbread house took almost 500 hours to construct and is a decadent combination of 200 pounds of flour, 75 pounds of sugar, 5 pounds of spice, 60 pounds of shortening, 35 pounds of corn syrup and 12 pounds of molasses.
Burp.
They also have a “Holiday in the City” package that’s the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer. From $590 CAD (or $445 USD) the package includes deluxe accommodation in one of the hotel’s luxuriously appointed guest rooms overlooking Toronto’s holiday light displays. After a restful sleep and savoury breakfast, explore the magic of the season at one of the city’s many holiday offerings with the help of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, where their guest relations “elves” have curated magical holiday experiences for guests of all ages.
From festive markets and picturesque outdoor skating venues, to finding that perfect gift at one of Toronto’s many unique shops or boutiques, the holiday season will be seamless with the help of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto Holiday Guide. For a full description of recommendations, visit:
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Promotions/Toronto-Holidays.htm
Once the day is complete, guests can return to indulge in one of the hotel’s many amenities and services with the $200 credit included with their stay. Whether it’s dinner at signature restaurant TOCA, fireside cocktails at DEQ Lounge or a visit to the award-winning Spa My Blend by Clarins, it’s the perfect end to the perfect stay.
The good at TOCA is fantastic and the lounges and spa are both wonderful. I had a great treatment at the spa a few years ago, including my first manicure. It felt pretty good, actually!
For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/toronto or call 416-585-2500.
