Among the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the world is Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a luxury alpine retreat that offers guests access to the healing powers of Japan’s renowned hot springs. Surrounded by mountains and nature, the 5-star hotel is located in Niseko Village, which is in the southwest corner of Hokkaido, Japan.

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The resort has 50 rooms and suites featuring a blend of classic and contemporary design with breathtaking views of Mount Yotei and Niseko Annupuri. Guests enjoy a variety of experiences including skiing, golf, special culinary adventures, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a luxury spa that is home to a world-class onsen with mineral-rich water.

In the indigenous Ainu language of Niseko, “chasi” means “sanctuary.” Spa Chasi La Sothys at Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a retreat high in the mountains surrounded by forests with views of the gardens and nature. The water source for the hot springs originates from a natural mineral spring deep within the earth, which is cooled to around 40 degrees before entering the onsen and provides natural healing powers.

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The spa incorporates land-sourced ingredients into treatments that blend Japanese tradition with French techniques, and offers innovative spa journeys that have been developed in collaboration with Sothys. The team of wellness experts at the spa personalize each service to address guests’ skin and body care needs, enhancing the experience with aromatic fragrances to nurture mind and body.

We interviewed Rika Takahashi, Sothys Japan, who shared insider tips, recommended treatments to try, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: Our spa offers a holistic beauty program by combining facial, body, moxibustion, and shiatsu—which is an unprecedented fusion of esthetic and alternative medicine. Guests come to the spa to surrender their bodies to Hokkaido's beautiful nature, awakening their human instincts to achieve a healthy state of mind, body, and spirit; and to attain their true beauty.

Key Features: Sothys amenities are available in the spa and guest rooms. This is a line of highly-effective skincare and bath amenity products developed with the utmost consideration for the environment by using plants as the main active ingredients and combining them with the power of science.

Snacks Served: Organic herbal tea is served before and after a treatment.

Bonus: All treatments unfold with a unique ritual that uses energy of the earth. The black silica used in this ritual is a very rare natural ore that is mined only in Hokkaido (Kaminokuni Town, meaning “a town of God.”) It is believed that the Ainu people used black silica as healing stones and amulets in ancient times. With the blessing from the earth of Hokkaido, you can regain the original natural healing power by receiving the energy through all five senses.

Insider’s Tip: Indulge in the resort’s onsen (hot spring) before a treatment as that will further enhance the effects of the treatment. The private onsen is a popular choice for couples.

Listed in the top 100 remarkable water sources of Japan, spring water in Niseko is among the purest in the nation. In 1954, the Showa Emperor tasted the cold spring water during a visit to Hokkaido and proclaimed it as “Kanro” or “sweet dew.” Since then, the spring water in the area is known as “Kanrosui” and became a household name for the exquisite water and as a memorial of the royal visit.

Mount Yotei is the reason that makes Niseko’s spring water so unique. It takes between 50 and 100 years for snowmelt to naturally filter through the majestic mountain by steadily seeping into the ground and entering underground streams before eventually emerging in one of the springs throughout Niseko. An astonishing 530,000 tons of water gush out of springs surrounding the mountain’s base daily, becoming a source of rejuvenation for the people.

Splurge Treatment: Epic of Goddess is a full course of luxury aging care that makes guests shine like the Goddess Sothys. Focusing skin troubles caused by imbalance of female hormones due to aging, loss of elasticity, lack of water, we work on signs of aging with carefully selected unique active ingredients. In addition, the high-quality fragrance heals the mind and invites travelers to a world of relaxation that takes them far away.

Insider’s Favorite: Enrich Five is a recommended course after a long trip or after doing sports. During the pre-treatment counseling, the therapist will ask about the guest’s physical condition, concerns and preferences of the day, to create the course that will combine regulation, recovery, and healing—the main components of the treatment. Special hand technique inspired by a deep tissue massage that incorporates stretches is combined with botanical extracts to create an ultimate treatment that will relieve muscle tension and fatigue

Unique Treatment: Nature’s Wisdom is a stone treatment using black silica, which can only be found in Kaminokuni, Hokkaido. Silica has a high healing effect and has been used by Ainu people for amulets and treatments since ancient times. A hand massage that warms the body, eases stiffness and pain, and gently relieves fatigue of the whole body is combined with a facial treatment using nutritious hot spring water to soothe and soften the sensitive skin. The treatment is recommended for those who experience muscle fatigue, poor blood circulation, or have sunburn.

Featured Products: We use Sothys products.

For more information on Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, visit the website and follow on Instagram: @higashiyamareserve. To book your next stay, click here.

[Photos courtesy of Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve]

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

919-28 Aza Soga

Niseko Cho, Abuta Gun

Hokkaido

Japan 048-1522

+81-136-44-3491