The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company and YTL Hotels have signed an agreement for the development of two new hotels in Asia Pacific, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui on the naturally beautiful island resort of Thailand and a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Niseko Village set at the base of Mount Niseko-Annupuri, the Japanese ski haven.

Niseko is home to the largest ski resort in Japan, and is known internationally for being 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 for completion in 2020. The resort will be located at the heart of the all-season Niseko Village, which is highly lauded as one of the world’s best ski resorts, taking its place alongside St Moritz, Switzerland and Aspen, Colorado. 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. The hotel will also be YTL Hotels’ 4th hotel in Niseko.

“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 Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton. “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."

The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui (Below) will be developed in the region of Plai Laem in the Northern tip of the island, well-known for its white sand beaches surrounded by the emerald waters of 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 pristine sun-kissed beachfront. The Resort will be located at the north-east end of Koh Samui in the stunning Choeng Mon area.

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,” explained Humler. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity and beauty to be found in this part of Thailand.”

At the official signing ceremony today, Dato’ Mark Yeoh, Executive Director, YTL Hotels said “We have had a long standing relationship with Marriott International since 1995. This expansion into Thailand and Japan is a continuation of our shared success over the years. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui and the Reserve in Niseko Village will elevate the stature of the two highly sought-after tourist destinations.”