When you think of a snowy holiday, Niseko is top of mind and has been labelled “Japan’s Aspen”. The Luxe Nomad recently had the pleasure of hosting Filipino It Girls Georgina and Jess Wilson, who also happen to be two of the creative minds behind the internet sensation Sunnies Face (alongside Sunnies Studios, Sunnies Specs and Sunnies Cafe), at Skye Niseko with the rest of their family. And, yes the absolutely adorable Archie, the snow bunny we’ve all been gushing over, came with!
We caught up with the Wilson sisters to talk about everything they loved about Niseko, tips on travelling with a toddler, and some of their winter must-haves. Keep reading for the fun stuff.
Any tips for travelling with a toddler?
Georgina: Try and manage their sleep schedule so they can sleep on the flight. Once they’re in Niseko, they’re so excited and occupied they sleep well at night! Arch loved the view, playing in the snow and building a snowman behind the hotel.
Jess: The hotel was perfect for both toddlers and my mom who is almost 70 years old. Because of the location and the ski-in-ski-out concept, it was really easy for all the skiers and non-skiers to meet up mid-day. The hotel room was also perfectly located, so we were able to watch our group ski down from our room, which was nice. Archie loved being near the snow and sledding right outside the hotel.
Read also: Cara G Mcilroy’s top tips on travelling with kids in Samui
What were the highlights of your Niseko trip?
Georgina: The ski-in-ski-out experience is perfect, and with access to many lifts with slopes of varying standards, we were all able to ski together as a family. The incredible hotel room, onsen and attentive staff both in reception and in the ski hire area made the whole trip stress-free. Of course, the food in Niseko is the best but make sure you book well in advance!
Jess: Definitely, the entire Skye experience. From the best breakfast buffet to the ease of the ski-in and out, to the onsen sessions in the evening. I was happy just spending my week around the hotel. Another highlight was finally learning how to ski confidently down a red and black slope. It’s my 5th time skiing, but this time around, I got an instructor to correct my form, and I really saw my confidence change. It made all the difference to enjoying the slopes rather than being forced up!
Read also: Beyond the Slopes: 7 things to do in Niseko even if you’re not skiing
3. What are some of your winter must-haves?
Georgina: Good Sunnies! And lots of layers as the temperature can vary greatly.
Jess: A nice ski look as it makes it that much more enjoyable for me and some warm accessories: a good beanie, gloves, scarf and a great jacket! You also need a thick face and body cream for the weather.
Read also: Ski Fashion: Sandy Ip of The Ski Project tells us how to look great on the slopes
Can you describe your typical day in Niseko?
Georgina: We would watch the sun rise over Mt. Yotei from our living room then head to a delicious breakfast wearing our hotel-provided pyjamas. After that, we’d do some stretching and hit the slopes followed by a family lunch and then more skiing! Afterwards, we would head to an onsen and have dinner before capping off an early night!
Jess: We all woke up extra early in Niseko. Maybe its because the guys were all so excited to ski or that we were excited about the breakfast. At 7, we’d all head down to eat. By 8:30, the guys would all head out to ski, and the girls would hang around a bit in the hotel room or step out to the coffee shack by the welcome area to grab coffee which I highly recommend.
I’d get on the slopes by about 11 am and ski for about 2 hours then have lunch in Boyoso, which is an amazing restaurant near one of the ski lifts. After that, we’d do about 2 more hours of skiing. At about 4 pm, we’d head down to Skye for some sake and music by the lobby.
By 7 pm, we would head out to town for dinner. After dinner, a few drinks then head to the onsen at about 9 pm. (This was the best hour of my day!) Then we’d head up to the room for a quick movie while we hang around the fire to chat and be asleep by 11 pm.
Food faves from Niseko?
Georgina: Kumo which is Skye’s restaurant, Ezo Seafoods Oyster Bar, and Soup Kitchen were some of our favourite places to eat in.
Jess: We had amazing meals every day – you can’t really go wrong with food in Niseko. For our last dinner, we ate in this amazing yakitori place near Bar Gyu that has about five tables and two staff serving but probably one of the best meals I’ve had in Japan. The atmosphere of the place was great too! We also ate in Soup Kitchen which has excellent curry dishes. Of course, the soft serve ice cream of Milk Kobo is not to be missed!
Read also: #Japow! HK Restaurateur Lindsay Jang on Niseko and its food!
What were your first impressions of the suite?
Georgina: Incredible views, spacious rooms while still being cosy, clean, well-appointed. The layout of the place was also spacious, which allowed everyone to enjoy their private time but not feel disconnected from the rest.
Jess: The way it was designed was so smart – you could just add rooms to extend into a big family apartment, and the rooms are well designed, peaceful but luxurious. The living room became our main hangout area; we even cooked in one night which was fun. We also had a great view of the slopes where we could watch skiers from day to night quickly coming down the slope.
What features of the Skye stood out?
Georgina: The design. The service. The convenience. It was all perfect! Everything was provided for within the property – from great food options and free sake to the best massage service we’ve found in Hirafu.
Jess: Ski-in-ski-out is amazing! I’m so spoiled now. I don’t think I can go back to carrying my skis.
For the best rates and free concierge, book your Niseko stay with The Luxe Nomad here!
