Royal Minor Hotels Co Ltd and List Development Co Ltd (LD) formally signed a management contract for the first-ever Anantara property in Japan.
Royal Minor and LD held a signing ceremony of the HMA at the Tokyo American Club on Thursday, 10th July.
LD president and CEO Naoyuki Kitami and Minor International’s founder and chairman William E Heinecke both went onstage to speak about the agreement and its significance for both organisations.
The agreement itself was signed by LD chief operating officer Hiroyuki Kiuchi and Royal Minor president and representative director Kohei Motoyama.
Kikuchi remarked: “We are truly honoured to bring the renowned luxury hotel brand Anantara to Japan for the first time through this landmark project in partnership with Royal Minor. We have long been committed to enriching people's lifestyles by creating high-quality homes and communities. In recent years, we have extended this philosophy to hotel condominiums and luxury residences, applying the know-how we have cultivated over time.”
Motoyama likewise commented: “We are extremely proud to partner with List Development Co., Ltd. for the launch of the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat. The company brings exceptional expertise in creating luxury properties, aligning perfectly with Anantara's philosophy of offering refined stays and distinctive design. Together, we aim to create a retreat that coexists harmoniously with Karuizawa's rich natural surroundings and further enhances its unique appeal.”
Harnessing the beauty of the natural environment
The 51-key establishment which is expected to open by 2030 will boast suites and branded residences on a serene ten-acre forested site facing Mount Asama in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
The design of Anantara Karuizawa is anticipated to blend modern design with the site's natural surroundings, utilising natural materials such as exposed timber peaks and large windows to create harmony with the environment and offer sweeping views of Mount Asama.
Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will harness the region's year-round natural beauty and connectivity to offer travellers nature-led escapes.
The property's strategic location near the Karuizawa Hokuriku Shinkansen Station provides convenient access from Tokyo, which is just over an hour away by train, as well as from nearby cities such as Nagano, Kanazawa and Maebashi.
Karuizawa is a favoured weekend escape getaway, renowned for its cool climate in the summer and abundant year-round outdoor attractions, including the Karuizawa Kazakoshi Park, golf courses, forests, hiking trails, hot springs and skiing.
The destination's international appeal is on the rise, especially among Asian travellers, and it is within two to three hours by train from Tokyo's Haneda and Narita international airports.
What to expect
Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will provide its guests with highly personalised service and exclusive accommodations, offering 23 suites measuring 60 to 120 sqm and 18 luxury two- and three-bedroom villas, which are being considered for future branded residence offerings, with further details to be announced as plans progress, ranging in size from 70 to 270 sqm.
The villas will provide an additional 28 keys to the hotel's inventory, with select two-bedroom villas available as 70 sqm standard and 130 sqm one-bedroom villas, bringing the total key count to 51.
Guests will enjoy three on-site food and beverage outlets, including an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty concept and a bar.
Wellness will be a fundamental part of the resort's offering, centred around an Anantara Spa and onsen, and with additional wellness programming across the property.
Other leisure facilities will include a swimming pool, fitness centre, library and resident's lounge.
Additionally, the property will offer flexible meeting facilities to meet the growing demand for corporate gatherings in the region.
