Mandala Club Niseko Opens Its First Residency in Niseko Village This Ski Season - Men's Folio
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Mandala Club Niseko Opens Its First Residency in Niseko Village This Ski Season

  • By Asaph Low

Mandala Club Niseko Opens Its First Residency in Niseko Village This Ski SeasonMandala Club Niseko will be open to public at its residency outpost at Niseko Village.

In a fusion of equatorial warmth and snow-kissed landscapes, Mandala Club is set to cast its vibrant glow on the heart of Niseko for an exclusive four-month pop-up during this winter season. In collaboration with YTL Hotels, this unprecedented venture positions the two-storey ski-in ski-out clubhouse at the epicentre of Niseko Village, which promises an extraordinary experience from early December 2023 to March 2024.

Nestled at the base of the majestic 1308m tall Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village emerges as the foil to global skiing heavyweights Aspen of Colorado and St. Moritz of Switzerland, where gastronomy, shopping and nightlife converge against the captivating Hokkaido backdrop. Setting up residence in the epitome of alpine luxury feels all the more synergistic for Mandala Club — given its positioning amongst discerning individuals as a private haven. There is good news, though: unlike the membership access-only Bukit Pasoh property, the Mandala Club Niseko is open to all. However, members can enjoy privileged access and guaranteed tables.

Mandala Club Niseko Opens Its First Residency in Niseko Village This Ski SeasonTwo broad categories, namely Popi’s — Mandala Club’s namesake flagship restaurant in Singapore — and Snow Parlour anchor the entire experience, which can be described as a winter chalet. The former decks out the upper level, with family-friendly elevated chalet classics lunch, après and dinner experiences offered daily throughout the season.

Malaysian-Australian chef Esca Khoo — protégé of René Redzepi, Heston Blumenthal, and André Chiang — takes the culinary reins and will be supported by the Mandala Group’s dynamic duo of culinary director Reuben Davis and head of Japanese cuisine, chef Chun. Those lucky to score seats will be in for a treat during the headlining George Calombaris three-day residency. Australian chef Calombaris of Masterchef Australia and the Hellenic Republic restaurant fame conceives a Hokkaido-inspired degustation menu as he helms Popi’s from 15-17 February 2024.

Conversely, musical talents are set to grace the stage of the age-restricted Snow Parlour. Mandala’s music director, Joshua Pillai — accompanied by long-time friend Candice B — assumes command of the decks with an open format music policy for the weekly Snow Parlour Sessions running Thursday through Saturday.

Mandala Club Niseko Opens Its First Residency in Niseko Village This Ski SeasonJapanese-inspired cocktails and spirits will keep revellers buzzed as they party the night away amid good vibes and spinning disco balls. Three highly acclaimed bartenders look set to bring a therapeutic dosage of world-class booze during their guest stint. Jay Khan — founder-owner of Asia’s No.1 Best Bar 2023 COA — will serve a Tequila and Mezcal-led cocktail journey while Holly Graham and Singaporean Vijay Mudaliar demonstrate why he is one of Singapore’s most exciting mixologists.

Elliot Faber leads the deep dive into the sake world at Mandala Club Niseko. As a Sake Samurai, renowned restaurateur, globally recognised authority on all things sake, and a published author, Elliot promises a distinctive experience with exceptional sake offerings from Japan’s most iconic and notable breweries.

As the snow settles on Niseko Village, Mandala Club Niseko stands as a testament to the enchanting marriage of warmth and winter allure. From its base at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri, a woven tale of culinary mastery, musical resonance and spirited celebrations beckons in the heart of Hokkaido.

Visit Mandala Club for more information about the Mandala Club Niseko residency, otherwise, click here to catch up with our December/January 2024 issue once you are done with this story.