GHM Hotels to Develop Property on Japan's Hokkaido Island

  • November 7, 2012
GHM Hotels to Develop Property on Japan's Hokkaido Island
Construction on the project will begin soon with a projected opening date in 2015.

Designed by Japanese architect and 1995 Pritzker Prize-winner Tadao Ando, the Chedi Tomakomai will stand as an environmentally friendly design on 47 hectares of land, preserving 96 percent of the surrounding forest. Known as one of Japan's major breadbaskets and home to six undisturbed national parks, Hokkaido's natural assets will be reflected in the Chedi's open-air hot springs, 30-table gourmet restaurant, and health facilities. Each 60- to 70-square-meter room in the hotel will have built-in fireplaces and cliff-facing views. A six-room spa, health club, indoor and outdoor pools, library, lounge and wine cellar are all in the blueprints. GHM will also develop 40 private villas for long-term lease.

Designers for the Chedi Tomakomai plan to map three excursion courses for eco-tours and forest therapy. The property will be minutes from the new Chitose International Airport, Tomakomai Port and 16 premier golf courses. Known for his minimalist modern aesthetic, active natural elements and expressive use of space and light, Ando's involvement with the Chedi Tomakomai is part of GHM's commitment to partnerships with front-running designers. The group has most recently called on designers such as Kerry Hill, Jaya Ibrahim, Jean-Michel Gathy and Reda Amalou to conceptualize its resorts.

The Chedi Tomakomai is one of several Chedi properties that GHM plans to launch in the next three years. The Chedi Club Suzhou (China) and The Chedi Andermatt (Switzerland) are expected to open in 2013. The other properties scheduled to open by 2015 include The Chedi Nusa Penida (Bali), The Chedi Tamouda Bay (Morocco), and The Chedi Khorfakkan in Sharjah (UAE).