Moxy lands in the Japanese ski fields

If you are looking for fun hotels in which to stay without breaking the bank then the Moxy brand is a good bet. 

Moxy Niseko Village has just opened in one of Japan's premium ski resorts with the 310-room hotel offering direct ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes. 

Moxy Hotels is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio and its newest opening is located adjacent to the Niseko Village Gondola. 

"Moxy Niseko Village reflects the evolution of travel today, where guests are seeking authentic places, flexible experiences and meaningful opportunities to connect," said Cristiano Rinaldi, regional Chief Lodging Product & Services Officer for Marriott International and clearly a man who has mastered marketing jargon.

"Niseko's year-round appeal, global reputation and adventurous spirit make it a natural fit for Moxy.

"This opening brings the brand's playful social energy to one of Japan's most celebrated mountain retreats, creating a stay experience that is approachable, design-forward and deeply connected to the destination."

The hotel has three distinct dining and social venues, a 24/7 fitness centre and offers access to skiing, snowboarding, hiking, cycling and golf. 

The opening marks Moxy Hotels' debut in Japan's alpine resort market and coincides with the launch of a new eight-person gondola from December 2026, doubling capacity and enhancing access to more than 30 kilometres of ski terrain. 

Moxy Niseko Village will be the brand’s fifth location in Japan, joining Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. 

See https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ctsox-moxy-niseko-village/overview/

A picnic in Pyongyang anyone?

A friend asked at the weekend what destinations were left on my bucket list.

I struggled to think of any, other, perhaps, than North Korea.

I've always been fascinated by the hermit kingdom and this weekend came the news that North Korea is set to allow in its first organized foreign group tour for over four years.

A group of Russian tourists and skiers will visit next month on a four-day trip - the first group visitors since the start of the pandemic four years ago.

The tour will include a visit to the capital of Pyongyang (above) and then to a ski resort at Masik Pass in Kangwon Province, Travel Mole reports.

Who knew North Korea had a ski resort? But then there are so many mysteries about the country.

The tour has been sold and marketed by Vladivostok-based tour agency Vostok Intur.

News agency Tass said the trip was made possible following an agreement with Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Russia’s Primorye region, and North Korea officials.

North Korea imposed some of the strictest border controls in the world during the spread of Covid-19 and has been slow to reopen to foreigners.

Are you ready to go skiing in Saudi Arabia?

Snow skiing in Saudi Arabia may sound an absurdity - but it will soon be a reality.

The Arab nation with a very dubious human rights record this week announced plans for a new mountain tourism destination in the futuristic city of Neom.

Trojena will feature a ski village and ski slope, as well as wellness resorts and an interactive nature reserve. 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the Trojena project is set for completion in 2026.

“Trojena will redefine mountain tourism for the world by creating a place based on the principles of ecotourism, highlighting our efforts to preserve nature and enhance the community’s quality of life, which is aligned with the goals of the kingdom’s Vision 2030,” said Prince Mohammed, who is also the chairman of Neom’s board of directors.

“It also confirms our commitment to be part of the global effort to protect the environment. 

"Trojena will be an important addition to tourism in the region, a unique example of how Saudi Arabia is creating destinations based on its geographical and environmental diversity."

Trojena will be a first-of-its-kind experience with retail outlets and restaurants as well as a man-made freshwater lake and a vertical village that will merge technology, entertainment and hospitality facilities. 

“Trojena represents  Neom's values and bold plans as a land where nature and innovative technologies come together to form a unique global experience,” said Neom CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr.

Trojena expects to attract 700,000 visitors and 7,000 residents by 2030. The project will create more than 10,000 jobs, says a press release. 

Trojena will be made up of six districts: Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax and Fun, all of which will be designed to offer activities catering to a variety of tastes and needs. 

The region is characterised by clean air and climatic diversity, where temperatures drop below zero in winter. 

Trojena is situated in the centre of Neom, 50 kilometers from the Gulf of Aqaba coast, in a mountain range with the highest peaks in Saudi Arabia at approximately 2,600 meters above sea level. 

Neom is planned to be a "smart city" home and workplace for more than one million people from around the world.

Intrigued? Read more at www.neom.com