Looking for things to do in the world-class ski resort of Niseko this winter season? The coolest members club in Asia is opening its doors to members and visitors alike from early December 2023 to March 2024. Mandala Club: Niseko is a ski-in, ski-out clubhouse in the heart of Japan’s winter playground offering one of the hottest and best new restaurants in Niseko Village, après ski fun and a star-studded lineup of visiting chefs and bartenders.
Set at the foot of Mount Annapuri, the latest venture with luxury hotel group YTL Hotels offers a stylish soiree in the snow. Here are four reasons to head straight from the piste to this culinary and nightlife residency this winter season!
#1 Family-friendly fun at POPI’S, one of the best new restaurants in Niseko Village
Carving works up an appetite! The namesake of Mandala Club’s flagship restaurant in Singapore, the stylish eatery on the upper floor is a must-visit during your Niseko Village adventure. There’s a dedicated kids’ menu for “mini members”, alongside a lunch menu focused on local produce, and aprés and dinner experiences. This restaurant in Niseko is also home to Mandala’s “Après Every Day”. Music, sabred champagne and magnums of rosé maket his the place to be after the day’s final run. It’s open seven days a week from lunch until 11pm.
#2 Snow Parlour for Niseko nightlife
After a long day bombing down the slopes, let off some steam at Snow Parlour. Japanese-inspired cocktails and spirits, spinning disco balls and some of the most talked about musical talent in town make this adults-only bar the coolest place to raise a glass in Niseko right now. Open from 5pm, Thursday to Saturday.
#3 Meet chief collaborator Elliot Faber
If you’re fortunate enough to secure a table at POPI’s (the restaurant to be seen at in Niseko this ski season) or throw shapes at Snow Parlour, you’ll rub shoulders with Canadian sake samurai and restauranteur, Elliot Faber. The co-author of the book Saké: The History, Stories, and Craft of Japan’s Artisanal Breweries, he’ll be helming the club’s residency and sharing secrets of sake craftsmanship and regular tastings of his favourite bottlings. Other industry legends making appearances include Chef Esca Khoo, with Joshua Pillai and Candice B taking care of the music.
#4 This restaurant and club in Niseko is not just for members!
Established in Chinatown in 2021, Singapore’s Mandala Club is an exclusive community centred around exceptional cuisine and drinks and an ever-evolving cultural calendar. But you don’t need to be a member of Mandala Club to be a part of the Niseko chapter this ski season and experience one of the best new restaurants in town. The experience is available to all who book. In fact, there’s even an option to hire the whole place for private functions – though Club members get preferential access to general bookings and special events. If you’re organised, make a reservation in advance – this spot is bookings-only and will no doubt be packed to the brim this winter season
Looking for more things to do in Niseko, including the Village’s best restaurants? Visit our Travel section for ideas and inspiration.
This article first appeared in the November 2023 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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