Q&A: 5 Minutes with Skye Niseko Hotel Manager, Masahiro Yokoi
Meet Masa-san. Bringing over 30 years experience in hotels to Skye Niseko, he leads the team in welcoming you this winter in Niseko.
"My philosophy is to create a beautiful team. Very simply, to best serve our guests, we must also best serve our team."
Masahiro Yokoi began his career at global Hilton Nagoya, Japan, after graduating from the International College of Tourism. After 13 years, he went on to world-renowned The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur before moving to New Zealand in 1998. As the General Manager of Stamford Hotels and Resorts Australia & New Zealand, Masahiro operated 11 luxury five-star properties over 10 years.
Returning to his home of Japan in 2008, Masahiro went on to Director positions for Intercontinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific, Park Hotel Group and back to his roots at Hilton Nagoya.
Tell us a little bit your philosophy to creating the best guest experience?
My philosophy is to create a beautiful team. Very simply, to best serve our guests, we must also best serve our team. My policy within the workplace is to create an enjoyable atmosphere for all.
What do you think makes Skye Niseko unique in Niseko?
The hotel itself is already very special. Our mission is to create warmth to our guests so they can enjoy Niseko here with our service.
What do you love most about winter in Niseko?
Onsens, especially under the white snow!
Also, the culture of the people here. I believe it's the only place in Japan that has such a diverse mix of people from different countries and cultures in one place; living, working, and visiting! It's very unique.
So, do you have a favourite room within the hotel?
I particularly love the Penthouses. The Yotei South Penthouse, especially. It's a great size and very convenient in its design. It's got quite a unique shape living room that is easy to use and intimate. Plus, the view is amazing! The perfect shaped windows to match the view.
I think the Penthouse is great for four to six people, with the other Penthouses are ideal for bigger groups.
What about your favourite treatment at Ryko Spa?
Oh it's beautiful there! The hot stone massage. It was my first time and now it's my favourite kind of massage. It's so relaxing; it's beautiful.
My image of a hot stone is that it will be too hot and just put on my body but there is so much great movement and creates circulation in the body. It's perfect for me.
What are you most looking forward to this winter?
Team work. With a good team we can work with fun and big motivation. There are always people smiling; to the guests and to each other.
It creates a good atmosphere.
Masahiro is delighted to manage Skye Niseko at the height of his career, while being able to share in the natural beauty of Hokkaido with guests from around the world.