Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, Japan
Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, gets more snow than any ski destination in the world. Fittingly, it played host to the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympic Games. It is also one of the hotbeds of Japan’s gourmet scene, famous for its seafood, Wagyu beef, dairy products and is home to multiple whisky, beer, sake and craft gin producers. Fortunately, skiing and all of these local specialties—as well as first-rate golf in the summertime—pair perfectly with cigars.
Japan is at the top of bucket list destinations for avid skiers and snowboarders. Niseko is the nation’s most popular resort. But in an area full of great restaurants, shopping and lodging, only the new …