Checking In: 7 Things I Did at Club Med Kiroro Grand Hokkaido

A simple internet search will tell you that Club Med Kiroro Grand comes alive in the winter. Buzzwords like “hidden white powder paradise”, “premium ski experience”, and “snow trekking” jump off the screen in nanoseconds. Every little detail looks like it comes straight out of a holiday movie. So why would anyone settle for a summer stay? That was the question I asked myself upon receiving the invitation to visit the all-inclusive resort.

But I took them up on the offer in the same spirit that has led me to many wonderful experiences in the past. Fortunately, this was one of them. The wonder set in even before I set foot on the premier property. The two-hour transfer from the New Chitose Airport went by in a blur as the charter vanished into the scenery. Resistance to the sights of the wind turbine-dotted coastline and the velvet-green mountains racing past the windows was futile.

The patch of sunlight on the tinted glass eventually dimmed as we pulled into the porte-cochère. A step into Club Med Kiroro Grand revealed a foyer that mirrors the sprawling greenery beyond the walls. The layering of timber touches and natural grain is all-encompassing, as it is similarly reflected in the rooms’ interiors. After settling in, I started exploring every nook and cranny of the resort in pursuit of an exciting summer.

Here are some of the things I did during my stay:

PLAYED FOOTBALL WITH ZICO

Okay, fine. I didn’t. But I did watch legendary footballer Arthur Antunes Coimbra, AKA Zico, whip some aspiring players into shape, and that was cool. Developed for Club Med Lake Paradise and Rio das Pedras in Brazil, Zico 10 Camp offers those aged 6 to 17 the chance to hone their skills under the guidance of talented coaches trained by Zico himself. The programme, which runs until the end of the month, took off at full speed. The passion on the field, despite unfavourable weather conditions, was unmistakable.

ROLLED INTO MOUNTAIN BOARDING

Do you ever get the feeling when you’re on a vacation that you can do anything? That was me with mountain boarding. Tricked by a sense of adventure, I signed up for a session, and things went downhill real fast. To be fair, the programme does cater to guests of all skill levels, and it is a fun way to experience the beauty of Hokkaido. That said, I did not make it past the hill, by which the sports centre was located. Pro-tip: pack some quality bug sprays and repellents, or do not dare slipping into those shorts. I had to learn this the hard way.

SMASHED IT AT TENNIS

Now this was where I hit my stride. Driven by a newfound interest in racquet sports—my involvement in Goldheart’s Unbreakable might have something to do with it—I headed to the tennis court one morning and participated in a group lesson. Spearheaded by a Gentil Organiser (GO), the class stresses on technical foundations and tactics, promising to improve your game. I certainly had a ball learning the mechanics of tennis, from forehand to backhand, slice to serve. Sweating it out under the sun had never been so rewarding.

FEASTED ON JAPANESE CUISINES

What better way to recharge than with hearty Japanese cuisine? At Yoichi, the main restaurant at Club Med Kiroro Grand, I was treated to sushi and sashimi made from the finest seafood. But those who prefer something different need not fret. Yoichi offers over 30 dishes, ranging from Italian to Southeast Asian, at every meal! There’s also the speciality restaurant Kaen—not included in the stay package—that serves sizzling yakiniku featuring excellent beef cuts and more. I am still dreaming about the beautifully marbled, tender, and richly flavoured wagyu.

WATCHED THE DRAMA UNFOLD

Club Med knows how to end the day, and Club Med Kiroro Grand is no exception. Each evening brings a new theme; a lineup of special activities prepared by the GO team that awaits the guests at the theatre. From high-energy dance routines to jaw-dropping acrobatic performances, there will be plenty of showcases and surprises to keep you entertained. And if shaking and shimmying in your seat isn’t enough, just wait for the exciting climax where guests are invited to join the party. Who knows, you might find yourself in a conga line by midnight. I know I did.

BASKED IN THE HEAT

No trip to Japan is complete without experiencing the traditional hot spring bath, so I headed over to the gender-separated onsen on site and felt the weight of the world evaporate in the heated water. I oscillated between the rotenburo and the indoor cold bath to give my body a healthy jolt, and it worked like a charm, if the dreamless sleep I had afterwards was any indication. One thing to note here is that you’re expected to adhere to the bathing etiquette. That means you need to disrobe completely and cover your tattoos before entering the bathing area.

EXPLORED OTARU

On the last day of the trip, I decided to go on an excursion to Sakaimachi Street in Otaru. Situated about a 45-minute drive away from the resort, the trader’s lane is lined by cute cafes, trendy boutiques, and souvenir shops. There are also workshops if you would like to try your hand at creating the Otaru Glass. I spent hours at the Music Box Museum around the southern end of the street. With a variety of designs and song selections—from K-pop chart-toppers to Studio Ghibli classics—taking only one home felt like an impossible task.

Catch a glimpse of my trip here:

 

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Club Med Kiroro Grand

Address: 128-1 Aza-tokiwa, Akaigawa-mura Yoichi-gun 046-0593 Hokkaido, Japan

Contact: +81 135 35 3131

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