The revamped Club Med Sahoro draws guests in with its locally-inspired design. (Picture: Miaja Design Group)

The recently revamped Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido offers guests a deep-dive into Hokkaido’s local culture and natural beauty.

MIAJA Design Group takes its cues from local and traditional Japanese culture in its vision for the redesign of the Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido’s interiors.

We take a look inside the stylish transformation of this Club Med resort.

Island life at Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido

Located on Hokkaido, the most northerly of Japan’s islands, the Club Med Sahoro Hokkaido is often hailed as one of the most coveted destinations in Asia.

To live up to its name, the hotel enlisted Singapore-based interiors firm MIAJA Design Group to give its indoor spaces a serious refresh.

MIAJA was tasked with overhauling the guest rooms, as well as the common areas, and were inspired by the local Ainu culture, as well as Japanese traditions, in their concept for the resort.

“I want the resort guests to experience a traditional Japanese setting with a contemporary feel. I like to take creative inspiration from local culture and translate the beauty of these traditions into a modern aesthetic with a unique stamp of authenticity,” said Isabelle Miaja, founder of MIAJA Design Group.

Minimalist design, maximum effect

MIAJA wanted to stay true to the area’s history and culture while at the same time creating something contemporary and exciting for visitors.

The resort benefits from a stunning and exclusive location, set against the backdrop of the Hidaka Mountains and situated on its very own privately owned mountain, Mount Sahoro.

With nature taken care of, the designers were able to focus squarely on the hotel’s interiors and were able to channel Japanese culture, which is at the centre of the hotel’s philosophy in terms of both its service offering, amenities and design.

These were the starting points for MIAJA, and they were able to delve deeper into an exploration of local culture by tapping into the Ainu culture of Hokkaido.

The Ainu are a group indigenous to the island, known locally as “bear people”, and so a lot of the design elements in the new interiors reflect their local patterns and motifs. Weavings, carvings and embroideries by the Ainu are set against more contemporary Japanese elements, such as light-toned wood and rough stone.

The designers have created spaces in the guest rooms that recall tatami mats and tea rooms, and there are flourishes of colour in the carpets and light furnishings such as cushions that complement the neutral tones of the minimalist design.