# Zenith Retreat Designs Not a Hotel Rusutsu by Snøhetta Merges Mountaintop Luxury with Architecture By Amy Duong | Published 2025-09-01 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-a-hotel-1 References: [notahotel](https://notahotel.com/en/properties/rusutsu)  Not A [Hotel Rusutsu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-a-hotel-setouchi) by Snøhetta rises on the summit of Hokkaido’s Rusutsu Resort, offering visitors wide views of Mount Yōtei and [ski-in, ski-out access](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-sanctuary) to the surrounding slopes. The 1,200-square-meter villa is shaped by two gently curving volumes. The lower level nestles into the earth and houses a gym, sauna, and private areas. The upper volume floats above with open spaces for living, dining, and bathing, plus a large outdoor bath that takes in the mountain air and horizon. Snøhetta designed the structure to echo its environment and evoke a sense of quiet clarity. “We wanted the design to feel like an extension of the mountain itself,” said Richard Wood, Managing Director of [Snøhetta Asia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-a-hotel-rusutsu). Natural materials, panoramic glazing, and internal courtyards all enhance that connection. Functionally, the villa blends boutique hospitality with co-ownership flexibility, offering a retreat that supports stillness, rest, and long views in every direction. Image Credit: Mir/Zoa ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 47% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-integrated Architecture:** Designs that seamlessly integrate with natural landscapes are gaining traction, prioritizing harmony with the environment. - **Hybrid Hospitality Spaces:** The blend of boutique hotel features with co-ownership models is redefining luxury retreats. - **Panoramic Wellness Experiences:** Immersive health and wellness facilities with expansive views are adding value to hospitality offerings. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Luxury Hospitality:** The luxury hospitality sector is evolving with properties that emphasize environmental integration and holistic well-being. - **Sustainable Architecture:** Architecture that echoes its natural surroundings is poised to disrupt traditional building practices in sustainability. - **Real Estate Development:** Innovative real estate projects are focusing on multi-functional spaces that merge exclusive ownership with shared amenities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mountainous Holiday Ski Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-a-hotel-rusutsu.md) - [Mountain Wellness Sanctuaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aman-niseko.md) - [Island Villa Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-a-hotel-setouchi.md) - [Architectural Tranquil Cabin Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bolder-londges.md) - [Hotel Brand Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heritage-and-vertex.md) - [Japanese Island Holiday Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/not-a-hotel.md) - [Mountain Courtyard Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ski-house.md) - [Skyline Ryokan Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nobu-hotel-toronto-1.md) - [Tranquil Nature-Centric Cabin Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nortehaus.md)