Capella Taipei emerges as a masterpiece of contemporary design and marks Capella Hotels and Resorts’ inaugural presence in Taiwan.
Located along the verdant corridor of Dunhua North Road, where century-old trees line boulevards reminiscent of European promenades, Capella Taipei’s design symphony showcases the distinctive creativity of interior architect André Fu — whose creative expression transforms the hotel into a narrative of sophistication suffused with serene poetry, mirroring Taipei’s multifaceted spirit.
“It is a re-telling of my personal journey discovering Taipei,” shares Fu. “Flaneuring around local neighbourhoods and wandering into the lush tree-lined Dunhua North Road where the hotel resides, I was absorbed by the poetic environment – an antithesis to the urbanity one might typically perceive of Taipei. My vision translates relaxed luxury into a quietly-curated private mansion, incorporating contemporary touches and cultural nuances.“
The Arrival Experience: An Intimate Mansion of Modernity
At the heart of André Fu’s vision lies the concept of a “modern mansion” – an intricate dialogue between bespoke luxury and cultural legacy. His interpretation of Taipei’s essence manifests in the interplay of urban dynamism and moments of contemplative stillness, a duality woven seamlessly throughout the hotel.
On traversing the cobblestone driveway, the city’s clamour gently recedes, opening up to a tranquil courtyard with sculpted greenery and magnificent bronze doors that serve as a grand entrance. The arrival experience continues to unfold through a series of intimate salons, allowing each guest to discover a layered visual journey. Inside, a tiered console table presents an artfully curated collection of objets d’art crafted by gifted local artisans. Above it hangs a commissioned tapestry by Taiwanese artist Lee Chen-Lin, whose intricate weaving captures the ethereal beauty of Taiwan’s misty peaks and verdant valleys.
Through a rhythmic progression of spaces, Fu establishes an intuitive journey throughout the hotel. Once guests enter the archway from the Entrance Arrival, they are greeted by Plume – an intimate and welcoming sanctuary that invites them to enjoy convivial moments from dawn to dusk. Here, a commissioned mural from French artist Elsa Rameau features a motif of the Taiwan blue magpie against a deep terra cotta and camel sand palette.
By going through the Plume lounge, the Rotunda – a cylindrical chamber anchored by a prominent spiral staircase – presents itself with a sweeping handrail of 800 hardwood blocks, tracing the graceful curve of a calla lily. At the heart of this architectural statement is Quiet Dynamics, a bold vertical sculpture by Joel Escalona that creates a silent dialogue with the fluid form of the staircase.
The Guestrooms: where craftmanship meets poetic elegance
Inspired by his profound connection to Taipei, André describes the city as a vibrant urban tapestry intertwined with moments of poetic stillness.
“The spirit of my design philosophy is about provoking new ways of thinking about what luxury means. The overall sensibility reflects the aesthetics I imagined for this contemporary mansion, a feeling of authenticity in the details. My vision is to capture this sensibility with a residential approach,” says Fu.
Exquisite silk panels, each meticulously hand-painted and adorned with silver gilt, emerge from a collaboration between British artisan De Gournay and Andre Fu Living, juxtaposing Art Deco geometries with zen garden serenity. This artistic sensibility extends to distinctive marquetry patterns adorning entrance doors, tableware, and carpets. A handful of accommodations also feature private balconies or spacious al fresco terraces with an outdoor dipping pool.
A Curated Journey Through Distinctive Dining Venues
“Each dining venue within the hotel is conceived as a destination in itself – envisioned by a well-travelled connoisseur seeking to bring treasured culinary memories to welcome guests into their mansion.” says Fu.
The Western restaurant, Ember 28, features soaring heights accentuated by twin crystal chandeliers by Czech artisans Preciosa, its deep burgundy palette enriched by luxuriant velvet and embossed leather textures.
Patisserie Plume offers an enchanting tableau overlooking the tree-lined boulevard of Dunhua North Road. Expansive windows frame an elegant dialogue between refined interiors and the verdant streetscape. Crafted in a palette of sage green, the space’s classical foundation reveals itself through patterned marble mosaic floors, while warm, whimsical fluted glass chandelier and ornate high gloss walnut cabinets reimagine the traditional European patisserie – creating an intimate sanctuary for life’s sweeter moments.
The Chinese Restaurant, Rong Ju, presents a modern reinterpretation of traditional red-roof architectural elements from the local neighbourhood. At the main dining room, a dramatic eight-metre-high pitched ceiling clad in lush terracotta red tiles commands attention, presenting a modern dialogue between heritage and modernity. An impressive hand-crafted eight-metre-wide marquetry wall adorned with peony and intertwining foliage motifs – symbolising prosperity and evoking a sense of contemporary expression – Harmonises the space between booths. High gloss, deep burgundy panels and bespoke lantern pendants are also featured in this modern dining venue.
For the Japanese restaurant, Mizue, Fu draws inspiration from traditional ryokan architecture, creating a series of pavilions connected by contemplative pathways. Upon entering, guests will be ushered into a journey of visual surprises including the shoji-viewing windows that orchestrate natural light throughout the day. At the sushi room, an unprecedented 10-metre-long counter in solid hinoki wood takes centrestage, showcasing natural grains that mimic the spirit of “dancing ink” paintings. Two intimate private dining chambers which can be joined into one embraces the wabi-sabi philosophy through artfully positioned windows that frame both interior moments and exterior vistas. Above, the ceiling’s gentle curvature adds an unexpected poetry to the space, creating a subtle interplay of form and light.
A Wellness Journey Rooted in Balance
The spa and wellness areas exemplify masterful spatial design with a strong focus on the notion of serenity. Barrel-vaulted ceilings evoke a sense of ascending tranquillity, drawing inspiration from sacred architectural forms. Treatment rooms feature cross-vaulted ceilings that work in harmony with precise geometric proportions to enhance the wellness journey. “My goal is to craft a wellness sanctuary imbued with the spirit of profound stillness, where every detail contributes to an atmosphere of deep repose. Fu notes, “This architectural expression, commonly found in churches or monasteries, creates a celestial feeling”.
The Pool
The journey through the hotel culminates with the vast pool terrace, which unfolds into a spectacular urban oasis. Here, Fu’s vision manifests in the interplay of nature and design: a lush white bougainvillea hedge that spans 38 metres create a living tapestry punctuated by luxurious cabanas of a rich auburn orange canvas.
Fu’s vision for Capella Taipei transcends pure aesthetics, crafting a considered environment where design serves as both canvas and centrepiece of the guest experience. Each architectural element, material selection, and spatial flow orchestrates moments of discovery, reflection, and an authentic connection to the destination. The result is a carefully composed experience that honours Taipei’s dynamic spirit while establishing new benchmarks in luxury hospitality design. “Capella Taipei stands as a testament to the power of curated design in creating spaces that resonate with emotional depth. To me, it is a crafted celebration of this poetic city.”
