Capella Taipei is set to open its doors in April 2025, with André Fu offering a first look at interiors ahead of the launch.
Marking Capella Hotels and Resorts’ inaugural property in Taiwan, the new opening finds home along the verdant corridor of Dunhua North Road, where century-old trees line boulevards reminiscent of European promenades.
Inside, Fu has crafted a design scheme that reflects Taipei’s multifaceted spirit, exploring the interplay of urban dynamism and contemplative stillness. At the heart of his vision lies the concept of a ‘modern mansion’ – an intricate dialogue between bespoke luxury and cultural legacy.
With architecture by Mori Building Co, the property features a cobblestone driveway that opens up to a tranquil courtyard with sculpted greenery and bronze doors that serve as the property’s grand entrance. The arrival experience then continues to unfold through a series of intimate salons.
“It is a re-telling of my personal journey discovering Taipei,” shares Fu on the hotel’s design. “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.”
Through a rhythmic progression of spaces, Fu establishes an intuitive journey throughout the hotel. Upon entering, guests are greeted by Plume, an intimate sanctuary that features a commissioned mural from French artist Elsa Rameau, depicting a motif of the Taiwan blue magpie against a deep terra cotta and camel sand palette.
Beyond the Plume lounge, a cylindrical chamber is anchored by a prominent spiral staircase, complete with a sweeping handrail of 800 hardwood blocks, tracing the graceful curve of a calla lily. At the heart of the 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 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.
Inside guestrooms, silk panels, each meticulously hand-painted and adorned with silver gilt, are the result of a collaboration between British artisan De Gournay and Andre Fu Living, juxtaposing Art Deco geometries with the serenity of a zen garden. This artistic sensibility extends to distinctive marquetry patterns that adorn entrance doors, tableware and carpets.
Capella Taipei is home to a number of F&B venues, with Fu revealing that “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.”
Ember 28 features soaring heights accentuated by twin crystal chandeliers, set within a deep burgundy palette that is enriched by velvet and embossed leather textures. Patisserie Plume meanwhile overlooks the tree-lined boulevard of Dunhua North Road, its expansive windows creating an elegant dialogue between refined interiors and the verdant streetscape. Crafted in a palette of sage green, the space features patterned marble mosaic floors, while warm, whimsical fluted glass chandelier and ornate high gloss walnut cabinets reimagine the traditional European patisserie.
Other venues include Chinese restaurant Rong Ju, which presents a modern take on traditional red-roof architectural elements from the local neighbourhood, and Japanese restaurant Mizue, where Fu has drawn inspiration from traditional ryokan architecture with a series of pavilions connected by pathways.
The property’s spa and wellness areas centre around the notion of serenity, the designer reveals. “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,” he notes. “This architectural expression, commonly found in churches or monasteries, creates a celestial feeling.”
The journey through the hotel culminates with the vast pool terrace, which unfolds into a natural oasis – a lush white bougainvillea hedge that spans 38 metres, punctuated by cabanas in rich auburn hues.
“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,” concludes Fu.
