Capella Taipei, Taiwan

Posted in Projects on 2 July, 2025

Capella Hotels and Resorts’ inaugural presence in Taiwan is a masterpiece of contemporary design.

Located along the verdant corridor of Dunhua North Road in Taipei City, where century-old trees line boulevards reminiscent of European promenades, Capella Taipei’s design showcases the distinctive creativity of interior architect André Fu. His creative expression transforms the hotel into a narrative of sophistication suffused with serene poetry, mirroring the capital’s multifaceted spirit.

“It is a re-telling of my personal journey discovering Taipei,” said André. “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.”

Capella Taipei, Taiwan. Above: Lobby Lounge. Top: Deluxe Suite Dining Room

Set in the dynamic Songshan district, the 86-key urban sanctuary opened in April, marking Capella Hotel Group’s first property in Taiwan under its Capella Hotels and Resorts brand. It has eight suites, including six exclusive accommodations with private pool terraces. Five distinct dining venues serve curated gastronomic journeys, while the main pool terrace on the 14th floor frames uninterrupted views of the city’s undulating silhouette.

Deluxe Suite Twin Room

At the heart of André’s design vision lies the concept of a modern mansion. On crossing the cobblestone driveway, the city’s clamour gently recedes, and the visitor arrives at a tranquil courtyard with sculpted greenery and magnificent bronze doors. The arrival experience continues to unfold through a series of intimate salons. Inside, a tiered console table displays an artfully curated collection of local objets d’art. 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.

Left: Entrance Arrival. Right: Entryway

Moving through to the Plume lounge, a mural commissioned from French artist Elsa Rameau features a motif of the Taiwan blue magpie against a deep terracotta and camel sand palette. The lounge leads to the Rotunda, a cylindrical chamber with a prominent spiral staircase tracing the curve of a calla lily. At the heart of this architectural statement is Quiet Dynamics, a bold vertical sculpture by Joel Escalona.

Living Room

In the guestrooms, hand-painted silk panels emerge from a collaboration between British artisan De Gournay and Andre Fu Living, and are juxtaposed with Art Deco geometries and zen garden serenity. Distinctive marquetry patterns adorn doors, tableware and carpets. Some rooms feature private balconies or spacious terraces with an outdoor dipping pool.

The hotel’s dining venues were each conceived as a destination in itself, André added, as if “envisioned by a well-travelled connoisseur seeking to bring treasured culinary memories to welcome guests into their mansion.”

The Western restaurant, Ember 28, features soaring heights accentuated by twin crystal chandeliers by Czech artisans Preciosa, its deep burgundy palette enriched by velvet and embossed leather textures.

Patisserie Plume has large windows overlooking the tree-lined boulevard. In a palette of sage green, the space’s classical foundation reveals itself through patterned marble mosaic floors, a whimsical fluted glass chandelier and ornate walnut cabinets that reimagine the traditional European patisserie.

Rong Ju, the Chinese Restaurant

The Chinese Restaurant, Rong Ju, is 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 dialogue between heritage and modernity. An impressive hand-crafted 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, André drew inspiration from traditional ryokan architecture, creating a series of pavilions connected by pathways. Guests are ushered into a journey of surprises including the shoji-viewing windows that orchestrate natural light throughout the day. At the sushi room, an extra long counter in solid hinoki wood takes centre stage, showcasing natural grains that mimic the spirit of “dancing ink” paintings. Two intimate private dining chambers embrace the wabi-sabi philosophy through windows that frame both interior moments and exterior vistas.

Wellness Entrance

The spa and wellness areas have 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.

“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,” said André. “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 spectacular urban oasis. A lush white bougainvillea hedge that spans 38 metres creates a living tapestry punctuated by luxurious cabanas of a rich auburn orange canvas.