Capella Bangkok, the revered riverside retreat on the banks of Thailand’s “River of Kings”, is breaking down the boundaries of design with a deep, destination-inspired showcase which was unveiled on 1st October 2020.

 

Conceived from the ground-up by celebrated architecture partnership, Hamiltons International, with interiors by tastemakers BAMO, the Auriga Wellness centre by GOCO Hospitality and the city’s first riverside villas by PIA Interiors, Capella Bangkok introduces new design ethics to one of the capital’s most storied neighbourhoods.

 

When it set out its vision for Capella Bangkok and the surrounding Chao Phraya Estate, Hamiltons International’s mission was clear: to revitalise the Charoen Krung heritage area. The masterplan by former Fosters + Partners duo, Andy Miller and Richard Scott Wilson, strived to juxtapose the rich culture of Bangkok’s historic riverside gateway – where boats docked and new settlers first stepped foot in Thailand – with the vibrant dynamism of this 21st century metropolis.

The result is breath-taking. Nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya, this sleek and stylish development features vast swathes of floor-to-ceiling glass, breaking down the boundaries between indoor and outside space, and ensuring panoramic views of the river from all areas of the property, including the 101 suites and villas, restaurants and elegant event spaces.

 

Within this urbane framework, interior specialists BAMO set about crafting an exquisite tapestry of classical and contemporary design. Conceived by co-principals, Gerry Jue and Anne Wilkinson, the original concept reflects the multicultural flavour of the district while weaving in traditional Thai elements.

 

Guests enter the property from the famous Charoen Krung Road, past the Wat Sutthi Wararam Temple. Initially shielded from view, the river is dramatically revealed upon entering the hotel through the screened hotel façade. The lobby blends a sophisticated palette of light wood, warm upholstery, marble floors, mirrored surfaces, intricate carvings and crystalline water features. A lobby-length lily pond draws the eye over the treetops of the spa garden and down to the Chao Phraya.

Past the reception area, guests are led into an exclusive inner sanctum, including the Capella Living Room – a glass-enclosed enclave with sliding shutters, wood flooring and eclectic furnishings, evoking a residential ambience with terraces that overlook the gardens and pool.

 

Each guest room is designed as an urban oasis with panoramic views of the river, and many offer tropical outdoor space, including rooftop terraces, gardens, spacious salas and even private plunge pools at the riverside villas – truly unique in a city hotel and a first in Bangkok.

This sense of waterside space and serenity is further reflected at Auriga Wellness, which has been created by spa specialists GOCO Hospitality, in collaboration with leading Thai interior design house PIA. Perfectly in keeping with the engaging location and the refined Capella brand, this exclusive 1,000-square metre sanctuary is adorned in a modern Asian style, with Oriental gardens, a traditional tea lounge and stunning spa villas.

 

For culture lovers seeking to soak up the spirit of their destination, wellness worshippers who want to relax and rebalance their energies, gourmands in search of the finest cuisine, or event organisers planning unforgettable occasions, the visionary design of Capella Bangkok will frame every element of the guest experience.

TOP ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN STUDIOS, HAMILTONS INTERNATIONAL, BAMO, PIA AND GOCO, COME TOGETHER TO CREATE A SENSITIVE AND ELEGANT URBAN OASIS ON THE BANKS OF THE CHAO PHRAYA