Capella Bangkok : A Calming Riverside Retreat In The Heart Of City

In one of Bangkok’s oldest districts stands a spanking new hotel – an urban oasis on the banks of the historic Chao Phraya river. Capella Bangkok is the embodiment of understated luxury; it comes with the finest trappings of high end hospitality like Michelin star restaurants, dedicated ‘Capella Culturists’, and rooms with private plunge pools. And yet, there’s nothing overly ostentatious or flashy about this five star retreat. For one of the most expensive hotels in the city, Capella Bangkok is restrained – in all the best ways!

Capella’s first-ever venture in Thailand, the hotel was conceived from the ground-up by a 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. Their vision for Capella Bangkok was clear – to blend the rich culture of Bangkok’s historic riverside gateway, with the vibrant dynamism of the 21st century metropolis. The 101-room hotel is contemporary yet timeless, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces with expanses of floor-to-ceiling glass that ensure panoramic views of the river from all areas of the property.

Talking about the thought behind the design, the team at Hamiltons International says, “The initial form of the building was inspired by traditional Thai paneling and cabinetry. The riverside location of the project also inspired movement within the façade, while still respecting the calmness and elegance of the courtyard configuration.” They add, “We also were aware in design of the scale and framing and palette of the building, of its siting within the Charoen Krung heritage area, which has its own unique architectural sensibility.”

Guests enter the hotel from the iconic Charoen Krung Road, past the Wat Sutthi Wararam Temple. While it is initially hidden from view, the Chao Phraya river is dramatically revealed upon setting foot in the property through the screened façade. The lobby is sophisticated yet glamorous; a palette of light wood, warm upholstery, marble floors and mirrored surfaces is interjected every now and then with delicate regional touches. For those looking for something a little more exclusive, the Living Room is a light filled, river facing lounge open only to Capella Bangkok guests.

The rooms, suites, and villas at Capella Bangkok are a class apart from the city hotels across the Thai capital; equipped with everything from rooftop terraces to private plunge pools. Stunning views of the river, luxe spa-like bathrooms and airy balconies – every room is designed as a private urban oasis that separates you from the bustle of the city. In terms of accommodation, however, the main attraction at Capella Bangkok is the set of 7 villas on the river’s edge. Complete with separate living and dining spaces, lush private gardens, jacuzzi plunge pools, and outdoor showers, they reflect a bespoke glamour unique to Capella. “Beyond the framing and variation within the main hotel block, Capella Bangkok is fortunate to offer an exclusive portion of the Chao Phraya riverfront solely for the use of its private villas,” says the team at Hamiltons International. “These discrete elements of the property offer a unique proposition in terms of urban riverfront space, and it was the first time we have had the opportunity to design such a series of private and exclusive hospitality spaces on the riverfront of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.”

Carrying forward this ethos of waterside calm is the hotel’s signature spa sanctuary. Auriga Wellness is created by spa specialists GOCO Hospitality in collaboration with leading Thai interior design house PIA. Drawing on therapies rooted in local tradition and advanced science, this exclusive 1,000-square meter spa features contemporary Asian design elements and is accented by an oriental garden and traditional tea lounge.

In terms of the culinary offerings at Capella Bangkok, expect to be spoiled for choice at Côte, a michelin-starred restaurant by Mauro Colagreco. A warm, light-drenched interior with panoramic views of the glittering Chao Phraya river and a generous gourmand cuisine are on the menu at this fine dine haven. Côte transports diners from Bangkok’s enchanting riverside district to the French and Italian Riviera with its dishes of refined simplicity. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, the chef can curate a special menu for you too! If you’re looking for something more homely and comforting, head over to Phra Nakhon, a sun-washed conservatory-styled restaurant nestled in a lush garden by the river’s edge. On the other end of the spectrum lies Stella, a luxe Art-Decoesque cocktail bar with all the trimmings of opulence that range from a taxidermied white peacock to hand-painted frescoes and mirrored ceilings.

Ultimately, the intrigue behind Capella Bangkok cleared up to reveal a shining example of high-end hospitality, luxury interiors, and a remarkable view!

DP Loves –

-The refreshing vitality pool at Auriga
-The specially curated, fine dine menu at Côte by Mauro Colagreco
-The shuttle boat ride option that takes you to the Iconsiam mall and back
-The attention to detail in the room interiors, right from the black out curtains to the bedsheets