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In recent times, I’ve been writing a series about some of the world’s small luxury hotel groups, including Airelles, Aman, BVLGARI, Cheval Blanc, Oetker, One&Only, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, etc. In this post I’d like to cover Capella Hotels & Resorts — I recently had my first Capella stay, and this is a brand that I’m really impressed by, and that I think might be among the most interesting out there. Checking out the other Capella properties is now front-of-mind for me.
While Capella has a small collection of properties, they’re incredibly high quality, and typically represent among the best hotels in their locales. The brand is heavily focused on Asia-Pacific, but we’ll finally see the brand expand beyond that in next year, and I can’t wait to see how that plays out. There’s also even an interesting loyalty program angle to Capella.
In this post:
Basics of what makes Capella Hotels & Resorts special
Without the massive footprint or decades of legacy that competitors possess, Capella Hotels & Resorts has managed to build an impressive reputation in recent years. While I don’t exactly put much weight on these rankings, Capella as a brand, plus the individual properties, have earned a disproportionate number of awards, and they seem to be well deserved.
The backstory of Capella is interesting, as it was first founded in 2001 by Horst Schulze. He was also the co-founder of Ritz-Carlton back in 1983, long before Marriott got involved (and made the brand what it is today). Then in 2017, Schulze sold Capella to Singapore’s Kwee family, and it’s really since then that the “modern” Capella brand was born.
To expand on that a bit, virtually all of the initial Capella properties from a couple of decades ago have been rebranded. For example, Breidenbacher Hof Dusseldorf, Cala de Mar Ixtapa, Rosewood Washington DC, Waldorf Astoria Pedregal Los Cabos, etc., were all former Capella properties.
In many ways, Capella’s new and boutique portfolio has allowed the company to remain heavily focused on quality. I like Capella’s stated vision — “visionary design elevated with honest-to-heart hospitality” — and it’s quite a contrast to so many of the other mass market hotel groups you’ll see out there.
I recently completed my first Capella stay, at the property in Taipei, and I was absolutely blown away, and this is now one of my two favorite boutique hotel brands (along with Airelles). Here’s what stands out to me about Capella:
- Each property has a unique, cool, quirky design, so no two properties are the same, or even similar; the designs of some properties are really “out there,” so I appreciate the bold vision
- Capella leans more into the local community and culture than some other hotel groups; many of the hotel’s staff are referred to as “Culturists,” and there are several daily activities involving local culture
- Capella properties are known for their restaurants & bars, so the goal is for the venues to be popular with both locals and guests
- Each Capella property has what’s known as “the living room,” which is essentially a club lounge that all guests get access to, with soft drinks and coffee throughout the day, and complimentary alcohol and snacks in the evening
In an industry where it often feels like there’s little attempt to differentiate, I very much respect what Capella does, and think the company stands out. I also like the company’s vision, and I think it paints a pretty accurate picture of the kind of experience the brand offers:
Our vision is to combine tradition, discovery, individuality and a twist of the unexpected, to create the perfect stay for each guest. Our destinations are designed by world-renowned architects. Our restaurants offer authentic flavours imaginatively reinvented. From the Auriga spas to each location’s dedicated and personal guest services, the Capella spirit is holistic, generous and bespoke.
One way I like to think about Capella is that it’s similar to the early days of Aman, except with more of a focus on city properties than rural retreats.
Capella Hotels & Resorts locations
Capella Hotels & Resorts currently has just 10 properties in its portfolio, so it’s among the smallest hotel collections out there, with all properties being in Asia-Pacific.
However, the brand is expanding significantly at the moment. In the coming years, we should see new properties open in Elanan, Florence, Kenting, Nanjing, Riyadh, and Shenzhen. As you can see, we’ll finally see Capella make its European debut. So while there’s a lack of geographic diversity in the portfolio, Asia-Pacific is such a good region for hospitality, so you’ve gotta appreciate how this also allows the brand to have stellar properties.
One other thing I should mention is that Capella also owns Patina Hotels & Resorts, which currently has properties in the Maldives and Osaka, with locations coming to Tianjin and Sanya. This is a separate hotel group, but also very well regarded, so it’s worth being aware of.
With the above out of the way, let’s go over the details of Capella’s current properties.
Capella Singapore
Set on Sentosa Island just off Singapore’s southern coast, Capella Singapore opened in 2009 as the brand’s flagship. It was built first in the 1880s and provided military housing for the British Royal Artillery. Today, the resort has 112 rooms, suites, villas, and manors, spread across 30 acres of gardens that blend British colonial buildings with modern architecture. Capella Singapore is a standout in the city, given its setting on Sentosa, and historical significance to Singapore.
It’s a great option for anyone who is looking for a resort-style vacation in Singapore. While I don’t put much weight on this, in 2024 Capella Singapore was recognized as one of the World’s 50 Best Hotels, ranking 33rd on the list.
Capella Bangkok
Capella Bangkok opened in 2020 on the Chao Phraya River, and offers 101 rooms, suites, and villas, all of which offer uninterrupted views of the water. The location along Charoen Krung Road and next door to the Four Seasons Bangkok puts guests within Bangkok’s historic waterfront district. One of the unique features of the hotel are the Riverside Villa and Presidential Villa, which offer private riverfront pools and gardens.
Capella Bangkok has quickly established itself as one of the best in Asia and Bangkok. It debuted with a 1st place ranking on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Hotels list, and followed up with a 3rd place ranking in 2025.
Capella Ubud, Bali
Capella Ubud consists of just 23 tents, each with a private saltwater pool. The resort opened in 2018 and caters toward couples, with 22 tents having one bedroom, and one tent having two bedrooms. Every structure at the resort is elevated within the jungle canopy and surrounded by vegetation, and is intended to offer a “glamping” experience. The resort features a tented gym called The Armory, an open-air spa, and a beautiful main pool among the jungle’s treetops.
Capella Shanghai
Capella Shanghai occupies a collection of restored shikumen townhouses in the former French Concession. The property opened in 2017, and offers 55 villas and suites, each spread across multiple levels, with private courtyards and interiors that blend elements of China and Europe.
Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire offers French dining, and the Auriga Spa, along with the library lounge and serene courtyards, give guests plenty of places to unwind away from the city. So the property really feels like a resort within a city, something that Capella is good at.
Capella Tufu Bay, Hainan
Capella Tufu Bay opened in 2019, as a contemporary beachfront escape on the southeastern coast of China’s Hainan Island. The resort has 190 rooms, suites, and villas, all of which face the South China Sea. The property emphasizes wellness, with yoga, tai chi, and holistic spa treatments, forming a key part of the experience.
Capella Hanoi
Opened in 2021, Capella Hanoi brought the brand to Vietnam’s capital, with 47 rooms and suites located in the city’s French Quarter. Designed by Bill Bensley, the property takes inspiration from the world of opera, with Art Nouveau interiors that contrast with Hanoi’s historic streets.
The small scale of the hotel creates an intimate and residential feel. Koki, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, has also become a local highlight. Guests have access to the Auriga Spa, an indoor pool, and a collection of artist-inspired suites, with period antiques and custom artwork. This is unarguably Hanoi’s best hotel.
Capella Sydney
Capella Sydney opened in 2023, transforming the city’s former Department of Education building, an early 20th-century sandstone landmark, into a hotel with 192 rooms and suites. The renovation took seven years and proceeded slowly in order to retain much of the building’s heritage detail, while making the interiors contemporary.
Located in Sydney’s central business district, Capella Sydney is just a few minutes walk far the world famous Opera House, the Rocks, and Sydney Harbour. While the Park Hyatt Sydney used to be regarded as the city’s best hotel, many now think the Capella Sydney has taken over that title, especially in terms of service and amenities.
In 2025, Capella Sydney made its debut with a 12th place ranking on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, earning the distinction of being named “Best Hotel in Oceania.”
Capella Taipei
Capella Taipei opened in April 2025, with 86 room and suites, and is the third newest addition to the portfolio. Designed by André Fu, the hotel is meant to offer a “modern mansion” aesthetic. The property features an Auriga Spa, a small, serene indoor pool, a Cantonese restaurant, a European brasserie, and a patisserie with views of the hotel’s garden.
This is without a doubt Taipei’s best hotel, and has elevated the hospitality standard in the city.
Capella Galaxy Macau
Capella Macau opened in February 2026, with 95 room and suites, and is the second newest addition to the portfolio. This is a hotel within a hotel, as it’s located within the Galaxy Macau complex.
The hotel is described as being influenced by the jungle-inspired motifs found throughout world fashion, with the hotel feeling like a “residential sanctuary in Macau.” As you’d expect, the hotel also has a spa, and is a dining destination.
Capella Kyoto
Capella Kyoto opened in March 2026, and the property has 89 rooms and suites, and is the newest addition to the brand. Kyoto has of course become a hotspot for luxury hotels in recent times, and I imagine Capella is elevating things once again. The hotel is located in the historic Miyagawa-cho kagai (geisha district), close to the Kenninji temple and the Kamo river.
The property is described as a modern day machiya (townhouse), so it’s a twist on the traditional Japanese concept, which reinterprets Kyoto’s characteristic spatial composition. The hotel has an Auriga Spa a selection of dining outlets,
Best way to maximize value with Capella Hotels & Resorts
If you’re going to stay at a Capella Hotels & Resorts property, there are two ways to maximize value — make sure you’re participating in a useful hotel loyalty program, and also book through a program offering extra perks.
Earn points with Global Hotel Alliance
Unlike some other small luxury hotel groups, Capella does participate in a hotel loyalty program. Specifically, it’s part of GHA Discovery (GHA stands for “Global Hotel Alliance”) which is an often overlooked loyalty program.
Not only does GHA Discovery offer elite tiers, but the program also offers 4-7% back on your spending, in the form of credits you can use toward future GHA stays. So you absolutely should take advantage of this program if booking a Capella property.
GHA Discovery even often has a lucrative status match promotion, and if you have elite status, you could score perks like additional room upgrades.
Book with a program like Virtuoso for extra perks
Capella properties participate in Virtuoso and similar preferred partner and credit card programs. Booking through those channels usually includes:
- Daily breakfast for two
- A room upgrade, if available
- A resort or spa credit, typically $100 per stay
- Early check-in and late check-out, if available
Given the rates, it’s worth booking through a program that offers these benefits. So whether you book through a premium credit card program or a travel advisor affiliated with Virtuoso, this is the best way to book these properties. Ford and his team are happy to help with Capella requests, and can be reached at [email protected].
The good thing is that booking through Virtuoso still makes you eligible for GHA Discovery rewards, so you can double dip. Furthermore, if booking through Virtuoso, it’s sometimes possible to combine an advance purchase rate with extra perks. You can also look at these rates on TravelWits.
Bottom line
Capella is one of the world’s most well regarded luxury boutique hotel brands. Capella currently has 10 properties in Asia-Pacific, and seems heavily focused on quality over quantity. I’d almost view Capella as being what Aman used to be in its early days, but with more of a city focus.
In particular, in Bangkok, Hanoi, Shanghai, Sydney, and Taipei, Capella properties are considered to be the best in their cities. Having recently stayed at the Taipei property, checking out the rest of the portfolio is now also on my to-do list, as these are some pretty special hotels.
If you do book a Capella property, make sure you book through Virtuoso or a similar program, and double dip it with the GHA Discovery program.
If you’ve stayed at a Capella property, what was your experience like?
Fun fact is how capellas (the current form) are all owned and operated by its owner hence the brand preservation. The Kwee family has a penchant for luxury that’s quite unparalleled in the industry. They happened to also own the only Ritz Carlton property in the world that don’t participate in Bonvoy. Talk about swag.
Yes, staying at a hotel in Asia where the daily room rate is equal to the average monthly wage is a great way to learn about the local culture.
Seems you need an article about the GHA group because it is even rarely talked about here.
@iamhere Are you really here quite often though? Haha. Ben did write about GHA program just last December and how it is underrated. He also included a link to it in this review as well as a link to the GHA program. That is why he said you should book a room with a travel advisor while including your GHA membership number to get more benefits.
Kenting is a very interesting gamble...
It's a pretty part of Taiwan, with the Kenting National Park as the backdrop. They won't have any competition to speak of. The majority of accommodations and attractions are small & medium sized mom-and-pop operations. Night market is a blast, though.
I am wondering about their target market, though. The closest airport with a smattering of international flights and a high speed rail station is in Kaohsiung,...
Kenting is a very interesting gamble...
It's a pretty part of Taiwan, with the Kenting National Park as the backdrop. They won't have any competition to speak of. The majority of accommodations and attractions are small & medium sized mom-and-pop operations. Night market is a blast, though.
I am wondering about their target market, though. The closest airport with a smattering of international flights and a high speed rail station is in Kaohsiung, 100 km away, for example.
The waters are mostly non-swimmable due to the undertow. Also, this area is may be heavily impacted by seasonal typhoons and downpours.
Agree that Kenting is a fascinating play. They would have no virtually competition — the current "luxury" hotels in the area, The Chateau, Cesar Park, Howard, and Fullon hotels, are all quite old and are essentially 4-star hotels charging international 5-star prices.
But also agree that its target market is questionable. For Taiwanese travelers, Kenting has a poor reputation for being a tourist trap with overpriced accommodations and food. For international travelers, the area...
Agree that Kenting is a fascinating play. They would have no virtually competition — the current "luxury" hotels in the area, The Chateau, Cesar Park, Howard, and Fullon hotels, are all quite old and are essentially 4-star hotels charging international 5-star prices.
But also agree that its target market is questionable. For Taiwanese travelers, Kenting has a poor reputation for being a tourist trap with overpriced accommodations and food. For international travelers, the area isn't very accessible without driving, and the quality of tourist facilities in and around Kenting National Park are very "local", to put it nicely.
Capella isn’t making its European debut; it’s returning to Europe. The very first Capella was in Europe, in Düsseldorf
"While the Park Hyatt Sydney used to be regarded as the city’s best hotel, many now think the Capella Sydney has taken over that title, especially in terms of service..."
And both properties have Marc von Arnim to thank. He was the GM of the PH Sydney, and that hotel is nothing like it used to be. He went over an opened the Capella Sydney, and look at the results. He is a phenomenal GM and everything he touches turns to gold.
As a frequent visitor to Sydney I must comment that the Park Hyatt is in the middle of nowhere, and the Capella is overrated in terms of room-size and guest facilities; for instance, The Living Room is microscopic, and gets uncomfortably crowded. The Sydney luxury hotel market is fairly dire, so much so that we bought an apartment (in the much funkier and livelier Surry Hills) this year so we didn’t have to bother with it anymore.
The whole Sydney hotel market is dire at every level.
We stayed at the Capella Bangkok over Christmas. As you noted is is riverfront and next to the FS and the FS Residences. In fact the FS and Capella are both owned by the same Thai company. FS is much larger and the proximity allows you to enjoy the boutiqueness of the Capella and the additional restaurants and bigger SPA at the FS. They also offer a river shuttle to guests from both hotels to...
We stayed at the Capella Bangkok over Christmas. As you noted is is riverfront and next to the FS and the FS Residences. In fact the FS and Capella are both owned by the same Thai company. FS is much larger and the proximity allows you to enjoy the boutiqueness of the Capella and the additional restaurants and bigger SPA at the FS. They also offer a river shuttle to guests from both hotels to the BTS station and to the ICONSIAM shopping mall.
We had a super stay at the Campella. Cocktails and snacks each evening in the Living Room for all guets. The GM came several times as did other staff members. Food was excellent too!
Capella has been around for 20+ years.
They used to have a property in the US - The Setai in NYC (now The Langham). I stayed a few times during the Capella years and it was a really lovely property with excellent service (not just by US standards). They even had a Maserati as the house car which was fun (if pointless in Midtown traffic).
Any other former properties to add to the list?
Capella had a hotel in DC that later became the Rosewood.
The first Capella opened in 2008. It's not been around for 20+ years.
The hotel group was founded in 2001/2002.
https://hotelsmag.com/news/exclusive-schulze-sells-capella-to-singapore-family/