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Showing posts with label rich. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rich. Show all posts
Thursday, October 8, 2026
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Capella Bangkok GM Antonio Saponara on Quiet Luxury and the Power of Place
Since its opening in October 2020, Capella Bangkok has become a favourite with travellers to the Thai capital city. What factors contributed most to this success?
I believe our success comes from a combination of place, people and purpose. We’re privileged to be right on the edge of the Chao Phraya River, in the heart of the historic Charoenkrung neighbourhood. From the very beginning, we wanted Capella Bangkok to feel genuinely connected to its surroundings.
Above all, it’s our people who’ve shaped Capella Bangkok into the unique place it is today. Genuine hospitality cannot be scripted. Our team take the time to understand each guest and create experiences that feel personal and intuitive. Ultimately, we’ve stayed true to what we want Capella Bangkok to be: a place of tranquillity, meaningful connection and highly personalised hospitality in the heart of the city’s most storied district.
How are the multiple awards the property has won resonating with the hotel team members?
Such recognition means a great deal to us, as it belongs to the entire team. Behind every award are hundreds of colleagues whose dedication and care make Capella Bangkok what it is.
I always remind the team that an award is not the destination but encouragement to keep improving. It gives us confidence and pride, but more importantly, it reminds us of our responsibility to keep earning our guests’ trust every single day.
How is Capella Bangkok adapting to the evolving expectations of luxury travellers in Asia?
Luxury has become increasingly personal. Today’s travellers are looking for authenticity, privacy and experiences with genuine meaning.
At Capella Bangkok, we believe true luxury is not simply about beautiful surroundings, but how a hotel makes a guest feel, and the memories they take home. Through thoughtful personalisation, meaningful connections with the city and a greater focus on wellbeing, we continue to evolve with our guests while staying true to our core missions.
Would you agree to say that the design of Capella Bangkok has been highly influenced by the quiet luxury trend?
I’d say Capella Bangkok naturally embodies the idea of quiet luxury, although our design philosophy was established long before the term became a buzzword. The architecture is intentionally restrained, allowing the Chao Phraya River to take centre stage.
To me, true luxury isn’t something you can easily capture in a sentence or photograph. You have to feel it; through craftsmanship, comfort, privacy and thoughtful details.
Tell us about the different rooms, suites and exclusive villas that can be booked at Capella Bangkok?
One of the defining characteristics of Capella Bangkok is our relationship with the Chao Phraya River. All 101 of our rooms, suites and villas feature a private balcony overlooking the river, so that connection is always part of the experience.
Our accommodations range from spacious Riverfront rooms to generous suites offering additional living space and privacy. For something even more secluded, our Verandah suites and riverside Villas offer the feeling of a private home by the river, with private outdoor spaces and jacuzzi plunge pools. It’s a secluded riverfront hideaway, but with all the amenities and perks of the full Capella Bangkok experience.
You have worked in Shanghai, in Beijing, in the Maldives and now in Bangkok. What lessons from each destination have shaped your leadership approach today?
Every destination has taught me something different, but perhaps the greatest lesson is that you should never arrive believing you already have all the answers.
Shanghai taught me pace and precision; Beijing, the importance of cultural understanding; the Maldives, the emotional connection between people and place; and Bangkok continues to remind me of the power of warmth, generosity and human connection.
After more than three decades in hospitality, I believe leadership is ultimately about listening, to our guests, but equally to our colleagues. Cultures may differ from one destination to another, but respect, authenticity and care are universal.
As a general manager, what is the first thing you notice when you enter a hotel and what details matter most to you?
The first thing I notice is actually not the design, but the feeling. I look at how guests are welcomed, how naturally the team engages with them and whether the atmosphere feels warm and genuine. Of course, details such as lighting, scent, music and flowers matter, but what stays with me is the human connection. Beautiful surroundings can impress you but genuine care is what you remember.
What can visitors to Capella Bangkok expect in terms of dining experiences?
Dining is an important part of the experience and we want each of our venues to have its own personality while sharing a strong sense of place.
At Côte by Mauro Colagreco, our two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant, the experience draws inspiration from the French and Italian Rivieras, bringing that generous Mediterranean spirit to Bangkok through refined simplicity, seasonal ingredients and expressive cuisine. Phra Nakhon has a very different character. It’s our celebration of authentic regional Thai cuisine by the river, focusing on time-honoured recipes and locally sourced ingredients, including produce from our own Greenhouse.
Stella, meanwhile, brings creativity and energy to the evening through contemporary Thai-inspired mixology and live music. Its latest chapter, A Journey into the New Siam, reimagines Thai traditions and local flavours through a modern lens. For something more leisurely, our Tea Lounge offers premium teas and afternoon tea overlooking the river and lily pond, creating a quieter way to experience life along the Chao Phraya.
We were especially honoured this year to be named Best Global Hotel for Food & Drink in Food & Wine’s 2026 Global Tastemakers Awards. This recognition feels particularly meaningful because it celebrates the collective experience across our restaurants and bars, and the passion of the teams behind them.
Ultimately, what connects all of our dining experiences is the belief that food and drink should create memories. They should have a sense of place, tell a story and, most importantly, bring people together. We want our guests not only to enjoy a wonderful meal, but to leave with a little more understanding of Bangkok, its flavours and its character.
How important is sustainability in your culinary approach and how will you reflect this across the hotel’s dining venues?
Sustainability is deeply embedded in our culinary philosophy at Capella Bangkok. We focus on responsible sourcing, from local organic produce and our own pesticide-free Greenhouse to cage-free eggs. We continuously work on ways to reduce food waste, single-use plastics and unnecessary packaging. These efforts are supported by broader hotel-wide initiatives in energy and water conservation, recycling, composting and community engagement. Across our restaurants, we want exceptional gastronomy to go hand in hand with responsible choices, creating experiences that are meaningful for our guests while being mindful of the environment and the communities around us.
Tell us more about the spa & wellness facilities at Capella Bangkok.
Wellness at Capella Bangkok is very much about creating a sense of balance, both physically and emotionally, while giving our guests the space to slow down and reconnect with themselves. At the heart of this experience is Auriga, our riverside wellness sanctuary, where treatments and experiences are thoughtfully personalised around each guest’s individual needs. Its approach brings together time-honoured traditions and contemporary practices, with influences spanning Thai, Chinese, Indian and European wellness philosophies.
Our facilities include beautifully appointed treatment suites, a vitality pool, water therapy facilities and relaxation spaces set within a verdant garden by the river. Guests can complement their treatments with movement and fitness experiences such as Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, Anti Gravity Yoga and personalised sessions with our trainers, or simply unwind by our riverside infinity pool.
But I firmly believe wellness goes beyond the physical. It’s just as much about finding moments of stillness and connection. One experience that captures this beautifully is “A Moment of Meditation”, which is part of our Capella Curates programme. Guests are invited to join a guided meditation with Monk Phra Ajan Prasert, drawing upon the Buddhist practice of meditation to cultivate concentration, emotional positivity and a more content state of mind. I think experiences like these allow our guests not only to pause, but also to connect more meaningfully with Thailand and its traditions. Our Culturists can also arrange private meditation experiences as part of the hotel’s broader approach to immersing guests in local culture.
What makes Auriga Wellness particularly special is this sense of personalisation. We do not prescribe one definition of wellbeing. Instead, we encourage each guest to find what feels meaningful to them, whether that comes through movement, restorative treatments, mindfulness, cultural discovery or simply taking a quiet moment by the Chao Phraya River.
For us, wellness is not simply an amenity within the hotel. It’s part of how we want our guests to feel while they are here: more present, more balanced and perhaps a little more connected to Bangkok — and themselves.
What is your vision for the future of Capella Bangkok over the next few years?
My vision for Capella Bangkok is to keep moving forward while staying true to the heart and soul of who we are.
Over the years, I’ve seen Capella Bangkok become much more than a hotel. It’s become a place where our guests create memories, where our colleagues grow and take pride in what they do and where meaningful connections with Bangkok and our local community come to life. That is something very special and something I never want us to lose.
Of course, we’ll continue to evolve. There will always be new experiences to create, new culinary and wellness journeys to explore and new ways to introduce our guests to the richness of the city. But for me, the most important part of our future will always be our people and the genuine human connections they create every day.
The world of hospitality will continue to change and technology will certainly play a greater role but I believe true luxury will become even more human. It’s all about being remembered, understood and cared for in a way that feels natural and sincere.
My hope is that Capella Bangkok remains a place people want to return to, not only because they remember a beautiful stay but because they remember how they felt when they were here. Success, for me, is seeing the same guests return years from now, perhaps with their families and still feel that same sense of warmth and familiarity from the moment they first arrived.
If Capella Bangkok can continue to be a place they feel deeply connected to, almost like returning to a home in Bangkok, that would make me incredibly proud. To me, that sense of belonging and lasting connection would mean far more than any award.
What makes a hotel stay an unforgettable experience?
The stays we remember most are rarely about one grand gesture. They’re about the little things, the moments when someone makes you feel genuinely seen.
It could be remembering how you like your morning coffee, introducing you to a side of Bangkok you might never have found on your own, or understanding what you need before you even have to ask.
Of course, beautiful surroundings and exceptional experiences are important, but what stays with us is always the human connection. When a guest leaves feeling that they weren’t simply staying at a hotel, but that they belonged here for a little while, that’s when hospitality becomes something truly memorable.
How do you see the hospitality industry evolving in the next few years?
I believe hospitality is becoming more personal, purposeful and emotionally meaningful. Luxury will be defined less by what a hotel has, and more by how well it understands its guests and connects them to the destination.
Technology will help make the journey more seamless, but the human touch will remain irreplaceable. At Capella Bangkok, our focus is to create deeply personalised experiences rooted in the city, its culture, its communities and the Chao Phraya River. Ultimately, the hotels that remain relevant will be those that evolve with their guests while staying true to who they are.
Your favourite spots in Bangkok which you personally recommend to guests visiting the Thai capital?
Bangkok is a city that continually reveals a different side and some of my favourite places are those that offer a quieter, more intimate connection to its history and culture.
Wat Prayoon in Thonburi district is one of those places. Nearly two centuries old, the temple is distinguished by its magnificent white chedi, surrounded by smaller stupas, beautiful halls and a museum of Buddha images. Despite its significance, it retains a wonderful sense of tranquillity. I particularly enjoy recommending it to guests who wish to discover another side of Bangkok’s spiritual heritage, away from the city’s more familiar temples.
For a completely different perspective, I recommend Bang Krachao, a green oasis just beyond the city’s urban landscape. Surrounded by the Chao Phraya River and lush mangroves, it feels worlds away from central Bangkok. Exploring its communities, temples and local market by bicycle, along elevated pathways shaded by tropical greenery, is a lovely way to experience a slower and more unexpected side of the capital.
I’m also naturally drawn to the Chao Phraya River, especially at different moments of the day. The Memorial Bridge at sunset offers one of my favourite views, when the changing light transforms the river and the city around it. Wat Arun at twilight, viewed from the water, is perhaps one of Bangkok’s most timeless sights. And in the early morning, I enjoy the buzzy riverfront around Pak Khlong Talat, when the flower market and surrounding neighbourhood are beginning another day.
For guests interested in Bangkok’s contemporary creative spirit, I often recommend the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, an important platform for the city’s artists and creative community, as well as Warehouse 30 in the historic Charoen Krung neighbourhood. The latter is particularly close to us at Capella Bangkok and offers a glimpse into how this historic part of the city continues to evolve through art, design and contemporary culture.
These places capture what makes Bangkok so compelling: the constant blend of old and new, moments of serenity alongside the energy of the city, and unexpected discoveries that allow you to experience Bangkok through a more personal lens.
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For more information and reservations, email Reservations.Bangkok@
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The post Capella Bangkok GM Antonio Saponara on Quiet Luxury and the Power of Place appeared first on LUXUO.
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Wednesday, October 7, 2026
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Precision in Overdrive: A. Lange & Söhne Brings “Challenging Chronographs” to Singapore
For connoisseurs of haute horlogerie, the mechanical chronograph has long represented the ultimate synthesis of engineering prowess, athletic dynamism, and sculptural artistry. This month, the storied Saxon manufacture A. Lange & Söhne transforms the heart of Orchard Road into a temple of mechanical mastery with its exclusive pop-up exhibition, “Challenging Chronographs”.
Taking over two dedicated spaces at the ION Orchard Level 1 Atrium from 18 to 30 October 2026 (open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm), the public showcase offers an extraordinary glimpse into the Glashütte manufacture’s most enduring core competency – the making of fine chronographs – and its passion for historic motoring.
The synergy between vintage racing machines and fine German watchmaking is far from coincidental. Under the leadership of CEO Wilhelm Schmid, who spent most of his career in the automotive industry before joining Lange in 2011, the manufacture has forged enduring alliances with the world’s most prestigious classic car concours.
“Speaking from experience, I know that there is a great deal of common ground between car and watch collectors: ultimate craftsmanship, technical innovation and unrivalled heritage are the key values of both vintage cars and our approach to watchmaking,” Schmid observes.
That philosophy is reflected across the brand’s automotive partnerships:
- Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este: Marking its milestone 15th year of partnership with Lange in 2026 on the shores of Lake Como, the manufacture donates a bespoke, hand-engraved timepiece annually to the winner of the coveted “Best of Show”.
- Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace: A partnership maintained since 2018, where historic motoring marvels, such as the 1928 Mercedes-Benz 710 SSK Rennwagen crowned in 2026, stand alongside Glashütte’s finest timepieces.
- Audrain Newport Concours d’Elegance & Motor Week: Celebrating kinetic beauty and heritage across the Atlantic in Rhode Island.
At ION Orchard, visitors will step directly into this intersection of speed and sophistication, exploring how the relentless pursuit of timing precision in motorsport has spurred Lange’s watchmakers to continuously reinvent the function of tracking elapsed time from the ground up.
From left to right: A. Lange & Söhne’s Datograph Flyback and Triple Split. Image courtesy of A. Lange & Söhne.
The Chronograph Revolution: From Datograph to Triple Split
At the epicentre of the Singapore exhibition sits the Datograph family, a collection distinguished by its outsized impact on the world of extraordinary chronographs.
When the Datograph premiered at Baselworld in 1999, even high-end Swiss watchmakers predominantly relied on third-party, industrially supplied bases. Lange shattered the status quo by introducing the in-house calibre L951.1, conceived and manufactured entirely within its own Glashütte workshops. Combining an instantaneously jumping minute counter, a flyback mechanism, and Lange’s signature outsize date, its architecture was as aesthetically seductive as it was technically audacious. Arranged in an intuitive equilateral triangle, the dial became an instant classic, while the sculpted multi-tier movement visible through the caseback set an industry gold standard.
Rather than resting on its laurels, Lange spent the next quarter-century systematically expanding what a mechanical chronograph could do, debuting a remarkable 13 models with the ability to record elapsed time, including the Double Split (2004) and Triple Split (2018). The Double Split was the world’s first double-rattrapante chronograph, breaking through the conventional 60-second split-timing limit to compare intervals of up to 30 minutes. The Triple Split, on the other hand, was not only seminal but remains unchallenged in fine watchmaking. It basically extends the split-timing measurement from seconds and minutes to hours, for up to 12 unbroken hours. It remains the world’s only mechanical split-seconds chronograph capable of multi-hour comparative timing, a feat destined to be useful for multi-stage endurance racing and marathons.
The Triple Split’s hand-wound calibre L132.1 solved monumental engineering hurdles, including a patented disengagement mechanism that lifts levers clear of still-rotating cams the moment the rattrapante hands freeze, preventing friction from sapping amplitude from the balance wheel. Visitors to the exhibition will witness how this technical philosophy culminated most recently in the stealthy platinum edition of the Triple Split, boasting an elegant rhodié dial, charcoal sub-counters, and blued-steel rattrapante hands.
Live Saxon Craftsmanship on Orchard Road
What sets “Challenging Chronographs” apart from a conventional gallery showcase is the presence of living horological heritage. Throughout the exhibition, a master watchmaker and a master engraver from the Glashütte manufacture will host live bench demonstrations.
Guests can observe the painstaking and delicate handcraft that gives every Lange creation its bespoke identity:
- Freehand Engraving: Watchmakers and artisans will demonstrate the traditional Saxon art of freehand floral and scrollwork engraving directly onto balance cocks, giving each component its own unique touch.
- Movement Architecture & Assembly: The intricate assembly of Lange’s high-complication calibres, revealing untreated German silver plates, hand-chamfered bridges, and screwed gold chatons.
Visitor Information & Appointments
Whether you are an ardent collector of fine watches; an enthusiast of classic automotive design; or a curious observer of rare artisanal crafts, the exhibition provides an unparalleled encounter with high-precision timekeeping.
- Exhibition: Challenging Chronographs by A. Lange & Söhne
- Dates: 18 to 30 October 2026
- Hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily
- Location: ION Orchard, Level 1 Atrium, Singapore
- Guided Tours & Artisanal Demonstrations: Available by appointment at tinyurl.com/challengingchronographs
For more on the latest in luxury watch reads, click here.
The post Precision in Overdrive: A. Lange & Söhne Brings “Challenging Chronographs” to Singapore appeared first on LUXUO.
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Corso by Bottega Veneta
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