Latest news with #AndréFu
Times
18-07-2025
- Times
Capella Singapore hotel review: polished serenity on Sentosa Island
Quiet luxury remains all the rage, and this place has it in spades. On top of a grassy hill on the Singaporean island of Sentosa, elegant terracotta-roofed buildings — built in the 1880s and with restored creamy colonnades and lengthy verandas — stand by a lawn where twisty-trunked angsana trees and a spiral steel sculpture are displayed with equal reverence. While nods to its past as a British Royal Artillery barracks remain — sepia photos of days-gone-by gala suppers and help-yourself afternoon sandwiches — it is rich in modern appeal. A looping infinity-shaped wing by the hotshot British architectural firm Foster + Partners gives way to 113 rooms and villas dressed by the interiors maestro André Fu in enveloped-in-the-forest sage shades and mid-century modern curves; buggies whisk guests to a wildly tasty yet unpretentious Italian restaurant by the renowned chef Mauro Colagreco, while three swimming pools inspired by Balinese paddy fields tumble down a hillside. Frankly, what's not to love? Everything is just-so without ever feeling showy and, while kids are warmly welcomed, there's an air of grown-up tranquillity, broken only when oriental pied hornbills crash into the canopy. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 9/10Views-wise it's impossible to feel hard done by. Bedrooms housed in the sienna balustrade-wrapped contemporary wing, have balconies looking out to gardens filled with rustling grasses and lipstick palms or electric blue pools, some backdropped with a hint of the ocean. Fu's light, contemporary mid-century aesthetic is homely but alluring — plush sand-coloured sofas upholstered in soft flax stand next to an ash wood rocking chair and hand-carved teak bowl. Walk-in wardrobes are hidden behind king-size beds made with Frette linens, while smart oak and rattan-weave drinks cabinets include complimentary Fever Tree fizz and fruit juices. The rooms are among the largest in Singapore (from 77 sq m), with the curtains closed by a no-fuss button touch. The stone-floored bathrooms have double basins, baths and rainforest showers stocked with geranium-leaf-scented Aesop amenities in glass bottles. The set-up of the suites is similar, save for an additional lounge that is revealed by pulling back a theatrical wooden partition. Several villas with one to three bedrooms that are scattered down the hillside sport similar decor and also have petite outdoor plunge pools, indoor and outdoor rainforest showers and alfresco tubs for under-the-stars bathing (the one-bed villas are prime honeymooner territory). There are two grand heritage manors that tend to be taken over by visiting celebs, who the amiable staff are too discreet to name, of course. Score 10/10Colagreco's Fiamma brings a taste of la dolce vita to Sentosa, in a timber-beamed space decorated with a bronze-cast chandelier, Portuguese marble and a wood-fired pizza oven. For breakfast the 'semi-buffet' spread means that you can order from a menu featuring dishes such as buttermilk vanilla pancakes, onsen eggs with kaya (coconut jam) toast, Singapore laksa and avocado toast, plus help yourself to fruit, salad, cheese and freshly-baked pandan swirl brioches and even bloody marys — it offers plenty of what you fancy without feeling excessive. Roaming staff pass by tables with matcha-turmeric-lemon wellness shots for extra pep, while myna birds and peacocks strut past tables on the 30m terrace. Lunches and dinners are rooted in just-like-nonna-made recipes with modern twists — think burrata with apricot and pistachio, pesto trofie, grilled fish and, the star dessert, tiramisu. The heritage wing's Fu-designed Cassia is a more formal, white-tablecloth affair where glammed-up guests feast among lacquered screens and latticework lanterns on Cantonese crystal dumplings, double-boiled chicken soup and poached peach in osmanthus. Sundowner spots are plentiful — try the Siloso Sours on the terrace of Bob's Bar or opt for rum, cherry and pineapple Scarlet Rouges with card games in the convivial Pineapple Room. Still peckish? Complimentary sandwiches and nibbles arrive in the living room mid-afternoon. • Discover our full guide to Singapore• More of the best hotels in Singapore Score 10/10The scene-stealing, three-tiered, lava-stone swimming pools cleverly separate different guest categories — the top level infinity-edge adults' pool is a hit with blissed-out honeymooners, the middle level is a family affair and below is a slender adults-only lap pool. A bucket sunhat and staff appearing with icy mango slushies make pool time really feel as though you've hit the holiday jackpot. The Auriga spa is equally appealing; follow a curving path — in which sculptural shoals of koi carp appear to swim from the walls — to a zen space where tailored 90-minute massages, vibrational therapy and treatments inspired by the lunar cycle take place. Leave time to make the most of a bubbling vitality pool, sauna and steam rooms, as well as mindful colouring books and mini zen gardens to rake while nibbling sesame-tahini cookies and sipping rose-infused tea. There is also a gym, fussball and pool tables, on a veranda in the heritage wing, and a schedule of workshops from sunrise yoga to scavenger hunts to keep the whole family entertained. Score 9/10The Capella is conveniently close to the entry bridge for Sentosa, making it a strong choice for those keen to have a calm base to explore the city, about ten minutes' drive away, and the buttery sands of Palawan beach, which can be accessed in ten minutes via a footpath leading down from the hotel. As for exploring, free island-wide shuttles and trains mean that most attractions can be reached in under 25 minutes — be that theme-park hotspot Resorts World, Sensoryscape's light walk or the Merlion cable-car stop for rides to the zip lines and bars at Siloso beach. The hotel's clued-in 'Capella culturists' can arrange pretty much anything, from mahjong sessions (an absolute hoot) to street art tours combining dosas in Little India with mural-adorned laneway explorations or rounds at one of the two championship golf courses on Sentosa. Price room-only doubles from £832Restaurant mains from £26Family-friendly YAccessible Y Ianthe Butt was a guest of Capella Singapore ( • Best things to do in Singapore• Best serviced apartments in Singapore
Forbes
04-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Is Quiet Luxury Over? Top Designer André Fu Believes It's Here To Stay
A calming, luxurious suite at Dusit Thani Bangkok To say interior architect André Fu is in demand is quite the understatement. In the past year alone, his eponymous André Fu Studio (AFSO) had a hand in four headline projects: The Emory in London, the city's first all-suite hotel; Dusit Thani Bangkok, a reinvention of a historic flagship property; Capella Taipei, styled as a modern mansion and the eighth opening of the award-winning hospitality group; and Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the luxury brand's first foray in Japan. So while fashion has become disillusioned with the quiet luxury aesthetic, Fu's popularity is testament to the power of elegant restraint. Known for his East-meets-West aesthetic and a calming yet textured palette, his worldly approach is far from 'boring beige'—he creates spaces with warmth, character and sophistication in spades. We speak to the lauded interior architect and founder of André Fu Living, on his timely yet timeless designs, his creative process and what's next. Plume is the elevated lobby bar at Capella Taipei You often describe your style as 'relaxed luxury'. What would you say are the ingredients of the André Fu style? Perhaps it is my approach to design—it is never about capturing a particular trend of style. I would typically immerse myself in walking around the site, conducting engaging conversations with the locals and conjuring the narrative for the project. This serves as the backbone for the project to evolve and develop, but it is always about bringing everyone back to the original vision and being truthful to it. Your projects span new builds and historic spaces. Do you approach them differently? Each hotel takes years to realise so whenever I accept a new project, I need to convince myself that there is something unique that I want to tell. This mindset allows me to see each project as a way to capture a new side of my aesthetic world. Andre Fu used Jim Thompson Thai silk and handmade ceramic tiles at the Dusit Thani Bangkok For the Dusit Thani Bangkok, you were able to weave a lot of the hotel's history into the space. Walk us through the creative process: It was about paying homage to the original hotel's distinct character, while also offering something fresh and innovative. I imagined a visual journey to celebrate Thai culture and design sensibilities, art and craftsmanship throughout each destination within the property. I adopted a vast variety of local materials, including Jim Thompson Thai silk and handmade ceramic tiles to celebrate the local artisan offerings, and juxtaposed them with European fabrics and stones. Palette wise, one may notice an expansive use of exotic tropical colors to celebrate the sense of place. One of the key highlights in the project can be found in the main lobby: multiple freestanding bronze screens, designed in collaboration with Bangkok-based projecttSTUDIO. This handcrafted sculpture has intricate interwoven patterns to conjure a layered visual experience, evoking a dynamic sense of movement and ascension. The level of intricacy for the scale we have dreamt up is highly ambitious. The stunning Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Osaka From post-pandemic recovery to economic uncertainty and ongoing wars, the world seems more chaotic. Do you think this has changed how many of us view hotels? I think hotels are an ultimate expression of lifestyle—it ought to elevate one's senses on a 360-degree level. Guests are also seeking for each hotel to have a point of view and a story to tell, akin to reflecting on their own personal values. On that note, it perhaps explains why I have always challenged myself with coming up with a particular vision and narrative for each project. Sometimes it is about the brand that I'm working with, sometimes it's about revolving around the context of the hotel, or everything in between. What would your dream holiday look like? My bucket list at present includes a trip to Brasilia to admire the works of Oscar Niemeyer. Every summer, I also take a few days to return to Villa La Coste—one of my favorite projects nestled in Aix-en-Provence to immerse myself in its world of art, architecture and wine culture. Lastly, can you share future plans that you're personally excited about? Other than some key addresses and hotels in the making, my next step involves taking my own brand, André Fu Living, outside of Asia.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
New Waldorf Astoria Osaka Raises The Bar On Luxury
Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Osaka The Waldorf Astoria brand made its glittering debut in Japan earlier this month. The much-anticipated Waldorf Astoria Osaka blends New York glamour with Japanese design essence in a shiny new-build set on the top floors of a 39-story skyscraper that forms part of the new Grand Green Osaka development. Imagined by André Fu, the celebrated Hong Kong-based interior designer behind some of the world's most iconic hotels, including Capella Singapore and The Upper House in Hong Kong, the hotel is an intriguing mix of Eastern and Western design. Fu's blend of the unabashed grandeur of Waldorf Astoria's New York Art Deco roots with the understated sensibility of Japanese zen minimalism is not just tasteful and sophisticated, but downright jaw dropping. If you meet at the clock at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, it will be under this 144-year-old timepiece from legendary Japanese manufacturer Seiko. Like the elegant Peacock Alley, the new place to see and be seen in Osaka, with its soaring ceilings, mesmerizing views and statement clock—a 144-year-old timepiece from legendary Japanese manufacturer Seiko—echoing the legacy of the original Waldorf Astoria New York. The 252 guest rooms are some of largest in the city, offering a mix of delicate Japanese design details and classic Waldorf Astoria comforts. The rooms, which include two 1,570 square-foot penthouse suites and a more than 2,000 square-foot Presidential Suite, all sit between the 31st and 38th floors, offering breathtaking 360-degree views spanning all the way from Osaka Bay to the Hyogo mountaintops. The hotel also features three additional food and drinks venues, as well as a huge fitness and wellness center. Osaka is part neon-lit metropolis, part retro-futuristic old town. Often ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, Osaka is known as The Kitchen of Japan (yes, its food credentials even rival those of Tokyo!), famous for dishes like shabu-shabu (or Japanese hotpot) and a myriad of street food, from battered octopus balls (takoyaki) to cabbage-filled pancakes (okonomiyaki). Osaka is part neon-lit metropolis, part retro-futuristic old town. It is safe, progressive, easy to navigate, and an ideal alternative to Tokyo and Kyoto as more young travelers prioritize lesser-known destinations over those suffering under the blight of overtourism. "Today's luxury travelers are increasingly seeking out less obvious destinations, often bypassing 'overtourism' hotspots in favor of authenticity and deeper connections," says Candice D'Cruz, Vice President, Hilton Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, adding that luxury hotel brands are finding new homes in places where travelers seek both novelty and familiarity. The bedroom of the Presidential Suite at Waldorf Astoria Osaka. D'Cruz explains that, while Osaka has long been a world-class destination, its luxury hospitality market has remained relatively untapped compared to Tokyo and Kyoto. "Waldorf Astoria has always been known for its pioneering spirit, and with Waldorf Astoria Osaka, we have embraced this legacy while delivering luxury in a way that resonates with a new generation of travelers. Our guests are getting younger, and they desire an effortless yet refined experience of luxury that feels personal, intuitive, and seamlessly integrated into their lifestyle," she adds. Canes & Tales cocktail bar at Waldorf Astoria Osaka. Takanori Nakamura, a journalist and television presenter specializing in luxury lifestyle and the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants Academy Chair for Japan, agrees that the opening of Waldorf Astoria Osaka has the potential to "bring a significant impact". He says that, while Osaka has a "unique" food culture, one that has the potential to make the city a very attractive destination for travel and tourism, this is not well known globally. "When people think of the city of Osaka, both in Japan and abroad, not many of them think it's luxurious," continues Nakamura, adding that Osaka tends to be perceived as "casual, intimate and friendly". "This opening could be a breakthrough, since the Waldorf Astoria brand is one of the most luxurious there is," Nakamura says. Waldorf Astoria Osaka has four food and drinks venues, including Jolie Bistro, a contemporary reimagining of a classic French brasserie. The new hotel is set right on Umekita Park, the site of Grand Green Osaka, an urban development project that has turned the city's disused train yards into an 11.5-acre park and commercial complex. Apart from the Waldorf Astoria, other high-profile openings here include the new Time Out Market Osaka, the first of its kind in Asia, featuring a carefully curated selection of 17 kitchens and two bars that showcase the best of the Kansai region's top culinary talents. Just a few minutes' walk from Osaka train station, Waldorf Astoria offers easy access to all the culinary and cultural wonders of Japan's second city—from the designer boutiques of Shinsaibashi, to the culinary vibrancy of Dotonbori, and the storied grounds of Osaka Castle—as well as the nearby cities of Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. All three are less than an hour away by high-speed train—an ideal option for anyone wishing to plan a day trip and be back in time for dinner. Kyoto, with its temples, shrines, and geisha, is only 15 minutes from Osaka by bullet train. And whereas Kyoto has been forced to implement measures such as banning tourists from certain areas and imposing a higher lodging tax for hotels following an unprecedented influx of post-Covid tourists, Osaka remains less crowded and more affordable than its neighbor. Last but not least, timing is everything, and the opening of Waldorf Astoria Osaka could not be more optimally positioned to cater to the more than 28 million travelers who are expected to visit the city in the coming months to attend the Osaka-Kansai World Expo that kicked off on April 13. "We are thrilled to open our doors at a moment when the world's eyes are on Osaka. With the city preparing to take center stage for the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, Waldorf Astoria Osaka is not just a new luxury hotel but also a symbol of the city's transformation and future as a premier global destination," comments Candice D'Cruz. The Waldorf Astoria Osaka has a huge wellness and fitness center, including a spa, an impressive gym and a dreamy indoor pool. "Japan is unquestionably one of the world's most compelling and sophisticated destinations. As Hilton celebrates more than 60 years of legacy in this remarkable country, we are proud to debut our iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Osaka and elevate the benchmark of luxury in this cosmopolitan city,' said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton, concluding: "This is a historic year for the brand worldwide, as we mark the growth of luxury travel here in Asia Pacific and set the course to more than double our Waldorf Astoria portfolio in this region over the next two years.'
South China Morning Post
30-03-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Andre Fu reimagines Bangkok's Dusit Thani, blending modernity and heritage in reborn landmark
In the heart of Bangkok, overlooking Lumpini Park, stands the reborn Dusit Thani hotel – razed in 2019 after a blockbuster half-century run and now completely rebuilt under the direction of Hong Kong's André Fu . On every metric, it's a remarkable second act, not least because the Cambridge University-trained, Royal Institute of British Architects-qualified architect has breathed new life into this legendary property without succumbing to nostalgia or sterile modernity. Advertisement In a city flooded with luxury hotels, Fu's reimagining stands apart with singular clarity, the new incarnation, which opened last September, arguably representing his most sophisticated achievement since The Upper House in Hong Kong catapulted him to design stardom 16 years ago. The lotus leaf-inspired hexagonal ceiling of the lobby at Dusit Thani Bangkok. Photo: courtesy Dusit Thani Forget the usual hotel revival playbook, where designers cling to the past or erase it entirely. Step into Fu's lobby, with its lotus leaf-inspired hexagonal ceiling – an arresting three-dimensional construct that echoes the original – and you experience something more nuanced: a space that nods to Thai heritage without becoming a cultural museum. It's Thai design with the dust blown off. When the original Dusit Thani opened, in 1970, it dominated Bangkok's skyline as Thailand's tallest building. For five decades, it thrummed as the city's social heartbeat, hosting royal events, global leaders and celebrities in its restaurants, bars and ballrooms. The hotel's golden spire, inspired by Wat Arun , became a distinctive silhouette on the Bangkok horizon. A pillar from the old Dusit Thani Bangkok's Benjarong restaurant now stands in the lobby of the new, Fu-designed hotel. Photo: courtesy Dusit Thani But time had taken its toll. Low ceilings and outdated facilities no longer met the standards of modern hospitality. Rather than settle for another renovation, the third-generation owners, the Donavanik family, made the difficult decision to demolish the original structure for something new, tapping Architects 49 and OMA Asia for the glossy new 39-storey tower. Advertisement
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
St Regis Shenzhen Bao'an opens in China
St Regis Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel chain owned by Marriott International, has opened the St Regis Shenzhen Bao'an in China. Situated 51 storeys above the city, the hotel offers views of Qianhai Bay and is 15km from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. St Regis Hotels & Resorts senior vice president and global brand leader George Fleck said: 'The debut of The St Regis Shenzhen Bao'an marks a significant milestone as we expand our presence in this vibrant city, bringing a new level of elegance and bespoke service to the heart of one of China's most exciting and dynamic districts. 'This opening highlights our strategic focus on growth in rapidly evolving destinations, where we seamlessly blend St Regis' storied heritage with modern innovation, capturing the distinctive spirit of each locale to offer unparalleled experiences for the world's most discerning travellers.' The St Regis Shenzhen Bao'an's design, conceived by interior architect André Fu, reflects a narrative titled "A Tale of Two Cities," which harmonises the essence of New York, US, and Shenzhen, China. The hotel offers 289 guest rooms and suites, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, Oriental-inspired timber screens, and bespoke marquetry headboards. The brand's St Regis Butler Service enables a personalised guest experience while the St Regis Spa offers a selection of treatments, complemented by a fitness centre and a 25m infinity pool with bay views. The hotel also caters to events of all sizes, offering over 1,000m² of event space, including the 696m² Astor Ballroom, equipped with audiovisual technology. The St Regis Shenzhen Bao'an general manager Doris Deng said: 'The St Regis Shenzhen Bao'an is a new beacon of luxury in one of China's most dynamic cities. 'We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the timeless elegance and bespoke service that define the St Regis brand.' Guests at the St Regis Shenzhen Bao'an can participate in Marriott International's global travel programme Marriott Bonvoy. St Regis Hotels & Resorts With more than 60 luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, continues to expand its presence. In August 2021, St Regis Hotels & Resorts unveiled the St Regis Qingdao in Shandong, China. "St Regis Shenzhen Bao'an opens in China" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
