SimplyAbuDhabi XXXIII

THE CAPELLA SHAnGHAi, JiAn yE Li A newmember of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ collection of independent luxury properties, and a totally unique arrival in Shanghai that offers the utmost luxury—the Capella is an urban resort rich in romantic heritage—a destination in itself. it is the only hotel in the city that comprises individual villas and residences that are organised in a compound of neat lanes known as “shikumen”, which translates as “stone gate” and refers to the traditional and sometimes ancient stone frames that distinguish the front doors of the properties. The hotel is located on a lively tree- lined road in the endlessly enamouring French Concession district of Shanghai that was established in 1849. A spacious cobblestone courtyard greets arriving guests and provides a 360° view around the compound. An elegant lobby, which adjoins the seductive modern library, is where the swift check-in takes place, before guests are escorted to their own private residences. i’m led across the cobbles to the alluringly titled “secret garden”, a private gated laneway down which are located a series of red-brick townhouses. The architecture is clearly French with Chinese accents and the multi-storey houses and residential villas were built by a French real estate firm in the 1930s, when Shanghai was known as the “Paris of the East.” Jaya international design has meticulously restored the villas inside and out, achieving a subtle yin-yang balance of Eastern and Western styles. Upon entering the main double-doors there is an ample outdoor porch-style area leading inside to the welcome hall—a refined ensemble of sitting area, dining table and twinned chairs for taking off shoes and outerwear. next to a downstairs bathroom is a central staircase leading up to the first floor where there is a compact cinema room, with beautiful deep sofa, table, and drinks cabinet with complimentary refreshments. A large modern flat screen TV is wall mounted and little details include movie treats, such as the moreish White rabbit candies. Up to a second floor and we have the master bedroom, which comprises a study space, walk-in wardrobe and king-size bed facing a sofa area. Modern facilities include a bose sound system and a 55-inch flat screen television. The marriage of East and West runs throughout the house, with beautiful Chinese artworks paired with 19th century French furniture. The colour scheme blends light duck-egg blue with golden-tinged pale yellow and earthy neutral greys and browns. All the interiors at the Capella, Jian ye Li were designed by the celebrated indonesian interior designer Jaya ibrahim—it was actually his final project before he passed away. The Capella is a suitably exquisite legacy of ibrahim’s natural affinity for union in harmony. Maintaining the shikumen style original layout, the third floor is for the main bathroom—a generously sized marbled roomwith twin bathing facilities, a large free-standing bath and Acqua di Parma toiletries. Up one more flight of steep stairs and finally, crowning the house, is a compact rooftop terrace giving views over the shingled rooves of the neighbouring houses and beyond to the skyscrapers of the city. The villas range in size from one to three bedrooms, from 111 to 250 square metres. My own abode spanned five levels, with lofty ceilings, rich fabrics, calm colours, redwood- framed windows, geometric outdoor spaces, tasteful art pieces, and an all- round masterful balance of French- Chinoiserie elegance. The magic created here is the modern expectation of uncompromised comfort allied with an authentic sense of Shanghainese history. LE CoMPToir dE PiErrE GAGnAirE At the entrance of the hotel is Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire restaurant, which is the first opening in mainland China for the multi- Michelin-starred chef. Located on the first floor with a tree-tops view, it’s a wonderfully light and airy dining space to enjoy breakfast, lunch and fine French cuisine in the evening. Gagnaire’s longtime protégé, romain Chapel, oversees a packed special events calendar and delivers some of the finest gastronomy in the city. downstairs and diagonally across from The Gallery—a collection of niche and upmarket retail and dining brands—and facing Le Comptoir on the ground floor, is another den of delights; La boulangerie. This casual café is full of French character and the executive pastry chef Clement Ayache triggers your olfactory senses with the enticing aromas of freshly baked bread, croissants and crispy pain au chocolat. it’s a perfect corner haven for a coffee and a chance to gaze at the world wafting by. 1 8 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I