News from Bangkok
Opening this month is Capella Bangkok, and we have it in our sights for when travel returns! The hotel’s general manager, JOHN BLANCO, recently based in Singapore, tells us what we can expect – and describes the state of play with the pandemic in the Thai capital.
Where are you from originally, and what do you miss about it?
I’m an American with roots in Venezuela and have lived in various cities around the world. I definitely miss Latin food but otherwise Bangkok has it all!
When did you move to Thailand, and what brought you there?
I moved here in 2018 from Singapore as part of Capella Bangkok’s pre-opening team, which is something I’m extremely excited about.
Tell us a bit about the new hotel. Where is it?
The location is close to my heart as it sits along the Chao Phraya River, Thailand’s most revered river. There are intimate views of the river from each of the 101 suites and villas. It’s also close to Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok’s oldest paved road, where tradition and cultural heritage meets the city’s trendiest cafés, bars and art galleries.
Are there features that our readers would find familiar from Capella Singapore?
Our Capella Curates programme runs throughout all our properties and is a defining feature of a Capella stay. It offers exclusive local adventures that incorporate interesting characters and traditions, and the opportunity to hone unexplored skills. It’s a way of offering a glimpse into the soul of each destination.
Another familiar experience would be the world-class spa experience at Auriga spa, which at the Singapore and Bangkok properties alike offers unparalleled pampering treatments.
What are some highlights for foodies?
The culinary offerings include the muchawaited Côte by Mauro Colagreco, whose three Michelin-starred restaurant in France, Mirazur, claimed first place in “The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards” in 2019. Diners can expect a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional recipes and culinary heritage of the French and Italian riviera.
There’s also alfresco dining at Phra Nakhon restaurant, featuring unique, time-honoured Thai recipes of the district, while Stella will serve bespoke desserts and cocktails.
Obviously the pandemic has adversely affected many industries, but hotels have been hit particularly hard. How did it interfere with the Capella opening?
Prior to COVID-19, the property’s target market was obviously international and regional travellers, yet this didn’t mean that the plan was to cater only to first-time travellers in Bangkok. As with all our properties, our resort programming and Capella Curates programme highlights experiences that even locals would be excited and surprised about. Capella Bangkok has adapted the strategy to focus on domestic travellers until international flights resume, yet much of the activities and experiences have remained the same.