Capella Bangkok

If ever there was an “urban resort” that deserved the title, it’s Capella Bangkok, an ultra-modern retreat perched on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River. It has all the trappings of a resort — expansive landscaped gardens, a fabulous pool, multiple dining venues, a sophisticated spa — but it’s just ten minutes on foot from the Old Town.

Opened in 2020, Capella Bangkok is the first Thai venture for a hotel group that’s responsible for a few of Asia’s top hotels. They spared no expense here, bringing in elite architectural firms and interior designers from far and wide. Quiet luxury is the name of the game in rooms and suites, many of which have panoramic, floor-to-ceiling views of the river and private balconies or patios with plunge pools. The East-meets-West décor is sleek and calming, with modular furniture, hand-carved wooden screens, king-sized beds made up in Egyptian cotton linens, and palatial marble bathrooms with freestanding tubs. Standard features include walk-in closets, Nespresso machines, and futuristic in-room technology; the bigger suites come with separate dining and living areas, and the private villas have their own private gardens and plunge pools.

The hotel’s larger greenhouse garden grows delicate herbs and edible flowers that appear on artfully presented plates throughout Capella Bangkok’s restaurants and bars, including a serene teahouse by a lily pond and a sultry cocktail bar lined with glittering gold murals. The 24-hour fitness center is a handy feature, and the river-facing spa is the perfect spot to decompress after exploring busy Bangkok.