6 November 2017

Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li combines shikumen heritage with French chic

Source: Capella Shanghai website. Villa entrance.
Source: Capella Shanghai website. Villa entrance.
The Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li, in Shanghai's French Concession district, transports guests back to early 20th-century Shanghai, China. One of the original “shikumen (石庫門)” that used to be common in Shanghai, the Jian Ye Li estate was the last cluster of its kind and comprises three-storey brick and stone-accented townhouses.

The directive was to create an ultra-luxury property while preserving the architectural heritage and character of the historic site. Inspired by Shanghai’s history, Jaya Interior Design and parent company BLINK Design Group blended traditional Chinese elements with French flair. Chic paneled walls and luxurious silk wallpaper are balanced against Impressionist artwork and French-style furniture, including wrought iron and metal-legged tables and button-upholstered headboards.

The urban resort now comprises 55 individual villas. Offering one to three bedrooms, each room is connected to an ensuite marble-based bathroom with separate bathtub and rain shower facilities.
Each villa provides:
  • BOSE audio Bluetooth audio system
  • High speed wireless Internet
  • Safe
  • LCD television
  • Minibar with complimentary soft drinks and snacks
  • Premium Acqua di Parma bath amenities
A row of houses in the front of the complex accommodate the public spaces, including a lobby with reception, a library, tea room and executive meeting area. Designed as a living room, the salon-style lobby features high ceilings tempered by a locally-sourced, wood-carved screen, which scales the room to a more personal level. Metal-framed, art-deco style mirrors complete the look. 

Source: Capella Shanghai website. The main dining area of the le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire.
Source: Capella Shanghai website. The main dining area of the le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire.

Across the courtyard from the reception is le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, the triple Michelin-starred French chef Pierre Gagnaire’s first restaurant in mainland China. Helmed by Gagnaire’s protégé, Romain Chapel, le Comptoir serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The restaurant features high wooden ceilings with exposed beams and large windows that open onto the courtyard, and consists of a 60-seat dining room, a 40-seat bar, another semi-private seating area, and an eight-seat Chef’s Table. 

The blend of Chinese and French styles continues with screens dividing the various lounge spaces. In the main room, banquettes line the interior wall, while solid rosewood tables and chairs upholstered in ivory leather and linen are arranged along the exterior wall. The oval-shaped onyx bar is mirrored above with a large custom chandelier.

Details:

Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li is at 480 West Jianguo Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200031, China. Browse promotions