LOCATION
Located right in the middle of the leafy Hengfu Historic Area, known for its gardens and an exuberance of listed buildings, the neighborhood is home to museums, shops, restaurants and more. Along Hengfu’s lilongs (narrow alleyways) one can still find some shikumen (traditional shanghainese houses) distinguished by stone gates and red bricks. Originally built during the 1930s, the shikumen housed foreign traders and expatriates working in Shanghai. In 1945, the area was transformed into a residential borough for locals and became a hive of activity around the narrow lanes. Remarkably cosmopolitan, the area is elegant yet authentic, chic yet unpretentious. Thanks to Capella the Jian Ye Li Lane was restored to give life to the hotel with its cluster of 55
shikumen villas.
ROOMS AND DECOR
There are no rooms but 55 exquisite four-story townhouses, ranging from one to three bedrooms and from 111 to 251 square meters.
Conceived by Jaya Ibrahim, the decor is a masterful blend of 1930s Shanghai heritage and French contemporary luxury. A seamless East meets West aesthetic made of natural materials, polished surfaces and a color palette of apricot, dark wood and an array of sophisticated greys that would make Deeda Blair proud.
Everything is wonderfully executed and maintained , mahogany gleaming, the silk wallpaper spotless and the gorgeous marble bathroom impeccably lit, spacious and stocked with full size Frederic Malle toiletries. Special mention to the cozy second floor entertainment room with a full bar, couch and tv.
SERVICE AND AMBIENCE
Discreet, intuitive and very generous service is all I had the chance to experience from the booking phase, to the airport pickup and, naturally, during my excellent stay. The Capella Culturist, a dedicated concierge assigned to each villa, will help the Lux Traveller
immersing into the local community to engage and discover local heritage and culture, discovering new skills, and meeting some fascinating people along the way. All the members of the team showed attention and competence throughout the stay, the kind that
follows you long after the trip ends. Everyone was very well attuned with the intimate and so very chic ambiance without compromising one bit on warmth and friendliness.
RESTAURANTS
While this very well accustomed Lux Traveller never had a single bad meal in China ever, and thinks the dedication, joy and reverence of the Chinese towards food is impressive, it has to be said that the Capella Jian Ye Li takes the game to sensational heights. Inspired by the Old World glamour of Shanghai during the 1930, Le Comptoir De Pierre Gagnaire is arguably the best French restaurant in Shanghai and the only one by the internationally acclaimed Gagnaire in China.
Gagnaire seduces with its classic yet imaginative menu that celebrates both the French cuisine and Chinese gastronomy featuring sensational ingredients such as caviar from Sichuan and sea urchin from Dalian. Every bit of any plate is delicious and surprising, hats off to the great Executive Chef Ramses Navarro and his team.
SPA AND WELLNESS
Named after the constellation whose brightest star is Capella, the Auriga spa is a veritable sanctuary of peace and wellbeing where the highest standards of indulgence and pampering are met consistently. Everything is kept with the utmost impeccability, from the gym to the sauna and steam room. A treatment at Auriga is one of the best wellness moments one can relish in Shanghai; the lymphatic drainage massage I enjoyed was the best way to decompress, detox the body and set the mood for my entire stay after so many hours on an airplane.
INSIDER’S TIPS
-Drop by the beautiful and quiet Living Room and cross paths with fellow Lux Travellers over fresh cakes and an especially curated tea selection. In the evening, enjoy a glass of champagne to rest after all the sightseeing;
-Savor homemade bread, warm croissants and crispy pain au chocolat at La Boulangerie: the bakery so loved by the locals, for a little taste of France. Delicious snacks and pastries are available all day long
– Take some time just to enjoy your villa,. If the weather cooperates, open the windows to hear the chirping of birds and smell the magnolia trees… the luxury of stillness right in the middle of bustling Shanghai.
