Capella Kenting | ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel

Capella Kenting resort – a project by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel for Riant Capital and Capella Hotels and Resorts

The Capella Kenting resort, designed by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, draws inspiration from the rich cultural context and the captivating landscape of its location in Taiwan’s southernmost county, just north of the scenic Kenting National Park. More than sixty private villas immerse guests in nature, allowing them to fully appreciate the extraordinary features and biodiversity of Kenting National Park, including sandy beaches, striking rock formations and natural vegetation surrounding the resort.

Complementing the villas, a wide range of amenities caters to diverse travellers, from solo vacationers and couples to families. In alignment with Capella Hotels and Resorts’ values, the project embraces a holistic vision of guest needs, emphasising the resort’s locality by referencing local craft and construction traditions. Throughout the development, patterns, textures and geometries echo the character of the region.

The resort’s layout is thoughtfully informed by its intimate relationship with the sea and surrounding landscape. The resort's design reshapes contours and slopes to mimic the lush green environment, fostering a dialogue between architecture and nature. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a sunken drop-off area flooded with natural light and greenery, creating a striking transition. Landscaped garden paths lead to the villas, evoking a sense of arriving home in a private park. Unobstructed views of the sea and sky take centre stage in the villa architecture as well. Panoramic vistas connect guests organically with nature, while thoughtful lighting design minimises visual disruptions, preserving the natural environment.

While providing a harmonious connection with nature, Capella Kenting deftly balances privacy and interaction. The resort’s shared spaces, including the iconic Capella Living Room and Clubhouse, serve as vibrant hubs for communal moments. Simultaneously, the extensive wellness facilities—such as the spa, swimming pools, gym, and Onsen bathhouses—prioritise tranquillity and seclusion.

“The Capella Kenting resort seamlessly blends luxury, locality and ecological harmony,” said Chung-Yi Yang, partner at ACPV ARCHITECTS. “All villas are thoughtfully designed to flexibly accommodate guests’ preferences and adapt to diverse configurations, including additional guests.”

“Rediscovering the essence of the site’s surroundings was paramount in designing Capella Kenting in Taiwan. To achieve this, we meticulously curated design details that subtly immerse guests in the landscape, celebrating a unique combination of traditional culture and nature,” said Sara Busnelli, partner at ACPV ARCHITECTS.

“The resort’s overall concept revolves around a profound interplay between the site and the sea. Every architectural detail is meticulously crafted to provide uninterrupted views of the water and horizon, granting guests a sense of unity with nature,” said Antonio Citterio.

“The design of the resort is inspired by the rich cultural context of the location. We integrated traditional craft and construction techniques to emphasise the local character of the development. For example, the resort’s design integrates low walls made up of stacked stones, a part of the aboriginal culture, not only to tie the design to the location but also to minimise the visual impact on nature,” added Patricia Viel.

ABOUT CAPELLA HOTELS AND RESORTS

The Capella Hotels and Resorts constellation consists of properties located in Singapore, Sydney, Ubud, Bangkok, Hanoi, Shanghai, and Hainan. Future openings include exciting destinations such as Taipei, Kyoto, Riyadh, Nanjing, Shenzhen and South Korea. The exceptional hospitality brand, taking its name from the brightest star of the Auriga constellation, shines a spotlight on local heritage, culture and community whilst crafting authentic guest’ experiences with the highest level of personalised service and combining a legacy of thoughtful design.

Capella was named the Best Hotel Brand in the Travel + Leisure ‘World’s Best Awards’ for 2023 and 2024. Capella Bangkok and Capella Singapore earned the distinction of being included in the debut lineup of The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2023. Capella Hotels and Resorts is a member of DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme representing a collection of 40 independent hotel brands over 100 countries worldwide.