How Riant Capital’s Aaron Chan is set on redefining hospitality in Taiwan and beyond

ACPV Architects, known for their work on Bulgari Hotels across the world, designed the 65-villa Capella Kenting. Helmed by Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, the firm is also designing another project for Chan—The Sky Taipei. Already built and opening at the end of the year, the newcomer to Taipei’s skyline is now Taiwan’s second tallest building after the iconic Taipei 101, just steps away.

It offers two new hotels—Park Hyatt Taipei and Andaz Taipei. ACPV Architects designed the former, and Neri&Hu Design and Research Office the latter, while André Fu—of Hong Kong’s The Upper House fame—is designing an exclusive urban clubhouse.

“Some say it looks like a lipstick; others say it’s like a bamboo shoot,” muses Chan. He is glad, for the nicknames mean the shimmery jade edifice eschews the sterile office tower look.

“I wanted to build a landmark that cannot be replaced by your computer in 10 years’ time, hence we decided to create a lifestyle-driven product; everything in the tower, you have to come here to experience it,” says Chan of the programming, which excludes offices and includes a theatre.

The two hotels are set to rejuvenate Taipei’s luxury hotel scene, which has not seen any exciting new properties for a while. They join upcoming properties like Capella Taipei (not by Riant Capital) and Four Seasons Hotel Taipei. Chan is not worried about the competition.

Rather, he welcomes it. “I think these properties together will bring the overall standard up and put Taipei back on the destination map,” he says, citing Bangkok as an example of a city whose design and glamour quotient spiked when Capella and Four Seasons made their entry.

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Having worked in real estate across the world for decades, Chan should know. His understanding of the market is acute, as is his awareness of prevailing international hotel and real estate trends. Born in Taichung, Chan’s family migrated to Canada after he completed elementary school. He ended up on Wall Street after university, working for Citi Property Investors and eventually heading its North Asia department.

Chan established Riant Capital in his home country after realising the dearth of international real estate management companies there; risk-averse insurance companies own most of the important real estate. “Almost every building we see here could use some improvement or a different concept to increase income,” observes the self-professed lover of travel and the hotel life.

He elaborates, “Hotels are my passion point. When I travelled to different countries as a banker, I always enjoyed my hospitality experiences. I think investing in hotels is very different from other property types because even with the same building, you can offer different types of services and brands.”

Riant Capital’s portfolio comprises only hotels. An early project was Episode Hsinchu, JdV by Hyatt, which opened in 2022. The brand conceived by Chan offers a streamlined yet elevated four-star experience through the tagline "less but better".

Hence, there is no minibar, but guests receive a complimentary happy hour at the hotel’s socially attuned lounge. There is a check-in kiosk, but a receptionist is also on hand to offer tips on where to eat or go.

Episode embodies Chan’s belief in how small but purposeful changes can address shifts in the hospitality industry, and the needs of modern, independent travellers who can do without a doorman but appreciate the Malin + Goetz amenities and better-quality hairdryers in the guest rooms.

“We want Episode everywhere,” says Chan on expanding even outside of Taiwan. “We find this product works very well for markets like Vancouver, Hong Kong and Japan’s second-tier cities such as Fukuoka.” The second property, Episode Daan Taipei, JdV by Hyatt, opened in May 2024. Both are existing hotels renovated to a neighbourhood-centric theme.

On the other hand, luxury properties will be rarer. “You have to find the right site, the right brand, and so on. I don't know when is the next time I can get a plot like the one for The Sky Taipei or when I can step out on a piece of land, see the ocean and think ‘Oh my, this is it,’” smiles Chan. His affection—for hospitality and for Taiwan—is palpable. How this will play out in the near future will be one to watch.

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