Artfully Luxurious Stays

Culture

Appreciating great art takes you into the mind of its creator to discover a world that can draw inspiration from nature, human endeavour, or indeed left-field. We know our clients long to lose themselves in the art world in their downtime, but just going to world-famous galleries is not enough – these hotels all offer a unique art experience as part of a magical stay.

Capella Hanoi, Vietnam

Mere moments away from the Hanoi Opera House in the city’s Old Quarter, every one of the 47 rooms and suites is individually styled with operatic memorabilia, to create individual shrines to famous composers, artistes, designers and performances in the opera world. The results are the work of hotelier-designer Bill Bensley and curator Kate Spencer, and the hotel setting itself is an Art Nouveau gem, with a fantastic restaurant and the award-winning Auriga Spa.

The results are the work of hotelier-designer Bill Bensley

Hotel B, Lima, Peru

This lovely coastal retreat was designed in the 1920s by renowned French architect Claude Sahut, who was also the visionary behind many of the elegant avenues, parks, theatres and public buildings you’ll find around the undiscovered capital of Peru. What’s special about this hotel, though, is its treasure trove of more than 300 art pieces and installations by local and other Latin American artists, which you can enjoy as you take advantage of the ornate yet relaxed surroundings. An in-house tour with the curator means you won’t miss a thing, and there are others to help you explore the city itself.

The Silo Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

You’re in for such a sensory treat here that you might want to extend that rushed week into a less frantic fortnight. The hotel occupies six floors above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art, which is home to Africa’s largest collection. Inside, the hotel is crammed with even more vibrant pieces that reflect owner Liz Biden’s passion for local flair. In fact, she’s designed each one of the 28 rooms around specific pieces. You’ll want to check out The Vault, an on-site gallery with constant new shows and also meet Art Concierge Irene Boaventura, who’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Byblos Art Hotel, Verona, Italy

Expect – in fact, want – to be dazzled and bamboozled and you’re going to love this: Verona’s journey into contemporary modern art wrapped up in a stunning villa and park gardens. It was built in the 18th century and has now been carefully refurbished to house and showcase modern paintings and other pieces that will thrill you.

The furniture is equally beguiling and the plastics-to-marble works are by such disruptive genii as Ron Arad, Philippe Starck and Ettore Sottsass. Classicism and modernity collide explosively. The gardens boast marble fountains and an elegant swimming pool, and you’ll love the organic produce in the Amistà Restaurant as much as the simpler Giardino d’Inverno, and the contents of a spectacular wine cellar.

Domaine des Etangs, Le Bourg, France

La Laiterie is the name of the on-site gallery hosting world-class exhibitions at this wonderful 13th-century French château. And no wonder it’s an attraction for global connoisseurs because everything about the location is truly inspiring; from the idyllic setting beside a winding river with tranquil ponds, hills and meadows to the 2,500 acres of surrounding forest. Beauty and reflection are what you’ll experience, along with gastronomic brilliance thanks to the dining room’s three Michelin stars.

This is the place, perhaps, to carry your own easel and palette to…

JOALI Maldives, Indian Ocean

The villas and residences here are usually taken by people seeking total relaxation and pampering luxury. For some of us, though, a recharge takes less time than for others, and the desire for stimulation soon resurges. Away from the white sand and crystal-clear water you’ll find an Art Studio where local artisans work their magic, so that guests can take part and lose themselves in creativity. Interactive projects jostle with nature-inspired collections in the only art-immersive destination you’ll find in the archipelago, with an island-wide art collection to keep you intrigued.