What is it that compels us to seek out spectacular views, ancient monuments and celebrated works of art around the world? Simply put, beauty in all its forms is the reason we travel. Savvy hoteliers know this all too well, which is why many are now staging museum-worthy collections throughout their properties. Some go even further, inviting renowned artists for exclusive exhibits and residencies. Whether you fancy yourself an aficionado or simply enjoy artful living, here are the top five art hotels around the world waiting to stir your creative spirit.
Photography provided by Petit Hermitage
Petit Ermitage
Why We Love It
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to party at the Moulin Rouge with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas and other 19th century bohemians, you’ll want to book a stay at West Hollywood’s Petit Ermitage. Named for the Hermitage art museum in Russia’s Winter Palace, this 80-room hideaway delivers a more intimate museum experience. Some 150 artworks, including pieces by the likes of Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró, add to the eclectic aesthetic. The property’s whimsical design draws influence from the founders’ global travels.
What to Experience
Head to the rooftop Butterfly Bar, where a crowd of in-the-know locals and rotating artists-in-residence makes for prime people watching and conversation starting. And humans aren’t the only ones enjoying this space; Petit’s more petite winged friends — a community of butterflies and hummingbirds — can be found fluttering throughout the adjacent rooftop garden, a nationally recognized sanctuary.
Photography provided by Tugu Hotels
Hotel Tugu
Why We Love It
Founder Anhar Setjadibrata, one of the biggest collectors of Indonesian fine art and antiquities, has made it his personal mission to preserve and share the country’s history through his five boutique properties spread across the archipelago. In Bali, the Tugu’s decor doesn’t shy away from bold colors and patterns. The 21 villas and suites are designed to match the island’s vibrant tropical landscape, with exquisite artwork depicting Indonesia’s most romantic folklore and legends. The Puri Le Mayeur Villa, for instance, celebrates the eternal love between famed Belgian artist (and one-time Bali resident) Adrien-Jean le Mayeur de Merprès and Ni Pollok, his wife and muse.
What to Experience
A traditional Balinese dance performance is one of the isle’s must-see attractions. At the Tugu, catch a show in the beautiful Bale Agung Hall.
Photography by Grant Smith-VIEW/Alamy Stock Photo
The Cullen
Why We Love It
What sets the Cullen apart from other art-centric hotels is that its entire aesthetic revolves around a single person. Indeed, everything from the architecture to the interiors pays homage to late Aussie painter Adam Cullen, winner of the 2000 Archibald Prize. The property boasts 119 residence-style rooms, from smaller studios up to the sprawling penthouse (many with kitchenettes or outdoor grills). Every space mimics the artist’s contemporary style, with mostly black-and-white decor to complement his famously colorful, often humorous prints. The cumulative effect is edgy and punk rock, giving this inn an undeniable cool factor befitting its trendy Prahran address. When not busy admiring the artwork, you can browse the stylish boutiques, hip cafes and buzzy clubs all within walking distance.
What to Experience
Hit up the historic Prahran Market, just opposite the Cullen, for organic produce, sustainable seafood and fine cheeses. Then return to your well-outfitted suite to savor your delicious meal while taking in the sunset over Melbourne’s skyline.
Photography provided SFER IK Tulum
Azulik
Why We Love It
Given Tulum’s reputation for enticing the “gypset” crowd — carefree, nomadic souls with sophisticated tastes — it comes as no surprise that the destination is home to one of the world’s most enchanting artistic retreats. Azulik’s organic architecture undulates through the jungle, resulting in immersive, sensorially inspiring spaces. Since its opening in 2018, the resort has attracted global artists eager to collaboratively explore new forms of creative expression. At Azulik, nature is art: The 48 villas are built almost entirely from bamboo, and the rotating gallery exhibits and regular fashion shows highlight makers who reflect three core values: nature, art and ancestrality.
What to Experience
Book a table at either of the onsite restaurants, Kin Toh and Tseen Ja. Both elevate cuisine to an art form. Every detail, from the curated fare to the tables perched in jungle-topping tree nests, has been meticulously crafted to enliven all five senses.
Photography provided by the Fife Arms
The Fife Arms
Why We Love It
In 2018, art world power couple Iwan and Manuela Wirth debuted this renovated 19th century hunting lodge to showcase 14,000+ creations — some dating back hundreds of years, others crafted just for the inn. The 46 guest rooms are thoughtfully composed with paintings, sculptures and antiques that reflect the Highlands’ rich cultural heritage as well as the duo’s eclectic taste. During a complimentary daily tour, you could encounter an original Picasso, a watercolor by Queen Victoria or a chandelier made from stainless steel cutlery. The artist-in-residence program, meanwhile, has welcomed notables like poet Alec Finlay to create a lyrical guide to nearby Cairngorms National Park and artist/naturalist James Prosek to design the striking coat of arms displayed in the drawing room.
What to Experience
Once properly inspired, let a professional artist be your guide to wild sketching the magnificent Highlands, designing a personalized tartan or expressing the stirrings of your soul through a creative writing workshop.
