Kiwi Curated
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
by Darren DunneA little food for the soul should form an essential part of everyone’s diet, and a cultural getaway spent exploring museums and the arts provides the perfect main course. Combined with a luxury hotel break, it makes for a tasty proposition, so read on as we list nine essential cultural getaways around the globe.
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
La Posta Vecchia, Italy
One doesn’t need to venture far into Italy to find stately homes with stories to tell, but La Posta Vecchia enjoys a particularly rich history among such exalted company. These are the past lodgings of U.S. business magnate J. Paul Getty, who purchased the property in 1960 and lovingly restored it to its former glory. During these renovations, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa were uncovered and they now form the centerpiece of the on-site archeological museum.
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
JW Marriot El Convento Cusco, Peru
Guests arriving at this colonial delight can expect to find a modern luxury hotel experience housed inside the remodeled shell of an old convent. Old meets new here on a prime perch in the heart of Cusco’s historical center, anchored by a host of cultural artifacts displayed within the hotel’s two exhibition halls. The otherworldly delights of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Sacred Valley are also just a short drive away.
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, Scotland
An impressive Victorian-era red brick façade welcomes guests to Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, providing a stunning first impression under the watchful gaze of the nearby Edinburgh Castle. Scotland’s capital is walkable from this central location, meaning the abundance of local art galleries and museums are waiting to be explored, not to mention the historic castle that has protected the city since the 12th century.
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
Shangri-La China World Summit Wing, China
Beijing’s Central Business District might not be where one might expect to find the city’s trendy set, but since the opening of Shangri-La China World Summit Wing, they’ve been flocking there in droves. A recent entrant to the growing Beijing luxury hotel market, guests here are perfectly poised to explore the iconic Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, both of which are a short 15-minute drive away. Spread between floors 64 and 77 of the World Trade Center Tower, guests can expect to find an indoor pool with stunning views, a 24-hour gym and China’s highest spa.
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Croatia
The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik hasn’t changed much through the centuries, making it the perfect location to serve as the backdrop to King’s Landing in HBO’s adaptation of Game of Thrones. Hotel Excelsior guests are primed to explore this cultural hot bed as the hotel sits a casual five-minute stroll from the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After pounding the pavement, dine at one of four hotel restaurants or unwind in one of the massage rooms.
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
Argos in Cappadocia, Turkey
Once upon a time, Argos in Cappadocia was a subterranean warren of passages and living spaces hollowed out to provide refuge for an ancient monastery. Now, it plays host to luxury accommodations, stacked wine cellars and a truly one-of-a-kind hotel experience. Beyond the caverns, the picturesque surrounds of Cappadocia await exploration, framed by the spectacular Mount Erciyes.
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
Armani Hotel Milano, Italy
Fashionistas rejoice! The vaunted Armani aesthetic is central to the experience at Armani Hotel Milano, Giorgio’s first foray into the luxury hotel world. The hotel is situated in the famous Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district, just a few minutes from the famous La Scala Theatre. Expo Milano 2015 takes place in the city until October 31st, with more than 140 countries showcasing their best and brightest, as well as a number of concerts and shows for attendees to drink in.
8 Cultural Getaways to Inspire
The Royal Crescent Hotel Bath, England
The World Heritage City of Bath provides the backdrop to Royal Crescent, a hotel that blends stunning Georgian architecture with a keen eye for service and attention to detail. Forty-five individually decorated rooms and suites live here, all decorated in classic British style, with all the modern touches one would expect. Take the opportunity to sample a quintessentially British experience like afternoon tea, or explore the sleepy hamlet of Bath and uncover its rich past.
La Posta Vecchia, Italy
One doesn’t need to venture far into Italy to find stately homes with stories to tell, but La Posta Vecchia enjoys a particularly rich history among such exalted company. These are the past lodgings of U.S. business magnate J. Paul Getty, who purchased the property in 1960 and lovingly restored it to its former glory. During these renovations, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa were uncovered and they now form the centerpiece of the on-site archeological museum.
JW Marriot El Convento Cusco, Peru
Guests arriving at this colonial delight can expect to find a modern luxury hotel experience housed inside the remodeled shell of an old convent. Old meets new here on a prime perch in the heart of Cusco’s historical center, anchored by a host of cultural artifacts displayed within the hotel’s two exhibition halls. The otherworldly delights of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Sacred Valley are also just a short drive away.
Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian, Scotland
An impressive Victorian-era red brick façade welcomes guests to Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh, providing a stunning first impression under the watchful gaze of the nearby Edinburgh Castle. Scotland’s capital is walkable from this central location, meaning the abundance of local art galleries and museums are waiting to be explored, not to mention the historic castle that has protected the city since the 12th century.
Shangri-La China World Summit Wing, China
Beijing’s Central Business District might not be where one might expect to find the city’s trendy set, but since the opening of Shangri-La China World Summit Wing, they’ve been flocking there in droves. A recent entrant to the growing Beijing luxury hotel market, guests here are perfectly poised to explore the iconic Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, both of which are a short 15-minute drive away. Spread between floors 64 and 77 of the World Trade Center Tower, guests can expect to find an indoor pool with stunning views, a 24-hour gym and China’s highest spa.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Croatia
The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik hasn’t changed much through the centuries, making it the perfect location to serve as the backdrop to King’s Landing in HBO’s adaptation of Game of Thrones. Hotel Excelsior guests are primed to explore this cultural hot bed as the hotel sits a casual five-minute stroll from the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After pounding the pavement, dine at one of four hotel restaurants or unwind in one of the massage rooms.
Argos in Cappadocia, Turkey
Once upon a time, Argos in Cappadocia was a subterranean warren of passages and living spaces hollowed out to provide refuge for an ancient monastery. Now, it plays host to luxury accommodations, stacked wine cellars and a truly one-of-a-kind hotel experience. Beyond the caverns, the picturesque surrounds of Cappadocia await exploration, framed by the spectacular Mount Erciyes.
Armani Hotel Milano, Italy
Fashionistas rejoice! The vaunted Armani aesthetic is central to the experience at Armani Hotel Milano, Giorgio’s first foray into the luxury hotel world. The hotel is situated in the famous Quadrilatero della Moda fashion district, just a few minutes from the famous La Scala Theatre. Expo Milano 2015 takes place in the city until October 31st, with more than 140 countries showcasing their best and brightest, as well as a number of concerts and shows for attendees to drink in.
The Royal Crescent Hotel Bath, England
The World Heritage City of Bath provides the backdrop to Royal Crescent, a hotel that blends stunning Georgian architecture with a keen eye for service and attention to detail. Forty-five individually decorated rooms and suites live here, all decorated in classic British style, with all the modern touches one would expect. Take the opportunity to sample a quintessentially British experience like afternoon tea, or explore the sleepy hamlet of Bath and uncover its rich past.