Kiwi Curated
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
by Tiffany TangMore than ever, travelers desire immersive experiences. To satisfy that craving, hotels are curating cultural environments, with art as a significant ingredient. Many local artists, galleries and museums now partner with hotels as a way to create a dialogue between destination and traveler. Whether it’s waking up to a celebrity portrait by the legendary Andy Gotts or a conversation with an artist-in-residence, guests depart with a resounding connection to place that goes beyond the traditional hotel experience.
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
Ellerman House, South Africa
Overlooking Cape Town’s Bantry Bay, this Edwardian mansion’s in-house gallery takes guests on an artistic journey that explores the social and cultural shift of South African art, from the mid-19th century to present day. There are over 1000 works by celebrated local artists, such as the realist painter John Meyer, and a unique portrait gallery showcasing the many faces of 20th century South Africa.
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
Estancia Vik Ignacio, Uruguay
Arriving at this expansive retreat in the rolling countryside of José Ignacio, the focus on home-grown talent is evident. Each artist has been hand selected by curator Enrique Badaró Nadal for their individuality and, more importantly, their involvement with Uruguay’s local art community. Take in contemporary artist Marcelo Legrand’s chaotic paint splattered walls in the dining room before admiring renowned Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry’s massive white marble sculpture placed in the heart of Estancia’s living room. With statement making art around every corner, the hardest part is choosing which piece speaks the loudest.
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
Das Stue, Germany
Art comes alive at this boutique gem, and the good taste of the owners is reflected through their private collection of fashion photography and portraits. Adorning the walls of the hotel are black and white photographs from the 1950s and 60s by Frank Hovat and Edward Steichen, commissioned by Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue, featuring rare shots of familiar faces such as Marilyn Monroe, and other icons before they became household names.
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
Flemings Mayfair, United Kingdom
Showcasing and supporting British artwork is central to the Flemings Mayfair experience. As one of few remaining privately-owned hotels in London, this iconic property stays true to its roots with a new curatorial collaboration with famed celebrity photographer, Dr. Andy Gotts. The collection features Gotts’ signature black and white portraits of notable British figures including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Hugh Grant, some of which can be found in the hotel’s newly designed guestrooms.
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Canada
A strong supporter of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, this waterfront manor house features rotating exhibitions of Canadian fine art in collaboration with Victoria’s Winchester Galleries, including the largest single collection of Toni Only serigraphs ever. A visit to the on-site David Foster Foundation Theatre is also a must. Here, gourmet fare is coupled with performances by local musicians, and a portion of the proceeds benefits Canadian children in need.
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
the Quin, United States
Frequently hosting artists and musicians with its artist-in-residence program, this quintessential Manhattan hotel strives to bring together creative minds. Don’t miss the rotating on-site exhibition currently featuring Dutch photographer Anne Barlinckhoff’s remarkable “Strength Africa” collection, before heading to the buzzing bar where you may just bump into the artist who created your favorite piece.
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
The Vineyard at Stockcross, United Kingdom
As vast and diverse as The Vineyard’s award-winning wine cellar, owner Sir Peter Michael’s private art collection boasts more than 500 paintings by notable artists such as Henri Martin, Ronald Searle, Boris Smirnoff and Doris Zinkeisen. Even more impressive are the personal anecdotes of many of the pieces, including the famous “Judgement of Paris” (pictured above), a painting commissioned by Sir Peter to commemorate the day he and other wine experts partook in a blind taste test between top-tiered French wines and the eventual winner, relatively unknown Californian wines—forever changing the wine industry.
Go for the Vacay, Stay for the Art
Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel Venice, Italy
Home to the world’s largest and oldest art festival, Venice and art go hand in hand—at the center of it all is the lovingly restored Palazzo Venart. In collaboration with the 57th Biennale, this historic hotel is offering an exclusive package for art lovers to enjoy the latest exhibition of famed contemporary artist Damien Hirst. Staged as a comeback for Hirst, the collection features massive sculptures re-invented to represent treasures that were lost in a legendary shipwreck, making this a must-see for both fans and critics alike.