Art!

These are the 5 most artistic hotels in the world

08/26/2021 Author: CC editorial office Photos: CC editorial office Reading time: 4 Minutes

"Art is there to wash the dust of everyday life from the soul", Pablo Picasso is said to have once said. Vacations and travel were invented for the same reason. So it's no wonder that art, culture and travel have always been a good combination. This is soul-washing at its finest. And when a wonderful hotel provides the setting for the art, the setting is perfect. More and more hotels are discovering their affinity for art. These hotels combine art, cuisine, luxury and service to perfection:

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam: Bill Bensley

Bill Bensley is a household name for many travelers. After all, he is the genius behind the interior design of renowned hotels such as the Four Seasons Tented Camp Chiang Rai, the Dorado Beach Ritz Carlton, the JW Marriott Phu Quoc and the Capella Ubud - to name but a few. The Harvard graduate with a penchant for playful details loves bold colors and shapes. The Bensley Outsider Gallery at the InterContinental Danang Sun Pensinusla Resort/Vietnam is located on the Sky Level. Visitors can admire 50 original works of art and listen to the story behind the creation of each artwork thanks to the QR code. If you fall in love with one of the pieces, you can purchase it directly on site. www.ihg.com

JOALI, Maldives: local artists

The new luxury resort in the northern Raa Atoll is completely dedicated to local art. Guests can admire the sculptures and works of 13 international artists. These include manta rays made of natural materials floating in the treetops as well as underwater mosaic sculptures. As different as the works are, they all have one thing in common: their theme is the ecosystem of the Maldives. An art map helps guests to discover and better understand the works scattered around the island. Those who feel inspired and want to live out their own artistic streak can do so in the island's Art Studio. www.joali.com

Palais Hansen Kempinski, Vienna/Austria: Briant Rokyta and Stefan Åberg

From September, the Vienna Palais Hansen Kempinski is presenting the "Sculpture Garden" exhibition in its Lobby Lounge. Guests can admire the works of Austrian artist Briant Rokyta. The pieces on display include highlights from his oeuvre, such as well-known masks, as well as works specially designed by the sculptor for this exhibition. For example, Rokyta created a swan made of shards especially for the exhibition. Music by Swedish music producer Stefan Åberg accompanies the art installation, which is scheduled to run for six months. www.kempinski.com/wien

Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, Sorrento/Italy: contemporary exhibition

#
Since July 17, 2021, the exclusive Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in picturesque Sorrento is presenting a contemporary exhibition. Eight selected artists will be showing their works in the breathtaking setting of the noble traditional hotel. The overall theme was "How do you explain the Sea". The art critic Melania Rossi chose mainly works by Italian artists. Until the end of September, guests have the chance to admire the pieces based on the leitmotif "Sea". And perhaps they will find an answer to the question "How do you explain the Sea", at least for themselves. www.excelsiorvittoria.com

Abaton Island Resort & Spa, Crete: Slim Aarons

Until September 26, art-loving guests have the chance to admire the works of photographer Slim Aarons at the Abaton Island Resort & Spa on Crete. 30 of his colorful photographs on the theme of "the High Life" adorn the walls of the contemporary art room in the luxury hotel. The carefully curated exhibition, created in collaboration with the renowned Getty Images Gallery, is dedicated to the hedonistic lifestyle of the 50s, 60s and 70s in Greece, France, Italy and Mexico. Visitors can look forward to intimate insights into the leisure habits of some of Greece's most prominent families, stars and celebrities. www.abaton.gr

Bonus tip: Fellini in Rimini/Italy

The Italian city of Rimini recently opened a museum dedicated to the world-famous director. Fellini, who brought some of the most famous works in film history to life with "In the Name of the Law", "The Sweet Life", "8 ½" and "Ginger and Fred", was born in Rimini in 1920. A total of four of his films won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, and the gifted director was also awarded the Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement in 1993. Sadly, he died in the same year. His home town is now dedicating a museum project to him, the largest in the world dedicated to his person and work. The museum unfolds around three central points in the old town: Castel Sismondo, Palazzo del Fulgor and Piazza Malatesta.