With summer in full swing, there is still time to plan a creative holiday. To help narrow your search for a unique getaway, we have rounded up nine hotels that celebrate art and design in their accommodations. From the Irish countryside to the South African bush, here are the retreats that art and design lovers should keep on their radar for summer 2024 (and beyond).
Abbaye de la Bussière, Burgundy
Set amidst the verdant vineyards of Burgundy, Abbaye de la Bussière is a 900-year-old abbey that has been reimagined into a luxurious Relais & Châteaux property with exceptional Gothic architecture, stained glass windows and bucolic grounds. This summer, they have partnered with Paul Day, the renowned British sculptor known for The Battle of Britain monument on the Thames in London. Guests can exclusively meet Day and tour his nearby estate, art gallery and workshop, as well as enjoy his sculptures which are on view at the abbey.
See also: Top 5 Extraordinary Historic Properties You Can Rent
Palazzo Roma, Rome
Just opened in February, Palazzo Roma in Rome is a spectacular 17th-century residence once owned by an Italian aristocratic family that boasts original frescoes, coffered ceilings, and an original marble staircase. A museum-turned-hotel, with a central location near the Spanish Steps, Palazzo Roma fuses the architecture of the ornate palazzo with delightfully modern décor to create a cocoon within the bustling city. The whimsy of the hotel is epitomised in its Music Lounge and Time Lounge, convivial gathering places that honour Rome's musical history and its moniker of the Eternal City.
See also: 7 Wonders to See in Rome in 1 Day
Château de Théoule, French Riviera
Originally a soap factory dating back to 1630, Château de Théoule has launched this summer as a design-minded resort on the French Riviera, facing the Bay of Cannes. The beachfront château blends historic architecture, from a Scottish castle-inspired fortress to an Art Deco villa, with boldly whimsical interiors that capture the joie de vivre of the region. Thoughtful touches abound, from French antiques to curated fragrances, and the chic red-and-white striped Castle Bar promises to become one of the buzziest watering holes on the Riviera.
See also: 8 Artists Inspired by the South of the France
Cheetah Plains, South Africa
The natural wonders of the ultimate wildlife safari combine with the human ingenuity of contemporary art at Cheetah Plains in Sabi Sands Nature Reserve, South Africa. This year, Cheetah Plains has championed an art-forward safari experience by partnering with South Africa-based Goodman Gallery to celebrate innovative African art. Cheetah Plains' three exclusive-use luxury villas in the bush, which are all carbon negative, are thoughtfully curated by Goodman Gallery so guests can appreciate a rotating collection of contemporary art and even purchase the works off the walls.
21c Museum Hotels, United States
It's not just the title of a movie – did you know you can actually spend the night at a museum? 21c Museum Hotels, with eight locations across the United States including Chicago, Illinois; Bentonville, Arkansas; and Louisville, Kentucky, imbue every aspect of your stay with art and design in preserved historic buildings. The hotels' on-site contemporary art museums and installations throughout the guest rooms and gathering spaces showcase local artists and are a great base for exploring the cities' up-and-coming art scenes. Better yet, combine a few 21c Museum locations on all-American summer road trip.
See also: Top 6 Iconic American Paintings
Magma Resort, Santorini
The Greek Isles utter a resounding siren call each summer, luring travellers to the dramatic volcanic islands dotting the Aegean Sea. One of the newest and coolest openings is the Magma Resort in Santorini. The design-minded retreat is perched above the sea and blends seamlessly into the natural landscape with chic interiors fashioned out of soft wood, stone, and volcanic rock and a sleek color palette that merges magma-black with traditional Cycladic shades of white and cream.
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Borgo Pignano, Tuscany
If you want to embrace your inner artist, try your hand at painting and drawing amidst the idyllic beauty of Tuscany at Borgo Pignano. The elegant Tuscan estate, encompassing 750 acres, promises a creative respite with an in-house art residency in partnership with The Royal Drawing School in London, founded by King Charles III. The Borgo's Art Studio is equipped with complimentary canvases and paint supplies for guests to use and hosts art classes held by RDS students.
Liss Ard Estate, Ireland
Liss Ard Estate, near the southwestern coast of Ireland, is a charming country paradise blessed with one of Europe's most extraordinary installations of contemporary art. Just a short distance from the Georgian manor of Liss Ard is James Turrell's Irish Sky Garden, the American artist's largest installation in Europe, a grassy crater that invites guests to experience the ethereal synthesis of land and sky.
Violino d'Oro, Venice
See also: Inside Violino d'Oro: Venice's Visionary "Made in Italy" Hotel
If you're headed to the Venice Biennale this summer, the perfect base for exploring La Serenissima's riches is Violino d'Oro, a newly transformed 17th-century palazzo that honors "Made in Italy" design. Italian history and design is reflected in every corner of the property with Venini chandeliers in the living room, Ginori porcelain in Il Piccolo restaurant, and Carrara marble bathrooms in the guest suites.
