Sundowner Magazine: Spring/Summer 2020

HOTEL ÉCLAT
BEIJING, CHINA
Beijing has plenty to offer beyond its top-billed tourist attractions,
including a vibrant contemporary art scene. The city’s creative streak is
reflected throughout Hotel Éclat, a favourite among our travel specialists,
housed within the landmark Parkview Green building. This boutique
hotel showcases a sizable portion of its late owner George Wong’s
extensive art collection. Across its five floors, admire more than 100
eclectic pieces, from dazzling sculptures to captivating paintings. As well
as works by notable contemporary artists, Éclat is home to Asia’s largest
collection of Warhol and Dalí works. This member of the Small Luxury
Hotels of the World puts you in the heart of Beijing’s downtown, and puts
art to the fore of its design.
HOTEL B
LIMA, PERU
For those of us who travel often, firsts are increasingly hard to come by;
yet Hotel B is that rarest of things. Lima’s first – and only – art hotel is
an A&K Favourite, aptly situated in the city’s most bohemian district
amid galleries and fashion boutiques. The building itself is brimming
with character, converted as it is from a 1920s colonial mansion. Stay in
this restored ‘grand dame’ to admire its private collection of more than
200 artworks, proudly displayed across the landings. Hotel B’s close
relationship with nearby Lucia de la Puente Gallery allows guests to easily
request private viewings; the gallery offers a fantastic insight into the
world of contemporary Peruvian art. Our clients can enjoy additional
perks during their stay, from room upgrades to wine on arrival.
VILLA LA COSTE
PROVENCE, FRANCE
The bucolic landscape of Provence is impossible to upstage, so the owners
of Villa La Coste have sought instead to adorn it with dazzling flourishes
of creativity. Throughout the biodynamic vineyard of Château La Coste
and art hotel, sculptures are tucked amid verdant woodland, hills, and
lawns – including works by acclaimed artists Ai Weiwei and Tracey
Emin. You can enjoy a two-hour private art and architecture walk with
the curator, learning all about the eclectic collection while taking in the
beautiful Provençal countryside. In addition, the hotel is home to its very
own arts centre and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Stay here, and you’ll never be short of art to admire (nor home-grown
wine to sip as you do).
MONA
TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA
Fancy bedding down in one of Hobart’s best art museums? Set on
the banks of the River Derwent, the Museum of Old and New Art
(MONA) is Australia’s largest privately owned gallery and museum. It
was masterminded by gambler and mathematician David Walsh, and
exhibits his diverse taste in exhibits – from Ancient Egyptian relics to
quirky dioramas. Visitors also have the opportunity to stay in one of
eight contemporary pavilions, each with its own character. As well as
access to an enclosed lap pool, sauna, and gym, you’ll have a museum
chock-full of eclectic and eccentric artwork right on your doorstep. Enjoy
untrammelled access to MONA’s permanent collection, and utilise its ‘O’
device during self-guided wanders to learn more about the art.
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