Hotel or museum. Museum or hotel. Whatever the case, this fusion of hotels and art is more than welcome when travelling. These five jewel cases in the four corners of the world combine luxury and culture, for an ultra-stimulating stay where the eye is titillated at every turn.
Villa la Coste, France
Villa la Coste is an institution on the cultural and hotel scene. This 5-star hotel near Aix-en-Provence, in Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, with its palatial feel, is set on a hillside, nestling in a 150-hectare vineyard. It is the brainchild of Scottish businessman Patrick McKillen and his sister Mara, who wanted to create a contemporary art centre in a place where wine production is king. On either side of the buildings designed by Tadao Ando, Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano, Oscar Niemeyer and Jean Nouvel are works by some of the biggest names on the artistic scene. Alexandre Calder, Sophie Calle, Louise Bourgeois, Paul Matisse, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Ai Weiwei, Bob Dylan, Richard Serra… The eyes linger on these exceptional pieces that make this estate, surrounded by hills, forests and lavender fields, completely unique. A number of suites designed by architect Tadao Ando and decorated by the interior design studio headed by Andre Fu welcome a lucky clientele. Of the 31 keys in this boutique hotel, 10 have private pools. And a luxury spa worthy of the name was needed to enhance the calm atmosphere that reigns here. The products used in the treatments are specially designed for Villa La Coste. The Himalayan salt and hot mud scrubs are a particular highlight: a detoxifying ritual that makes the skin seem reborn. The highlight of the show? Hélène Darroze’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Provençal cuisine is sublimely sophisticated, with local produce bursting with sunshine.
The Auberge La Coste
Inaugurated in 2024, a new hotel has been built on the La Coste estate near Aix-en-Provence. L’Auberge La Coste has 76 sleek, light-filled rooms in the heart of the region’s vineyards. Authentic Provencal charm, ideal for a romantic weekend. You’d think you were in a typical southern village, with its light ochre facades, cobbled streets, stone walls and light fittings. In the gardens of the residence, contemporary works of art are scattered around, enhancing your country walks. In terms of gastronomy, the address has two restaurants: La Rôtisserie, serving convivial dishes, and Le Bar, with its retro ambience.
Benesse Art Site Naoshima, Japan
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The idea for the Benesse Art Site Naoshima came from two visionaries: Japanese billionaire Tetsuhiko Fukutake, founding chairman of Fukutake Publishing, who wanted to create a place where the world’s children could come together; and Chikatsugu Miyake, then mayor of Naoshima, who aspired to develop a cultural and educational zone on this island to the west of Osaka. Thanks to this meeting, a hotel and museum were built with the help of architect Tadao Ando and artist Lee Ufan. Dedicated to contemporary creation, this fusion address reveals minimal lines and a Zen spirit typical of Japan. Over the years, several museums have opened in Naoshima, including the Lee Ufan Museum, the Ando Museum and the Chichu Art Museum. A multitude of works by major artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Hiroshi Sugimoto are displayed in the common areas. In the spring of 2025, another new entity will open its doors: the Naoshima Art Museum, at the top of a hill near the Honmura district, designed by Tadao Ando. This will be his tenth architectural work among the art installations at the Benesse Art Site Naoshima. The rooms are spread across four buildings. The rooms with a view of the island peninsula are particularly noteworthy, providing a perfect place to admire the sunset after a cultural stroll.
Byblos Art Hotel, Italy
Near Verona, the Byblos Art Hotel is housed in a 16th-century villa inspired by the traditions of the Veneto region. Boasting the aura of several architects, the address offers paintings and original pieces from two periods. Inside, there is a permanent exhibition featuring some of the world’s best artists and designers, including Ron Arad, Philippe Starck, Marcel Wanders, Ettore Sottsass, Tony Cragg, Eero Saarinen, Anish Kapoor, Eero Aarnio and Mariangela Levita. The eclectic, ultra-colourful decor features a multitude of styles – from classic to contemporary – textures, shapes and prints. Byblos Art Hotel also features a 20,000 m2 park with marble fountains, an infinity pool and centuries-old plants. Once again, the space is brought to life by a combination of elements such as concrete and marble, soft tones and intense colours. In this 5-star hotel straight out of a Tim Burton film, there are 58 art deco rooms, all unique in their design. The hotel also features a large swimming pool, a spa, the Amista restaurant, a winter garden and a wine cellar.
Faena Miami Beach, United States
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Head to the United States to discover Faena Miami Beach. The New York Times found the right words to describe this place: ‘Accented throughout with gold and its own signature lush red, the Faena Hotel is over-the-top luxury in every sense of the word’. Unlike the ultra-sleek addresses driven by quiet luxury, the establishment is imbued with 50s glamour and a magnetic Art Deco spirit. Here, you feel like you’re in another era with this assertive style, right from the lobby embellished with frescoes by Juan Gatti. A mammoth skeleton by Damien Hirst takes pride of place on the tree-lined terrace, while several works by Jeff Koons and Gonzalo Fuenmayor coexist. The hotel, with 169 rooms, restaurants and a wellness area, faces the Faena Forum, a venue for exhibitions and plays.
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Featured photo : © Byblos Art Hotel, Italie
