THERE IS AN INSPIRING link between art and travel and, increasingly, hotels are embracing this extraordinary association to offer its guests an enriching experience. Here are some of the top hotels in India that can easily double as museums.
Devi by Satish Gupta, Inner Courtyard, The Leela Palace, New Delhi
The Leela Palace, New Delhi
Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri
The golden womb by Seema Kohli
Leela Palace perfectly exemplifies the magnificent architecture, grace and elegance of Lutyens Delhi, showcasing some extraordinary regal designs that adorn the modern palace by renowned artists from different parts of the world.
ART PHILOSOPHY
The artwork varies from corridor to wall, restaurant to guestroom and spa to lobby. Innovative and opulent; traditional and contemporary. The hotel has helped in the revival of miniature painting by master craftsmen from Rajasthan and Bidri work from Uttar Pradesh. Also, adorning the walls of the central courtyard are two golden mosaics, which depict the blooming of 1,000 lotus buds. All guestrooms and suites feature limited edition lithographs, embedded with gold leaf and semi-precious stones by photographer Rohan Shreshta depicting Indian kings and queens in their regal attire.
HIGHLIGHT
Artist Satish Gupta’s 10-feet-tall statue Devi graces the central courtyard at the palace. Inspired by the Chola bronzes of the 11th-13th century in south India, Devi, as the artist describes, is “a combination of different energies of the mother.” Goddess Durga is represented by the lion at the base, Lakshmi and Saraswati are represented by the lotus on the crown and Kali is symbolised by her crown, which are both fire and the lotus.
Fairmont, Jaipur
2-RIICO, Kukas
Fairmont, Jaipur
Luminous under the vigilant eyes of the Aravalli hills, sparkling with history and culture of Rajasthan, Fairmont is a refined chateau that elegantly combines the splendours of the past with the present. It is a subtle reimagination of a traditional Mughal palace.
The 400 -year-old royal door at Fairmont, Jaipur
ART PHILOSOPHY
Designed by architect Clive Gray, Fairmont boasts grand spaces, vibrant gardens and pavilions. The art influence reverberates in the form of elaborate frescos in hues of blue, gold and red that embellishes the walls. Treasures such as the vintage Shekhawati furniture, carved silver antiques, the large velvet pankha in the lobby and the rich upholstery make you feel like a part of a primeval love story. The guest rooms are tailored residences that radiate classic heritage effects with four- poster beds, camel bone inlaid furniture, walk-in bathrooms with the distinctive pink city stone hamam style bath tubs, Mughal styled low-seating day beds and subtle arched windows overlooking the Aravalli hills.
HIGHLIGHT
A magnificent historic door welcomes guests to the palace resort. The door has a history dating back to almost four centuries ago. Originally from one of the Royal Palaces of Jodhpur, the 400-year-old Sagun wooden door has handcrafted intricate designs that display the fragile beauty and aura of an era long forgotten and yet enduring to survive through the sands of time. The historic door embellishes the picturesque corner of the hotel and stands as a quiet sentinel of time and royals of yore.
Karma Lakelands, Gurugram
NH - 8, Sector 80
Karma Lakelands
Artistic luxury villas act as stylishly designed modified space for guests at Karma Lakelands. The art in the villas is inspired by current life situations with an underlining effect of nostalgia art tends to create. The USP is eco-responsible luxury living and the art reflects this aspect perfectly. For instance, two of their newest villas are inspired by life above and below water and symbolise ‘nature zen’—the harmony created by the delicate balance that nature maintains in all its life forms. While one showcases the forest theme, the other brings to life a marine world.
ART PHILOSOPHY
The idea of placing the art concept above the decorative requirements ensures that guests feel as if they are visiting a coherent exhibit, with every room revealing new perspectives on the main theme. The aim is to strengthen its mission statement of harmoniously co-existing with nature by adopting responsible practices.
HIGHLIGHT
With every villa based on a unique theme and its own distinct art, it is difficult to pick out one. A giraffe sculptor in the forest-themed villa and a colour splash painting lit with backlights to bring the colours to life are some the prominent pieces. There is an art villa where the central focus is photography and it showcases some unique clicks.
Grand Mercure, Bengaluru
Gopalan Mall, opposite RMZ Infinity Techpark, Swamy Vivekananda Road
The Hoysala sculpture at Grand Mercure, Bengaluru
Recently opened in Bengaluru, Grand Mercure celebrates the art and culture of Karnataka, with a matchless sense of global hospitality. Inspired by the Hoysala Dynasty’s influence on art, the hotel celebrates the art and culture of Karnataka in all its vibrancy.
ART PHILOSOPHY
The design pays homage to the architectural brilliance of one of the most significant periods of historic Karnataka, the Hoysala Dynasty. The dynasty’s contributions to art and culture have deeply influenced not just Karnataka, but the whole of south India. Vasundhara art gallery, the in-house art gallery, features a curated collection of fading art forms from all across the country.
HIGHLIGHT
You cannot miss out on the 10-feet-tall, grand sculpture carved out of a single stone of onyx. Right by its side is a 100-year-old sculpture ornately carved in wood, symbolising the Hoysala Dynasty. The sculpture depicts King Sala striking the tiger. The word ‘strike’ literally translates to ‘hoy’ in old Kannada, and the incident became quintessential in the naming of the dynasty. Some say that the folklore is also an interpretation of King Vishnuvardhana’s victory over the Cholas at Talakadu, as the Hoysala emblem depicts the fight between the mythical warrior Sala and a tiger, the tiger being the emblem of the Cholas.
The Ritz-Carlton, Pune
Golf Course Square, Airport Road, Yerawada
Art by Ranbir Kaleka at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune
One is immediately drawn to the hotel’s arresting architecture, art collection, extravagant ornamental details and golf course. The rest of the senses are invigorated as the experience unfolds, showcasing a business hotel built upon a base of luxury. The property is an exciting association of definitive splendour and contemporary sophistication with spaciously appointed suites that offer an inviting urban retreat.
The lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Pune
ART PHILOSOPHY
The art collection revels in heritage celebrated throughout history. Supporting the visual storytelling are doses of classic design pieces that echo throughout the property’s permanent collection.
HIGHLIGHT
Art by Ranbir Kaleka. In this artwork, the floor pattern and the arch of The Ritz-Carlton has been transformed and modified to suit its architecture. A bioscope is intentionally placed, bringing a varied world of people and animals in the picture frame. A European child in the forefront signifies the dreamy lure towards travelling of late 19th- and early 20th-century. There is a secret behind the men clustering next to a wall. This and other details, such as the two gold rings on a handkerchief, are yours to interpret. Behind the adapted architectural structures of the city with chimneys, one can see a merchant ship of the British East India Company. The crane and the workmen symbolise the unceasing development that Pune has witnessed. A playful inclusion of the artist and the patron woven into the composition has a running strand, both in Indian miniature paintings and the European renaissance.
The Park, Holiday Beach, Goa
Holiday Street, Lane Opposite Calangute Mall
Artwork based on Goan musicians at The Park on Holiday Beach, Goa
This chic property is truly the reflection of The Park Hotel’s design sensibility and eye for detailing. A white contemporary hotel right on the beach, The Park on Holiday Beach is a Mecca for creative people. The stylish and relaxed mood of the hotel blends delightfully with the light and contemporary décor of the accommodations, where a primarily white canvas is accented with dramatic splashes of purple and custom furnishings.
The Big Mama sculpture just outside The Park, Holiday Beach, Goa
ART PHILOSOPHY
The hotel co-exists in splendid harmony with nature and pampers guests while maintaining a serene and restful environment. Artwork in the rooms and corridors are based on musicians of Goa and bring to life the vibrant energy of the destination.
HIGHLIGHT
The stunning glass-mosaic fish by Goan artist Yahel Chirinian which hangs above the reception desk, gives the whole space a speckled with kitsch look.
