November 2009

Rooms With a View.

Hotels are no longer just a place to sleep – the hippest now have world-class art collections to dazzle the jaded traveller

WORDS RACHEL FARNAY JACQUES

Capella Singapore

On an idyllic island off another island is Capella hotel. Located on Sentosa, Singapore’s island playground, this new hotel deceptively blends colonial heritage with an elegant contemporary extension by architect Sir Norman Foster. The stunning contemporary art collection, curated by American Elizabeth Weiner, is revealed subtly throughout the hotel’s expansive grounds. Over 500 pieces by Western and Asian artists explore the concepts of colour, 3-D forms, deconstructivism and minimalism. Weiner says: “Capella’s collection is conceptual and global in its goal. Just as the concept of the old and new buildings are visually challenging at first, so is the collection.” Guides are available through the concierge desk and, as Weiner says, “It’s not the ‘pretty picture’ one expects to see in a hotel venue. Many of the works have multiple meanings both visually and cerebrally. Visitors should come with an open mind and be prepared to re-visit many times!” 1 The Knolls, Sentosa, Singapore, tel: +65 6377 8888

The Cullen

Melbourne is set to be abuzz with colour when The Cullen, the first of six new Art Series Hotels, opens its doors in November. Guests will be confronted by 450 of Adam Cullen’s original works and prints in all facets of the hotel, with the showpieces being two life-sized painted fibreglass cows in the foyer. The brainchild of Asian Pacific Building Corporation CEO Will Deague, other properties due to be rolled out are The Olsen, the group’s flagship hotel due to open on Chapel Street in South Yarra in March 2010; The Blackman on St Kilda Road in mid-2010; followed by The Larwill on High Street, Prahran; The Knight on Glenferrie Road; and a sixth hotel to open on Daly Street, the artist of which is yet to be confirmed. Only Melbourne is scheduled to get Art Series Hotels at this stage, but that could change, fingers crossed. Commercial Rd, Prahran, Melbourne, tel: +61 (3) 9098 1555

Benesse House and Art House

Dedicated art lovers will relish the journey required to reach Naoshima. This tiny island is about a half-day Shinkansen (bullet train) journey from Tokyo or Osaka, just off the coastal town of Takamatsu in the Seto Inland Sea. The reward at the end is the tranquil home of some truly spectacular installations, including site-specific works at the Chichu Museum (designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando), six breathtaking “Art House” installations and of course, the island’s most famous resident, the Benesse House museum/ hotel, which shares a name with its benefactor, the Benesse Corporation.

Don’t fret about patronising a corporate-run cultural institution, Benesse is anything but cookie-cutter – even a single night’s stay enjoying the Japanese-style hospitality is unique. You don’t have to stay there to visit the museum within the hotel, but guests have the privilege of wandering around the museum after-hours. There are also exclusive guestrooms such as the Keith Haring or David Tremlett suite in the magnificent Oval complex.

Budget-watchers can stay at a traditional family-run ryokan (homestay) for a more intimate experience. Look for the dotty pumpkins by eccentric Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama lying around. – Alexis Ong Gotanji, Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, tel: +81 (87) 892 2030