These Unique Travel Experiences Bring Out Your Inner Artist

Travel as an artistic expression is a growing trend for both seasoned and beginning artists. Whether your preferred medium is watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink or oil, travel can introduce you to new artistic endeavors, possibly previously unknown methods and techniques along with an entirely different perspective to your art. Drawing on new cultures and surroundings can help push one’s art to whole new levels. Of course, art comes in many forms and isn’t confined to painting or drawing, and hotels are responding by offering a wide variety of artistic endeavors.

Sip & Sketch

Loews Regency New York Hotel, New York

At Loews Regency New York Hotel, guests and locals alike can reserve a seat for a “Sip & Sketch” night. Available on July 30, Aug. 27 and Sept. 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. attendees can unleash their inner artist with a trained drawing instructor from the Society of Illustrators who will guide artists of all levels to capture their own interpretations of the themed model subject. Tickets can be purchased via The Regency Bar & Grill’s page for $40 per person and include complimentary passed champagne upon arrival and all artist materials. In addition to the hotel’s onsite programming, hotel guests can simply show their guestroom key card to enjoy a 20% discount off the museum admission which feature collections of the finest illustrations in America. The mission is to promote the art and appreciation of illustration and its history and evolving nature through exhibitions and educational programs. Travelers will have the opportunity to embrace the essence of “culture, community and craft” with an exclusive celebration, Local by Loews Hotels, a new brand program designed to celebrate the unique culture, flavors and hardworking individuals of each destination. Through exclusive partnerships, pop-ups and experiences with local businesses, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in authentic experiences that highlight the best of the local community year-round.

Artistic Afternoon Tea

Rosewood Munich, Germany

The luxury hotel recently announced a new Afternoon Tea experience inspired by avant-garde luxury fashion house Viktor & Rolf’s ‘Fashion Statements’ exhibition at Kunsthalle München (Munich Art Gallery). In collaboration with Kunsthalle München, Rosewood Munich’s Executive Pastry Chef Shinas Shahida has curated a bespoke patisserie offering that spotlights the artistic designs of Viktor&Rolf, while combining classic craftsmanship with innovative techniques. The afternoon tea will be offered until the end of the exhibition (Oct. 4, 2024) and diners will also receive a discount on admission to the exhibition.

“We based our afternoon tea on the Fashion Statements exhibit because it perfectly aligns with the shared values of Kunsthalle München and Rosewood Munich, namely quality, creativity and innovation,” says Chef Shahida. “Fashion and afternoon tea both celebrate elegance and sophistication, making this a natural and harmonious pairing. The exhibit’s bold, avant-garde designs provide a unique and visually striking theme, enhancing the tea experience. I drew inspiration from the fabrics, colors, designs and purpose of the exhibit. Everyone was immediately drawn to this idea. Kunsthalle München really appreciated our creative approach, and the Viktor & Rolf team also liked the idea. The biggest challenge was immersing myself in getting to know Viktor & Rolf better. I researched and read a lot about the brand, so that I could properly embody it in the pastries. This shows how much we value a good collaboration. These projects are a lot of fun for us because they allow us to express our creativity and work with great, motivated partners.”

Silhouette Cutting Lessons

One Aldwych, London

Charles Burns, the UK’s premier silhouette portraitist, offers silhouette cutting lessons to guests on property. Those interested in the ancient English art of silhouettes will be guided around the neighborhood by Burns. At the end of the walk you’ll stop for a cup of tea, and he’ll cut your own silhouettes as a souvenir. With a career that began as a street artist in Covent Garden, just steps away from One Aldwych, Burns quickly established himself as an exceptional talent in the world of silhouette artistry. Since those humble beginnings, Burns has become a well-known figure captivating audiences at some of London’s most elegant high-society events.

Pottery

Octant Vila Monte, Moncarapacho, Algarve

Octant Villa Monte, located just minutes from some of the Algarve’s most charming beaches, is an idyllic escape for tranquility and relaxation. Artistic offerings include:

Pottery – Visit the atelier of Francisco Eugénio and learn the timeless art of shaping clay on a wheel.

Tile Painting – Dive into the ancient art of traditional tile painting.

Handloom Weaving – This masterclass provides hands-on guidance to master the art of handloom weaving, understanding the essential principles of this ancient craft. From natural fibers to finished textiles, create your own handwoven masterpieces, customize patterns, experiment with textures and express your unique style on the loom. It includes all the necessary materials, with natural threads and wool in various colors.

Crafting Beauty From Nature

Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah

Sundance not only captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty, but also strives to enrich the cultural experience through creativity. At Sundance a value for the arts is at the very core of the resort’s ethos. The Art Studio & Gallery is a haven for artists and creatives to connect with a community that values art, nature and community. Through its unique Visiting Artist Program, the property displays rotating artwork every four weeks, highlighting Utah artists. The Art Studio and Gallery explores diverse mediums, hosts engaging events and illustrates the magnificent integration of art and nature. Guests are invited to unleash their creativity through a variety of classes and workshops including jewelry making, clay throwing, soap making, journal making, watercolor, acrylic or oil painting, drawing and printmaking. One of the unique aspects of Sundance’s art programming is the emphasis on the synergy between art and nature.

Paint & Sip with Sasha the Artist

Park Hyatt St. Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Paint & Sip with Sasha The Artist offers an authentic experience for visitors looking to enhance their stay in St. Kitts and Nevis. Hosted on the ambient properties of the luxury hotel, guests – including corporate teams – can engage in a creative experience, sipping wine as they create their very own souvenir inspired by the beauty of the beloved Federation. Led by the talented local artist and entrepreneur Sasha Herbert, affectionately known as Sasha The Artist, guests are able to create cherished memories of their time in St. Kitts and Nevis, one guided step at a time. This experience, recognized as one of St. Kitts’ top five island highlights by the British Airways Executive Club E-Zine, is a well-deserved accolade that speaks to the quality and impact of her offerings.