Who doesn’t appreciate a little bit of art in the world? Whether it’s your own beauty (you’re gorgeous and we love you!), the landscapes around you, or your own home (don’t lie, you’ve definitely spent an entire day binge-watching terrible American reno shows “for inspiration” before), we all like a bit of art to spark joy in what surrounds us.
So why would our holidays be any different? In honour of Art Basel’s return to Hong Kong, we’ve curated a list of the most artistic villas and hotels we know.
Bali, Indonesia
Villa Nedine
Nedine
The basics: An eco-luxury four bedroom, five bathroom villa in Canggu.
Why: The villa beautifully balances modern features like big glass windows, clean lines and lots of white tones with earthy touches. Villa Nedine’s designer decorated the interior with lots of local designer pieces. There is lots of recycled wood with rustic cuts and textures for its tables and consoles, and natural textiles for its rugs and curtains. With the use of irregular shapes and custom-made (and sometimes extravagant) pieces, Villa Nedine cuts soft lines and brings in a whole lot of green.
Bonus: Nedine is surrounded by lush gardens, and has a child-friendly 12-metre lap pool, ocean views from the upper floors and is just 100 metres from the famous Echo Beach surf break.
Rates start at USD625++ per night
Villa Sin Sin
Sin Sin
The basics: Villa Sin Sin is a complex of three 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom villas in Kerobokan, near Seminyak.
Why: Villa Sin Sin is the love-child of Sin Sin Man, the artist, curator, gallerist and founder of Hong Kong’s Sin Sin Atelier. Sin Sin has been called the “reigning queen of Indonesian art in Hong Kong”, and you can feel it in her villas. And all throughout, you can feel and sense Sin Sin’s artistic sensibilities. There are a variety of lines, materials and textures throughout the space as she has blended her style with that of traditional Balinese construction. On top of that, each villa is its own art gallery, with carefully curated pieces of contemporary art and antiques.
Bonus: Situated amongst rice paddies and a small local neighbourhood, the villas are quiet and very private enclaves. Yet, as secluded as they may feel, the villas are convenient for fine dining restaurants, various shopping destinations, beautiful beaches, and adventurous nightlife.
Rates start at USD390++ per night
Read also: Celebrate Easter in these family-friendly Bali villas
Koh Samui, Thailand
The View Samui
The View Samui
The basics: A 4-bedroom (plus nanny’s room, plus kids’ dorm room), 5-bathroom villa perched on a cliff in Taling Ngam in Western Samui.
Why: This is not just about the view from The View, although the view is pretty spectacular. The View is an architectural design study in glass, steel, rock, wood and cement. The mix of elements might sound overwhelming, but they blend together seamlessly. Much of the interior is bespoke too, like the floating stairway in the centre of the house. Plus the ocean-facing side of the villa can be entirely opened up to let in nothing but natural light (and sunset views).
Bonus: The surrounding grounds include a 16.5m saltwater pool, gym facilities, table tennis, croquet and cricket equipment, as well as bikes to take out. There is also plenty of space for yoga and lounging.
Rates start at USD1,500++ per night
Ban Sairee
Ban Sairee
The basics: Ban Sairee has 9-bedrooms and 9-bathrooms and sits on a 3-acre plot in Laem Sor on Samui’s southern tip.
Why: Sprawled across three acres, the property features two teakwood pavilions and two separate rice barns. Each pavilion is elegantly gabled and has a tapered roof, reflecting true Thai design and proportions. There are the semi-outdoor bathrooms that are cleverly concealed so that no one can find you as you sit in the tub and stare at the stars each night. Even better, it is the only property on its stretch of beach, so seclusion is guaranteed.
Bonus: Three words – private beach access. Oh, and then there is the tennis court, large gardens for running amok, 20-metre swimming pool, massage sala, yoga area beneath one of the barns, beach volleyball court, the four kayaks, the trampoline, and the private chef. You get the idea, right? Everything you could need for a family is there.
Rates start at USD1,000++ per night
Read also: Gorgeous Koh Samui private pool villas for your Easter holidays
Niseko, Japan
Hakuchōzan
Hakuchozan
The basics: Meet the 7-bedroom, 7-bathroom chalet in Middle Hirafu that was named the Winner of World Ski Awards™ Japan’s Best Ski Chalet in 2018. Oh, it also has a 6-star rating.
Why: We’ll reiterate the 6-star rating thing once more. Yes, its design is better than the best. The 486sqm property boasts plenty of warming woods and contrasting board-formed concrete walls, high ceilings and multiple living and entertainment spaces (we’re talking man cave with bar and separate kids’ room). Then there also just happens to be a fire-pit and outdoor jacuzzi with that ultra-picturesque Mt Yotei backdrop.
Bonus: Hakuchozan comes with a fully dedicated staff including chalet host, private chef providing all-inclusive four-course meals, and driver. With the chalet, you also receive the 6-star treatment as soon as you arrive with white glove airport pickup and a bottle of Dom Perignon. And if white glove pickup is too pleb for you, there’s also a helicopter airport transfer option.
Rates start at JPY1,400,000++ per night
The Maldives
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa
Park Hyatt Maldives
The basics: The resort hosts a series of 50 villas – 36 on land and 14 over the ocean – with two bedrooms each.
Why: Each villa was designed to reflect the island’s landscape. And, as it sits on one of the deepest natural atolls in the world, there is no lack of beauty, whether it’s the tropical greenery, the pristine water, or white sand beach. Plus all the villas have floor-to-ceiling windows so you can take advantage of the views.
Bonus: There are plenty of recreational activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, tailor-made excursions, relaxing and rejuvenating treatments at The Vidhun Spa, two outdoor freshwater swimming pools – the main infinity pool (44m) and a tranquillity spa pool (30m) – plus a Yoga studio and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Rates start USD1,045 at per night
How’s that for art?
