Luxury Travel Blog

Ideas to inspire your world: luxury, culture, food, travel, style

ART & DESIGN

Exquisite global style and aesthetics.

September 17, 2009

Classical Music: A Central European Tradition

Classical music is the enduring soundtrack of Central Europe and one of the many compelling reasons to visit the region. Some of the world’s greatest composers were born here—including Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt and Dvorak—and their musical masterpieces are a legacy treasured by locals and visitors alike. One of our favorite ways to immerse […]

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June 24, 2009

A conversation with hotel designer Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Collection

Olga Polizzi, director of design for the Rocco Forte Collection, is the creative mind behind many of our favorite international hotels, including Hotel de Russie in Rome, Brown’s Hotel in London, and Hotel Astoria in St. Petersburg. Olga works closely with her brother, famed hotelier Sir Rocco Forte. We recently spoke with her about travel, […]

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May 18, 2009

A Conversation with Renowned Art Curator David Elliott

We recently caught up with David Elliott, the British-born, globetrotting curator. A major tastemaker in the contemporary art world, Elliott has been the director at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo, Japan and at the Istanbul Modern in Turkey, helping introduce a fresh approach to contemporary art in both cities. Elliott’s current post is artistic […]

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May 15, 2009

Ryabushinsky House and Other Highlights of Moscow’s Art Nouveau

Among the riot of buildings that make Moscow such an exciting cultural destination–polychrome medieval churches, proletarian-Baroque subway stations, bold Constructivist experiments, Stalinist “wedding cake” skyscrapers, etc.–some of our favorites are in the Moscow Art Nouveau style. Art Nouveau came into vogue in Moscow at the end of the 19th century, an exciting time for local […]

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April 17, 2009

Madrid for art and design lovers

Madrid is one of Europe’s most interesting cities for art and architecture lovers, with renowned art museums, notable contemporary architecture and beautiful historic sites. The first stop for many international travelers arriving in Spain is Terminal 4 at Madrid Barajas International Airport. A stunning complex of glass walls and undulating rooftops designed by British architect […]

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April 14, 2009

Helsinki and the architecture of Alvar Aalto

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is home to an intriguing collection of architectural monuments ranging from vernacular wooden structures and stone fortresses to neo-Classical edifices and even a church hewn from rock. But for fans of modern architecture–and those curious about one of Finland’s most creative minds–a trip to Helsinki would be incomplete without touring […]

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April 10, 2009

Incredible Folk Art, Food & Ruins in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca is one of our favorite cultural destinations in Mexico. It is known for its fantastic food, impressive ruins, a thriving art and gallery scene, and interesting local markets and craft villages in the valleys surrounding the city.

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April 3, 2009

Portuguese tiles (azulejos) are a visual delight and a travel highlight

We love Portugal and especially love the tiles (azulejos) that can be seen everywhere—on the exterior walls of private homes, in the train stations, on water fountains, and covering the walls of the magnificent countryside palaces. Tiles have been used as architectural and decorative elements for many centuries in Portugal. We’ve carefully selected our Portuguese guides—they are experts on the country’s history […]

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