UAE: This summer, book yourself an artcation

Does your travel itinerary typically include a stopover at a museum, a day at an art gallery, a ticket to the talk by an artist you admire, and perhaps a workshop to try your hand at an arty skill too? If yes, then Dubai is here to provide you with your dose of art and culture fix, and all this without getting on an airplane.

So, what's an artcation? It's a vacation at a local property where the 'best' of two worlds i.e. arts and luxury intersect. This summer, say goodbye to staycation and book yourself an artcation at one of the many art hotels in your neighbourhood.

Let's check-in

For guests checking in at ME Dubai, The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, a stay would be more than just a vacation.

"It's an invitation to immerse in architecture, design, gastronomy and art," said Charles Clark, General Manager, ME Dubai.

All the rooms in the hotel draw on Dubai for inspiration and are styled in two distinct themes, midnight, and desert. Midnight reflects the dynamic night skies of the Dubai skyline, whilst the desert theme pays homage to the serene landscape and soft hues of the UAE landscape.

"Such features convert the property into a preeminent hotel choice for cultural and art tastemakers," added Clark. The recently opened Hyde Hotel Dubai, Business Bay is another stylish, understated hotel, inspired by art and design from around the world. The interiors of this space have been expertly designed to reflect the hotel's sophisticated take on a city sanctuary.

What's on the to-do-list?

From Instagrammable spots, to books showcasing Dubai's street life and colloquial Arabic expressions displayed in the public areas, there are plenty of touchpoints for guests of Rove Hotels (nine properties in Dubai) to learn about the city and the Emirati culture.

"Apart from the main feature pieces present at the lobbies, all the properties are filled with small art pieces and details that reference the UAE's heritage through illustrations, items, photographs, sculptures and even traditional crockery," said Paul Bridger, Head Rovester.

"We aspire to reflect the pulse of the city and bring Dubai's heritage into our properties through art. These touches of local culture have been the catalyst that provide Rovers with a sneak peek into the city's identity and connect our hotels with the neighbourhoods around them."

XVA Art Hotel, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, encompasses a hotel, restaurant, art gallery and boutique, and prides on its unique relationships with artists.

"Having built these relations over the years, we cherish the artist's input. Every hotel room, like the common areas, feature art by over 30 XVA consigned artist," said Grace Hauser, Director, XVA Galley and Hotel.

At XVA, there is a year-round exhibition schedule featuring local artists and artists from all around the Arab world. "Alongside our exhibitions in the gallery, guests can see the art in the hotel change overnight, bringing the hotel to life with its own personality," added Hauser.

Do I need to be 'art literate' to book a stay?

"Not necessarily. We do cater to those in the know, for those who have a sense of discovery. Some guests are already well-versed in art, music, and fashion, and there are those others who are completely new to this concept and end up learning about us when they arrive at the hotel," said Luke James, General Manager, Hyde Hotel Dubai.

- purva@khaleejtimes.com