Does anyone remember the children’s classic, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg? Let me jog your memory. Two children run away from home and hide in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, sneaking into the bathroom at closing time, sleeping in an antique bed, bathing in the fountain (pocketing the ‘wish’ coins for income), and blending in with school tours to learn more about the art. Not to be confused with the more recent Ben Stiller movie, Night at the Museum. Believe me, when you stay at the Byblos Art Hotel, you do not want some of these fascinating pieces of modern art coming to life!
Dino Facchini, owner of the Italian fashion house, Byblos, originally intended to use the Villa Amista as his own private home. After filling it with his vast collection of contemporary art, he had a change of heart and decided to open it up to the public in a very original way. Instead of turning his mansion into a museum, he transformed it into a luxury 5-star hotel with the help of interior architect Alessandro Mendini. No need to hide in the toilets for a stay here! Just some free time, an open mind, and a playful spirit.
I had considered not mentioning the quirky design of the hotel, preserving the element of surprise for unsuspecting guests. It really is surprising to walk through the perfectly manicured gardens to the doors of this elegant Italian villa, only to be confronted by the most eccentric, over-the-top concentration of conceptual art you will ever see outside of a museum. But, as its name suggests, it is impossible to separate the Art from the Hotel. A massive painting by Basquiat hangs over the front desk, the entry hall is dominated by a Damien Hirst skull, a slightly creepy mannequin plays piano in one of the bars, and metallic wolves scale the hotel walls. Your senses will be kicked into overload by the kaleidoscope of flashy, clashing colours coating the walls. Love or hate it, it will not leave you indifferent.
The luxurious rooms are all unique works of art in themselves. It’s a pity guests can’t tour all the rooms, as each has individual treasures. Naturally, they provide all the comfort and amenities one expects from a 5-star establishment: air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, satellite television, and spacious marble bathrooms. The furniture is funky, inviting, and cheerful, while the beds are incredibly comfortable. After a day exploring this bewildering hotel, your senses will need time to recuperate. Nothing but the lull of cricket song will you hear as you get some well-needed slumber.
For more culinary works of art, head to the Atelier restaurant. The walls are adorned with Marc Quinn paintings, but the true masterpieces are on your plate. Using organic ingredients from the garden combined with fresh local produce, meat and fish, the chef and his team must really enjoy themselves in the kitchen. To accompany your meal, the Wine Cellar has over 400 references to choose from. For a light lunch, try Peter’s Bar where you can enjoy a club sandwich or salad in a casual atmosphere.
Finally, if you want to turn your body into a work of art, the wide variety of treatments at the glorious spa will knead, massage, soothe, and firm you into shape. Should you need any more convincing that this is a once-in-a-lifetime hotel experience, the Byblos Art Hotel is a prestigious member of the Leading Hotels of the World association, recently awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for its astounding accommodations, service, location, and facilities.