When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences, there’s far more to any stay than a room and a bed. Spaces that embrace thoughtful, beautiful design and destinations that reflect their local culture and community create both a unique sense of place and lasting memories. Spanning the deeply historic to the ultra-modern, hotels and resorts within the Legend Collection take art and design far beyond simple aesthetics, weaving uniqueness and distinct character into the very fabric of their identity.

In India, heritage and history influence every corner of The Leela Palace hotels. In the White City, The Leela Palace Udaipur’s magnificent presence is only enhanced with intricate works in and around the palace, including carvings crafted from the marble for which the city is known. Here, as well as in other destinations in India including The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Leela Palace Chennai, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, and The Leela Palace Jaipur, guests are invited to embark on a guided art walk to gain deeper insight into the works that reflect the heart of the hotel. An exploration reveals remarkable pieces that are museum quality fit for personal collections.

At the Leela Palace Bengaluru, exquisite details that enhance striking architecture have made the hotel itself a landmark. A pink sandstone façade is embellished by copper domes whose rich patina complements lush surrounding gardens, while inside, gilded ceilings and grand archways add opulent drama. Lavish details from Turkish chandeliers to Jaisalmer Brownstone floors in The Leela Palace Jaipur tell a visually stunning story of their own, while life-size paintings and intricate traditional Thikri art are stunning displays found both inside and outdoors.

Steeped in an entirely different kind of history is Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. This ode to Spanish Revival architecture rises regally on the shore of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Vibrant hues and classic gold fixtures offer a distinctive calling card from its genesis in 1919 and its original and namesake ownership. Its breathtaking architectural design is the work of one of the era’s most renowned architectural firms, Warren & Wetmore, who’d also designed New York’s Grand Central Terminal. This beachside beauty is an exquisite counterpoint to the multitude of urban destinations created by the firm in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Design is an essential element in creating exquisite multisensory experiences. Munich’s regal Hotel Bayerischer Hof proudly features the two-Michelin Star restaurant Atelier. It was designed by renowned Belgian artist and designer Axel Vervoordt, famous for his sophisticated, minimalist style. Coincidentally, the restaurant earned its first Michelin Star in the year following its design debut.

Starkly beautiful and extraordinarily modern, Italy’s Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti strikes a bold pose against its rugged, mountainous backdrop in the Dolomites. The eco-resort’s clean lines and chic spaces create an environment of unadulterated elegance —breathtakingly beautiful without ever interfering with the intended focal point: nature.

Another modern sanctuary, this one of the urban variety, is THE THIEF. Oslo, Norway’s sophisticated retreat features a curated permanent art collection with museum-quality pieces that make THE THIEF a true art-lovers must-visit destination. The remarkably whimsical Le Grand Rossignol, created by beloved artist Niki de Saint Phalle, is among a diverse, conversation-sparking collection that also includes works from the American painter Richard Prince, abstract artist Damien Hirst, and the British sculptor Antony Gormley, whose Draw greets guests at the hotel’s entrance.

Striking an exquisitely modern pose in São Paulo, Hotel Unique could not be more aptly named. Considered architectural art, the hotel’s semicircle shape is sometimes compared to that of a boat, and its architect, Ruy Ohtake is frequently the recipient of a different description: genius. This modern Brazilian icon is natural destination for design-minded guests seeking nonconforming, creative, and imaginative spaces in their travels.

Set in New York, where priceless collections in world-renowned museums abound, The Dominick is an art-lovers destination all its own. As part of artist Paul Richard’s current residency at the hotel, a new art-forward experience, Street Art Search, is akin to an urban, artistic scavenger hunt, offering clues to lead guests on a path to discover the artist's work within the hotel and in the surrounding SoHo neighborhood. Guests staying in the Street Art Suite, a 1,700-square-foot, two-bedroom penthouse, on the hotel’s 44th floor, can opt to commission their own portrait by the artist to add to their private collection.

Why are art and design important? They capture the spirit of a destination; they’re an essential component of culture and society that reflects the world through its lens. Their appreciation is both unique and a shared human experience. And isn’t that, at its core, the most significant aspect of travel itself?

Discover the Legend Collection hotels and all the luxurious beauty that awaits with a stay.