Arrive Inspired

Our handpicked guide to the home cities of celebrated artists

Categories: Destinations

We’ve selected a few creative destinations known for producing artists who left behind a lasting impact and accompanied them with Wish Lists from our team members. Whether salsa dancing through the streets of Havana or making a statement with spray-paint in Cape Town, we’re hoping these creative retreat destinations inspire you to follow your wanderlust.

Artist: Faith 47, Street Artist

Places to stay: Wish List

Home of Faith 47 and Table Mountain, Robben Island and white sand beaches, coral reefs and African craftwork, Afro-beat and deep sea diving

  • Experience a pop-up dinner by chef Jules Mercer in a field, on a mountain, or an abandoned barn
  • Explore Milnerton Flea for one-of-a-kind goods; a famed gem among local bargain hunters
  • Enjoy an unforgettable drive to the Cape of Good Hope
  • Wander up Lion’s Head for a traditional full moon or sunset hike; bring a picnic basket

 

Artist: Celia Cruz | Salsa Singer/Performer

Places to stay: Wish List

Home of Cecila Cruz and ropa vieja, rumba and salsa, ice cold rum and aged cigars, classic cars and sunsets over El Malecon

  • Experience an improvisational musical performance at Cafe Jazz Miramar
  • Explore rhythm and dance at Casa de la Música de Centro Habana
  • Enjoy a ballet performance at the Gran Teatro de la Habana
  • Wander into La Fábrica de Arte Cubano; a multimedia arts hub located in a former cooking oil factory

 

Artist: Frida Khalo | Painter

Places to stay: Wish List

Home of Frida Khalo and outdoor mercados, the Zócalo and Aztec beginnings, high altitudes and high energy, Virgen de Guadalupe and mezcal

  • Experience the perfect beer or mezcal pairing with moné de huachinango at Escollo
  • Explore Jardin Pushkin Flea Market to hunt down rare Spratling silver or old Mexican ceramics
  • Enjoy the rousing coffee at Chiquitito and learn about their community-based fair trade sourcing
  • Wander through these galleries and museums: Proyecto Monclov, Galeria OMR and the Frida Kahlo Museum

 

Artist: Haruki Murakami |Writer

Places to stay: Wish List

Home of Haruki Murakami and geishas, history and mystery, ancient traditions and postmodern art, tea houses and risque clubs

  • Experience the tradition of zen at the Ryōan-ji and take in its history
  • Explore torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine
  • Enjoy the beauty of the Kibune River and dine on nagashi-somen at Hirobun
  • Wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove when it is windy; let the stalks sway around you

 

60dcc746_original_Santa_Fe

Artist: Georgia O’Keeffe Painter

Places to stay: Wish List

Adopted home of Georgia O’Keeffe and green chiles, stucco buildings and Taos art colony, folk art and desert vistas, Sangre de Cristo’s ski slopes and turquoise

  • Experience Steak Dunigan and French apple pie at Pink Adobe
  • Explore the traditions of the Pueblo people by celebrating a patron saint’s feast day
  • Enjoy a reading by an acclaimed author at the Lannan Foundation’s reading series
  • Wander into a green chile enchilada making class at Santa Fe

 

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