It’s not only art fiends and architecture fanatics who will go into a spin over MONA Pavilions, a boutique hotel in Hobart with serious style credentials. This adults’ playground is a destination in its own right, mixing a serene riverside setting with ultra-contemporary pavilions, original art, a winery, microbrewery, lip-smacking restaurant and alternative festivals.
Since January, it’s also been home to one of Australia’s most exciting galleries in MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art, the private collection of enigmatic aficionado David Walsh. His offbeat assortment spans Egyptian antiquities, neo-expressionist sculptures, light installations and other highly original artworks.
Musings on art and design aren’t confined to the gallery at this luxury Hobart escape. In fact, each of the eight pavilions, dramatically cantilevered over the Derwent River, is a haute homage to the big boys of Australia’s creative scene.
Fancy spending the night with Sidney Nolan, Brett Whiteley, Arthur Boyd or Charles Blackman? Well, here at least you can bed down with an original piece. If architecture’s more your schtick, opt for one of four newer pavilions, named after Robin Boyd, Esmond Dorney, Walter Burley Griffin and Roy Grounds.
It’s not all style over substance, either, as each suite offers a host of tech-savvy gadgets, art books, sumptuous interiors and sleek kitchens – though with stellar restaurant Source at hand, no one would blame you if the latter didn’t get a work out.
Other distractions include the Cellar Door bar, where you can taste Moorilla Estate’s excellent Huon and Tamar Valley wines, a microbrewery spruiking Moo Brew beers, and a seriously seductive infinity-edge pool.
There’s nothing ‘ordinary’ about a stay here, so your arrival should be suitably inspiring – opt for the 45-minute catamaran ride from Hobart Pier and delight in seeing the cutting-edge pavilions emerge in the distance.
Once you’ve arrived, there’s really no need to leave. Staff and concierge services can pretty much make anything happen for you here, as the tongue-in-cheek room compendium suggests. 'Please see reception if you're planning a pool party or ritualistic orgy', jokes the blurb. And when it comes to travel experiences, it jests, 'We can arrange pretty much anything legal. Jusk ask.'
To book your stay at MONA Pavilions visit boutique hotel collection Mr & Mrs Smith (www.mrandmrssmith.com) or call Mr & Mrs Smith’s Travel Team on 1300 89 66 27, 24 hours a day, 5 days a week.