by Matthew Burgos

How can a hotel redefine a city retreat? For Galleria Vik Milano, it’s through art and design, all while perched atop the historical Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

Galleria Vik Milano owes its curation to the creative leadership of Alex and Carrie Vik who imagined the restful accommodation as a cove of artistic, cultural, and architectural celebration. “As with all Vik Retreats, Galleria Vik Milano was created as a celebration of its incredible location in the heart of Milan inside the stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, known as the living room of Milan, and in homage to art, architecture, and design. Every retreat space is entirely unique with individual art and décor. We encourage our guests to explore all corners of the hotel, enjoying unique immersion into this artistic haven as well as the remarkable architecture of the Galleria. We want Galleria Vik Milano to become the living room of the living room of Milano, ensuring the hotel’s vibrant history plays a defining role in the guest experience,” Carrie tells ALHAUS.

The art and décor of the hotel are a testament to the Milanese and Italian heritage. Making one’s way to the reception, a dry fresco by Italian artist Alex Folla coffers the interior with imagery featuring eight mythological figures holding up the world. Stucco Veneziano, an Italian design technique used to reproduce the marble look, adorns the hotel in twenty color variations to complement the decors. Hand-painted murals and frescos drawing from Italian artwork mesh with contemporary, mid-century, vintage, and antique furniture as the hotel lures guests into a culture-infused journey that justifies Milan as a design capital.

Winding through the upper floors, art installations by Italian, Uruguayan, and international artists occupy the 89 rooms and suites named after artists. Each space offers a tailored experience: the Vik Presidential Suite overlooks the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Teatro alla Scala; a sleeping loft nestles in the Master Suites; double-height ceilings characterise the Palace Rooms; and the Grand Terrace Rooms feature a private rooftop terrace soaked in sunlight in summertime. “The goal with all Vik Retreats is to create a home-away-from-home for our guests. When guests stay with us, we want them to feel like family and as if they are a guest in our home. Service is an integral part of creating this warm and inviting atmosphere. Our team always strives to deliver genuine, anticipatory service while maintaining a relaxed vibe,” Carrie shares.

Dining-wise, Galleria Vik Milano cooks up a must-try culinary identity with the Mediterranean and South American cuisines at V Bart and Restaurart, the art-gallery restaurant towering over the famed bull of the Galleria. “A research dictated by haute cuisine that blends with popular kitchen and street food in a kaleidoscope of scents, flavours, and shapes,” Chef Executive Néstor Rodrigo Hernandez shares. From veal with tuna sauce tangerines, and pink grapefruit to Tagliolini pasta with lemon sauce and lime-marinated shrimps, the menu offers flavours that mark the Italian food, hospitality, and culture.

Creating individuality in design and art echoes the curation process of Alex and Carrie Vik in every Vik Retreat. “Galleria Vik Milano is unlike any other property in the city,” says Carrie. “Its unique blend of unparalleled location; ground-breaking design; a broad collection of art; and thoughtful service promises an unforgettable escape. As travellers look for truly transformative, immersive getaways that offer a sense of place, Galleria Vik Milano continues to inspire and open new doors to exciting worlds of art and design while offering the very best through personalised luxury service.” As guests step inside the hotel, they will experience just that.

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