damien hirst designs opulent las vegas sky villa for palms casino resort

damien hirst has incorporated many of his own works in his design of a luxury two-story hotel suite in las vegas. the unique sky villa, named the ’empathy suite’, is part of a $690 million USD plan to re-imagine palms casino resort as an elevated destination through a host of cultural entertainment experiences. the scheme features many original pieces from some of hirst’s most notable series, including a butterfly-motif mosaic tiled cantilevered pool and a large pill cabinet filled with diamonds.

the sky villa at palms casino resort is one the world’s most expensive hotel suites at $200,000 for a two-night stay, or reserved exclusively for million-dollar casino players. guests with overnight accommodations also receive 24-hour butler service, a private behind-the-scenes art tour of the suite and entire property, and chauffeured car service throughout the stay. A-list access to palms’ premier amenities is also included, as well as a $10,000 credit to utilize at the resort.

designed in collaboration with bentel & bentel, damien hirst’s personal touch appears in nearly every aspect of the villa: from specially designed furniture and textiles that incorporate his signature spin designs, butterfly, and pharmacy motifs, to large scale works of art, including two bull sharks suspended in formaldehyde. the villa features a 13-seat curved bar created by the artist and filled with medical waste, while hirst’s ‘here for a good time, not a long time’ (2018) — two vitrines, one containing a marlin skeleton, the other a taxidermy marlin — hangs directly overhead.

the bar is flanked by two luxurious lounge and media/theater areas, accommodating up to 52 guests, with hirst-designed furniture, drapery, carpeting and serpentine-shaped italian leather sofas, which feature his butterfly motif. a large dining area seats eight guests, while the outdoor veranda features a cantilevered jacuzzi with mosaic inlaid butterflies and pill decals on the surrounding glass.

‘I love what frank and lorenzo fertitta have done with the palms,’ says damien hirst. ‘it’s amazing being able to work with them because they are great collectors and totally understand art. they have allowed me to create a suite in the hotel and design everything and completely fill it with my art.’ both of the suite’s expansive master bedrooms are fitted with california-king beds, as well as spacious closets and bathrooms. guests can also enjoy the accommodation’s private healing salt room, as well as two massage rooms and a fitness room. the outdoor terrace also features comfortable lounge seating overlooking the city below.

‘the empathy suite designed by damien hirst is the pinnacle of luxury combining museum-worthy art and a truly legendary hospitality experience for the discerning hotel aficionado and casino guest looking for a once-in-a-lifetime las vegas stay,’ says jon gray, general manager of palms casino resort.