A Timeless Hand-Painted Tile Mural at Anguilla’s Quintessence Hotel

Five years ago, a very special art installation was completed at the ultra-luxury Quintessence Hotel, Relais & Châteaux, in Anguilla. What first seems to be a lovely wall feature is actually a stunning hand-painted tile mural-a true work of art that involves cultural heritage, detailed craftsmanship, and Caribbean elegance. It brings colour, life, and storytelling into this space, instantly setting it apart from typical hotel decor.

Inspired by the legacy of Marie Balian

The concept of these tile murals was inspired by world-renowned Armenian ceramic artist Marie Balian, celebrated for her rich, detailed depictions of nature and paradise-like garden scenes. Her work is characterized by lush imagery such as peacocks, deer, palm trees, flowers, and Garden of Eden motifs, aside from bold colors and patterns influenced by the East.

Marie Balian’s influence can be felt throughout the entire mural at the Quintessence Hotel, offering guests a link back to a well-loved artistic tiles tradition while enjoying a luxurious Caribbean getaway.

Handmade in Jerusalem using traditional techniques

In order to make the design come alive, the hotel collaborated with Balian Armenian Ceramics of Jerusalem-a studio known for its centuries-long work in hand-painted ceramic tiles. No shortcuts, no printing, and no mass production were involved in working on each tile by expert artisans.

This attention to detail makes for a mural where every tile is unique and creates a finished product that is something more than décor; it is museum-quality craftsmanship installed permanently on a tropical island.

A statement in luxury design is elegant.

This mural doesn’t just fill a wall; it defines the atmosphere of the property. Large-scale tile art is a smart design choice for a luxury space because:

• Visually stunning
• Long-lasting and durable
• Weather-resistant
• Easy to maintain

The mural’s rich blues and greens, with its subtle pink tones, fit naturally within Anguilla’s coastal setting and continue to look vibrant years after installation. It has become both a conversation piece and a calm viewing experience, inviting guests to stop, admire, and reflect.

A Piece of History Worth Experiencing

Whether an art lover, interior designer, hotel enthusiast, or cultural traveller, the mural at the Quintessence Hotel is worth seeing in person. It perfectly depicts:

• The legacy of Marie Balian
• Centuries-old Armenian ceramic artistry

The enduring value of handmade design The mural installed in Anguilla was inspired by an original hand-painted mural once exhibited at the Smithsonian Museum in 1992, which is now displayed at the Balian Armenian Ceramics Museum in Jerusalem — adding even more historical value to the hotel’s installation.