We sat down with #HWTraveler Australian artist and musician Elle-Louise Burguez, known as Elle Músa. Living on the Sunshine Coast of Australia, it is no surprise that both her music and art remind us of an endless summer by the seaside. Read below to discover Elle’s favorite and dream destinations and how they inspire her work.

HW- Please tell us about yourself. What is your background? Where are you based?

I am a Painter and a Musician. I was born and currently live in Australia by the beach. My ‘Burguez’ family background is Spanish and French and I grew up in a creative and musical home.

HW- What songs inspire you to travel?

At the moment- Tizita by Hailu Mergia, Albatross- Fleetwood Mac and Fly Me to the Moon- Astrud Gilberto.

and a book, or painting?

The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferante and the ancient Aegean 'Dolphin Fresco’ 1500bc at Palace Knosos.

HW- You have a day off, what are you doing? Where can we find you?

I’ll either be reading a book all day or out in nature.. sometimes I just watch movies all day too or a good series.

HW- When are you your happiest?

When I am painting or writing music, when I am swimming with loved ones at the beach and when I am playing board games or card games.

HW- What are your favorite destinations?

There are so many wonderful places that I have been to. Around the Dead Sea, the beauty and energy of Paris, being by the ocean in Spain, Provence, Lake Como. I can’t decide on one.

HW- How do these places influence your work?

Whenever I come home from my time abroad I feel a tremendous burst of inspiration. I think the main influences of my work are first, being in a new world and out of my ‘rut’ and secondly, by taking in all of the beauty and color and people around me.

HW- A destination on your bucket list?

Greece!

HW- Can you describe your work in 5 senses? How does it look like, smell like, feel like, sound like, taste like?

My work looks colorful, the scent is of dinner being cooked by the sea, the feeling is of being on holidays, the sound is of birds in the trees and the taste is of a fresh Caprese salad.

HW- What do you feel upon entering the Hôtel Weekend universe?

Enlivened with an urge to go on holiday!

HW- What does slow living mean to you?

Not allowing my mind’s eye to dwell in the past or the possibility of the future. Slow living to me is- moving throughout my day with the determination to follow my dreams but also a sense of trust and calm in my heart.

HW- How do you slow down?

I usually take a day off when I know I am working too hard without pause ( this happens frequently haha). Reading really helps me and being out in nature as well!

HW- You can’t travel without...

A good book, a good hat, and a journal.

We asked Elle to reflect what Hôtel Weekend inspires her through a painting. Here’s the tablescape she created.