The Ultimate Holiday for Interior Design Lovers: Top 5 Destinations for Sustainable, Artisan Home Décor

If you’re passionate about interior design and dream of giving your home a more soulful, globally inspired touch, why not plan a holiday that lets you do just that? A trip centred around sourcing beautiful, sustainable home décor can be both enriching and inspiring. Forget factory-made replicas—this is about connecting with cultures, supporting local artisans, and curating a space that tells a story.

Whether you’re redecorating a flat in London or styling a countryside retreat, these destinations offer the perfect blend of craftsmanship, cultural immersion, and unforgettable design treasures. Here are the top 5 places around the world where you can shop authentically, sustainably, and stylishly—all while enjoying a truly memorable getaway.

Marrakech, Morocco: A Feast of Colour and Craft

Why go?
Marrakech is a dream for design lovers. From intricate mosaics to hand-woven Berber rugs, the city’s medinas overflow with craftsmanship that’s been passed down through generations.

What to buy:

• Beni Ourain and kilim rugs
• Hand-painted ceramics
• Brass lanterns and mirrors
• Traditional tadelakt pottery and tiles

Sustainable edge:
Most items are made using traditional, low-impact techniques, often in small family workshops. Many artisans use natural dyes and locally sourced materials, supporting a sustainable and circular design ethos.

Don’t miss:
Take a workshop in the Medina where you can learn the art of zellige tilework or rug-weaving. Many cooperatives also offer tours so you can meet the makers and understand the cultural significance behind each piece.

Where to stay in Marrakech:

La Sultana: A boutique hotel of 28 individually styled suites, this medina gem balances Moroccan architecture with eco-conscious design. Its thick walls promote natural airflow, and the spa restaurant draws from its own organic garden—an ideal base for sourcing artisan goods.

Ubud, Bali: Nature-Inspired Interiors with a Spiritual Soul

Why go?

Bali’s spiritual heartland, Ubud, is a haven for creatives and interior stylists. With its lush jungle backdrop, Ubud blends nature, art, and craft in a way that feels effortless and harmonious.

What to buy:

• Hand-carved teak furniture
• Batik textiles and cushions
• Bamboo lighting
• Ceramics made from volcanic clay

Sustainable edge:
Bali is leading the way in eco-conscious craftsmanship. Many artisans use reclaimed wood, organic fabrics, and natural fibres like rattan and water hyacinth. You’ll find plenty of zero-waste design studios and cooperatives that support local communities.

Don’t miss:
Join a half-day carving class with a Balinese master craftsman or try your hand at natural dyeing with indigo and turmeric.

Where to stay in Ubud:

Stone House:  Set in lush rice paddies just outside Ubud, Stone House is an eco-conscious sanctuary built from reclaimed teak, bamboo, and volcanic stone. Its three unique villas are filled with local art, antique furniture, and open-air bathrooms surrounded by nature. The property works closely with local craftspeople and offers private workshops in wood carving and batik.

Oaxaca, Mexico: A Kaleidoscope of Folk Art and Earthy Elegance

Why go?
Oaxaca is bursting with artisanal vibrancy. From handwoven textiles to red clay pottery, it’s a treasure trove for collectors who value authenticity and earthy textures.

What to buy:

• Black and red barro pottery
• Zapotec woven rugs and wall hangings
• Hand-painted wooden alebrijes (folk art animals)
• Natural beeswax candles

Sustainable edge:
Many of Oaxaca’s artisan communities operate as cooperatives, using ancestral methods and locally sourced, biodegradable materials. Buying from these makers directly supports their livelihoods and cultural preservation.

Don’t miss:
Tour a weaving village like Teotitlán del Valle where you can see the entire process—from shearing sheep to natural dyeing with cochineal and indigo.

Where to stay in Oaxaca:

Pug Seal Oaxaca City: A zero‑waste retreat set in a restored 19th‑century villa. It harmonises rammed‑earth, reclaimed wood, and folkloric furnishings sourced from local artisans—each room is a unique art‑meets‑heritage statement.

Jaipur, India: Regal Textiles and Artisanal Heritage

Why go?
Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is a design lover’s paradise. Its vibrant bazaars and royal palaces are matched only by its wealth of traditional techniques—block printing, inlay work, and gemstone carving.

What to buy:

• Hand block-printed linens
• Marble inlay tables and trays
• Blue pottery
• Embroidered tapestries

Sustainable edge:
Hand-block printing and natural dyeing use minimal water and avoid chemicals. Buying from artisan-led foundations helps preserve these ancient crafts while ensuring fair wages and working conditions.

Don’t miss:
Try your hand at block printing in Bagru, just outside Jaipur. Workshops often include a village tour and insight into the eco-dye process using pomegranate skins and turmeric.

Where to stay in Jaipur:

Samode Haveli: One of Jaipur’s most atmospheric stays, Samode Haveli is a heritage haveli (mansion) turned boutique hotel. Think hand-painted frescoes, antique furniture, and Mughal-style arches. The family-run property focuses on preserving Rajasthani craftsmanship and collaborates with local artisans for upkeep and interior detail.

Lisbon, Portugal: Understated Sophistication with a Handmade Twist

Why go?
Lisbon may surprise you with its thriving artisan scene. It offers a more understated European elegance—think hand-glazed tiles, cork accents, and warm ceramics that blend beautifully with both modern and rustic interiors.

What to buy:

• Azulejo tiles
• Hand-thrown ceramics
• Cork products (bowls, lamps, trays)
• Embroidered linens

Sustainable edge:
Portugal is known for its eco-conscious mindset. Cork, one of its top exports, is renewable and biodegradable. Ceramic studios in and around Lisbon often use locally sourced clay and solar-fired kilns.

Don’t miss:
Join a tile-painting session where you can create your own azulejo to bring home—a one-of-a-kind souvenir that’s both personal and beautiful.

Where to stay in Lisbon:

Sublime Lisboa: This luxurious townhouse hotel blends classic Portuguese architecture with mid-century furnishings and contemporary art. With just 15 rooms, it’s intimate, eco-conscious, and beautifully curated. 

Final Thoughts: Design Your Home, Design Your Journey

Choosing to travel with intention—especially when it comes to interior design—means more than just bringing back beautiful objects.

It’s about connecting with the people behind the pieces, supporting sustainable practices, and curating a home filled with meaning, not just style.

So if your idea of the perfect holiday involves treasure hunting through artisan markets, chatting with craftspeople in their studios, and learning the story behind each item—this type of interior design holiday could be your dream trip.

Ready to Curate Your Dream Home Through Travel?

A’ARU Collective can curate your interior design travel experiences. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a professional stylist, we can arrange every detail of your trip—from boutique accommodation to personalised shopping itineraries guided by local interior design specialists.



We’ll connect you with artisans, cultural experts, and trusted guides to ensure you discover truly authentic, sustainable pieces—and return home with more than just souvenirs: you’ll bring back stories, skills, and statement items for your space.