Venice – always a treat
The canals, gondolas, opulent palazzi and, of course, the fine food – there are so many reasons for visiting “Serenissima” more than once. With its morbid beauty, the lagoon city is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Europe. In addition to the city’s sights, a number of events will draw people to Venice – above all the Art Biennale, but also the Architecture Biennale, which will take place between 25 May and 26 November of this year – and serve as perfect excuse for paying the city in the lagoon a visit.
10 favourites places for a romantic holiday in Venice:
Tip no. 1: Aman Venice – Princess for a while
In the magnificent Palazzo Papadopoli, frescoes from the 16th century line the ceilings like beads on a string. But you don’t have to be a member of the aristocracy to lodge here. Three floors are operated as a hotel by Aman, while the top floor is occupied by its owner, Count Giberto Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga. Magnificent ceiling paintings by Tiepolo, renaissance hearths by Sansovino, and listed frescoes lend a majestic elegance to the rooms. The stark modern furnishings bridge the gap between past and present styles in fascinating ways.
Tip no. 2: Palazzo Morosini degli Spezieri – a travel destination for Sophisticates
Although you will look in vain for a restaurant, spa or room numbers, you will find nine spacious apartments decorated in a sure sense of style and bearing the resonant names of spices such as “Coriandolo”, “Ginepro” and “Zenzero” – paying homage to the colonial age and the spice route. The newly refurbished Palazzo Morosini degli Spezieri lies next to a narrow lateral canal, set back from the “Campo San Polo”, and is as authentic as its surroundings. Instead of luxury and pomp, each apartment simply offers plenty of space and modern amenities.
Tip no. 3: Cima Rosa – rooms to fall in love with
Cima Rosa is one of those places where you feel at home as soon as you crossed the threshold. This charming B&B with just five rooms and suites offers an easy-going alternative to classic hotels. Working closely with his American-born wife Brittany Hymore, the Venetian architect Daniele Vallot renovated this palazzo with a sure sense of style, restoring precious parquet floors and frescoes without glossing over charming signs of wear and tear. The rooms are decorated with an overwhelming sense for aesthetic propriety.
Tip no. 4: Ca’ Maria Adele – an intimate gem
The Ca’ Maria Adele is a small but fancy family-run hotel for adults, situated in a top location. The brothers Alessio and Nicolà Campa created a sensuous retreat in this palazzo that seems almost inconspicuous from the outside. Opulent decoration, heavy Murano chandeliers, silk wall coverings, and enchanting room scents define the interior of this urban oasis, which is located a mere three-minute walk from the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Tip no. 5: Quadri – a box seat to Saint Mark’s Square
Max Alajmo counts among the best chefs in Italy and was previously awarded three Michelin stars when working at his own restaurant “Le Calandre” in Rubano (just outside Padova). His second restaurant, the Quadri on Saint Mark’s Square in Venice, includes two lavishly furnished dining rooms up on the first floor, lit by large Murano chandeliers. The menu lists Italian and Venetian classics in modern interpretations, straight-forward, and with distinct flavours.
Tip no. 6: Riviera – high-end market cuisine at the pier
The Riviera has become quite trendy lately and is a popular place for people from everywhere who appreciate fine cuisine. Its charismatic host Giovanni Pietro Francesco Maria Cremonini, or “GP” as the regulars call him for short, personally sees to the well-being of each guest. Are you here for the first time? Don’t worry, GP is impossible to miss with his signature look, the long, elegantly braided hair. Ask him about the catch of the day.
Tip no. 7: Osteria Alle Testiere - fresh fish cuisine without frills
This small restaurant is a must-do for anyone who loves fish and seafood from the lagoon. Connoisseurs are well aware that that deep-fried Moèche are available twice a year – in May and in November – when the little lagoon crabs have cast off their shells. It is a Venetian delicacy that you should be all means try at the Osteria Alle Testiere.
Tip no. 8: Al Covo – an institution for gourmets
Cesare Benelli has been at the helm of the Al Covo for the past thirty years. It is a place where all and sundry congregate: locals, new arrivals, artists, and gourmet travellers. You might find the actor Bruno Ganz at the table next to yours, because he is one of the regulars. The atmosphere is pleasantly upbeat. It is something of an established institution for eating well and plentifully. But be sure to leave some space for the rich moist chocolate cake made by Cesare’s wife Diane.
Tipp 9: Da Ivo – eine Legende mit hoher Promidichte
When George Clooney chose the Da Ivo to host his stag night and images of the little dock with the red awning went around the world, he effectively put the famous restaurant on the map for women everywhere. It is a treat to arrive by water and to enter the nostalgic restaurant via the private dock. The male wait staff is decidedly attentive, quick and charming, the cuisine classic, tradition-steeped and simply great.
Tip no. 10: Caffè Florian – the oldest coffeehouse in Italy
Caffè Florian really needs no introduction because any visitor to Venice will eventually enter St. Mark’s Square and detect the long queue of people waiting outside the Caffè Florian. But we have a tip for you: When in Venice, do as the Venetians do. Locals will simply take their espresso or cappuccino at the counter – this way, you won’t have to queue, you pay less, and you still get to admire the richly decorated small salons.
Ready for more? We have compiled 330 hotel and restaurant tips for you on pillowandpepper.com – each one of them tested in person, on location.
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