Timeless charme, impeccable service, relaxed atmo-sphere, superb food. Belmond Hotel Cipriani is the place to be in Venice, a place like nowhere else. A destination within a destination, an elegant oasis of serenity and style in Giudecca Island, on the edge of Venice’s picturesque lagoon, only five minutes from St Mark’s Square.
In time it’s always beenm the Venetian favourite secluded retreat of movie and rock stars, presidents, prime ministers and royalty. It has also a special place in Bel-mond history, as the first hotel in its global portfolio of iconic properties, trains and river cruises. Besides, as part of Belmond’s signature Venice Simplon-Orient Express journey from London to Venice, it allows train lovers to combine the romance of Venice with the romance of rail.
After more than twenty years of running one of the hottest spots in Venice, Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of the exclusive Harry’s Bar restaurant, made his dream come true building a hotel that would be within easy reach of St Mark’s Square and yet far enough away from the crowds to ensure peace and privacy. During their stay, guests can slip into one of the finest swimming pools in Europe and the only Olympic-sized pool in central Venice and be pampered by a range of indulgent spa treatments in the Casanova Beauty and Wellness Centre.
Unforgettable is the gourmet experience in the elegant 40-seat Oro Restaurant, decored by Adam D Tihany, surmounted by a domed gold leaf ceiling with a stunning handmade Murano glass chandelier. Headed by Executive Chef Davide Bisetto, received its first Michelin star within two years of opening. The menu reinterprets the hotel’s historic gastronomic tradition using the finest Italian ingredients and sublimate by the chef’s touch, while the wine list includes more than 1,000 esteemed labels.
More informal is the Cip’s Club Restaurant, one of the top spots in Venice, serving Italian specialities and traditional Venetian cuisine. Meanwhile the poolside Porticciolo Restaurant offers appetisers, salads and brick oven pizzas. A selection of the best Italian and global wines paired with small Italian cicchetti snacks are served in Enoteca La Via della Sete, while the chief barmar Walter Bonzonella prepares his famous cocktails created for special guests such as Liz Taylor, Paul Newman, Re-gan, George Clooney, Charlize Theron, Al Pacino, at The Gabbiano Bar (where watch the sun set as they sway to live piano music) and at the San Giorgio Bar opens in the evening for aperitifs or after dinner drinks beside the lagoon.
Those feeling active can kayak or water bike past ancient monasteries and wildlife, or team up with a personal trainer to exercise around Giudecca Island or on state of the art equipment from Technogym in the hotel’s fitness centre.
Guests can also enjoy private tours and experiences: carried by Shirley, the hotel’s wooden motorboat, they can enjoy a bacari tour, go to Murano for glass, Burano for lace, to any number of the islands in the lagoon for a magical getaway or get to the nearby Collio region which is gaining an international reputation for crisp white wines.
For golden dreams, you can choose to stay in either the hotel’s main building overlooking the lagoon or in Palazzo Vendramin, the former 15th-century palace, in front of St Mark’s Square. An ancient courtyard and green walkway covered by roses, jasmine and wisteria bloom joined the two buildings closed to Casanova gardens.
The 95 accommodations range from charming single rooms with king sized beds and marble bathrooms, through double rooms and junior suites to suites, many with balconies or terraces.
BELMOND HOTEL CIPRIANI IS THE PLACE TO BE IN VENICE, A PLACE LIKE NOWHERE ELSE.
The majestic Dogaressa Suite is the largest in the Palazzo Vendramin, features original 18th-century Coromandel screens and antiques enhanced with priceless Fortuny and Rubelli fabrics.
A personal butler is available to lucky guests of the Palladio Suite, with an exclusive dock to arrive and leave in privacy, a private plunge pool and jacuzzi on a terrace, a dining area and 180-degree views of the Venetian lagoon through floor to ceiling windows.
An unfogettable overnight stay.
