Isola delle Rose, Venetian lagoon
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
Setting
The house stands alone on the Isola delle Rose, an island of its own in the lagoon of San Marco. It can only be reached by water: a complimentary shuttle boat runs regularly to the main island and stops almost at St Mark's Square, a journey of a few minutes. The Aeroporto Nicelli on the Lido is a short water-taxi ride away as well.
History & architecture
The island once held a sanatorium from the early twentieth century. The South Tyrolean architect and designer Matteo Thun converted the old buildings and added to them carefully; the resort opened in 2015. Brick, pale timber and a great deal of glass define the look, and the gardens with their olive grove are as much part of the design as the buildings.
The island
Across the roughly 16 hectares there is no passing traffic, only paths, gardens and the resort's buildings. A canal runs through the middle of it, where the boats come alongside. Return in the evening and you trade the crush of the old town for cicadas and water.
Rooms & suites
Around 266 rooms, suites and villas are spread across several buildings and residences in the gardens. Some units have a pool and a private garden of their own. Depending on where you stay, the view runs across the lagoon, towards the Venice skyline or into the park.
Dining
The Agli Amici Dopolavoro Venezia holds a Michelin star and cooks with produce from the region. The Sagra on the roof serves in the open air with a panoramic view over Venice and the lagoon. There are further restaurants and bars in the house, and the welcome drink is served on the roof terrace.
Spa & pools
At around 1,750 m², the GOCO Spa is the largest in the lagoon, with treatment rooms, sauna and quiet areas. Three outdoor pools belong to the house, among them a large pool in the garden and the panoramic rooftop pool looking towards Venice. A fitness area is available as well.
