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| Aman Venice Grand Canal |
Venice is a city like none other — no cars, no traffic lights, and no modern high-rises! The canals serve as streets, and visitors get from place to place either on foot or by boat whether it be a vaporetto (like a public bus), water taxi (private boat), or gondola (the most romantic way to get from point A to point B).
Where to stay? I did site inspections five years ago and came away with my own very distinct impressions. Ca Sagrado is an authentic palazzo near the Rialto Bridge converted into a hotel with a real sense of place. Luna Baglioni, a true five star hotel right around the corner from the Piazza San Marco, feels both Venetian yet updated. Belmond's Cipriani is a resort where the jet set can escape the paparazzi; a five minute complimentary boat ride from San Marco (available 24/7), spend the day exploring Venice, then escape in the afternoon to a secluded island resort with its large swimming pool.
But for a real WOW, there's the Aman Venice Grand Canal. It was not open when I visited in 2012, but Aman has created a city hotel that transcends the ordinary. Once the palazzo (palace) of the Papadopoli family, the hotel is a meticulously restored monument of golden stuccos and previous frescoes. Virtuoso guests receive complimentary daily breakfasts and a complimentary lunch during their stay.
A must if you're an Amanjunkie — and if you're not, perhaps a stay at Aman Venice is the best way to experience the luxury and serenity of Aman for the first time.
copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
