Spring fling found me in glorious Venice, gliding across the lagoon to perch at Belmond Hotel Cipriani. Our dear Belmond rep pampers our VIP Clients, including a few who make an annual September Pilgrimage. An ancient city of historic treasures and modern pleasure.. 

Swoon and savor the self-indulgent charm of The Cipriani in the finest suites. This is the only luxury hotel we recommend during a sizzling Venetian summer, a three-acre oasis, it is as timeless and glamorous as the day it opened in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani (founder of Harry’s Bar).  Cipriani’s Harry’s Bar, opened in 1931, sated Hemingway’s legendary thirst, as well the only slightly less legendary thirsts of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Noël Coward and Gertrude Stein. That is another time and another story.

Before you reach the lagoon or set eyes on the glorious hotel, the Cipriani VIP airport arrival sets the stage for your stay. Our clients know I am an obsessive about the arrival. Step off the plane and we are intercepted by a black suited tall Venetian, whisked past the lines of passport control, bags dropped into the sleek private launch across the lagoon, and away we go, a foamy salt spray whipping the sides of our classic wooden boat.

For a first-time traveler, the skyline of the five domes of Basilica di San Marco, the striking campaniles, the majestic gateway to the floating city is truly breathtaking.  Zip past the tightly packed palazzo and small shops, rising from the sea; under bridges and across the lagoon, glide up to the private hotel dock just across from San Marco Square. Service with a Capital S exudes from the moment you step onto the dock.

Exclusively built on an island, the hotel offers prime real estate for its 94 rooms, including 56 suites, located in the Cipriani building. Every room in the main building has a water or garden facing terrace.

An arch through the Casanova Gardens leads you to The Palazzo Vendramin. Formerly a 15th-century aristocratic residence, now a part of the Belmond Hotel Cipriani. Sixteen rooms and suites with private butler service, many enjoy the astonishing views of St. Mark’s Square across the lagoon. Oh my, the splendid suites, are swoon worthy!

As one of the most celebrated luxury hotels in Venice, every inch of this iconic hideaway is guaranteed to enchant. Exquisite antiques adorn rooms and public spaces, and with some of the best dining in Venice, including Michelin-starred cuisine. Blistering summer heat is alleviated by the only Olympic-inspired salt water pool in the city, the hotel grounds are surrounded by exquisite gardens overflowing with vines, blossoms, vegetables and herbs. Sumptuous spa, kiddo activities, a complimentary boat shuttle departing to and from the city every 10 minutes, art classes, custom touring, cooking classes- and paparazzi free! The Cipriani is picture-perfect!

Though not in the heart of Venice’s maze of tiny streets, the Belmond Cipriani’s location offers the best of both worlds from its exclusive spot at the eastern end of the Giudecca Island. The hotel’s setting overlooking the lagoon towards St Mark’s Square is a calm oasis where guests enjoy privacy and peace in vibrant Venice. The center of Venice is easily reached in minutes with the hotel’s complimentary private launch.

DWELLINGS FIT FOR A DOGE Several specialty suites are hidden away with their own private butler service in the Palazzo Vendramin annex.

The Dogaressa Suite is one the most palatial rooms in Venice. But who was the dogaressa? As the wife of the doge – meaning “duke”, the highest official in the Venetian Republic – the dogaressa was officially crowned at a lavish ceremony, with celebrations including banquets, fireworks and tournaments continuing for days. Wearing sumptuous golden and brocade robes and pearls, this “First Lady” of Venice was an elegant sight around the city.

The Dogaressa Suite features original artworks, exquisite Fortuny and Rubelli fabrics and an elegant pink marble bathroom. Separated from Hotel Cipriani by a floral path through the Casanova Gardens. The views of St Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace are akin to a Canaletto painting.

Palladio Suite. Step into another world. A vast living room opens onto a lagoon-view balcony. Cool off in the plunge pool or on a private terrace, then pamper in two marble bathrooms.

Splendid sunset cocktails and dining at The Cip’s Club restaurant, perched on a floating pontoon, on the lagoon-side of the Giudecca canal. Front row seating provides stunning sunset views. Adored for its informal dining featuring Venetian specialties. Chef Roberto Gatto’s menu uses hyper-local produce to create fresh, unfussy and crowd-pleasing classics. Risotto clams and shrimps fresh from the sea perfumed by lemon and rucola, tuna tartare sprinkled with sundried tomatoes, capers, lemon and basil…

Fancy a more formal dining experience at the Michelin-starred Oro restaurant, designed by Adam D Tihany, is reserved for elegant dining. 

With soaring 270-degree views out across the sea, a stay at Hotel Cipriani provides the only vistas spanning the Doge’s Palace to the church of St Giorgio and the islands beyond.

La Dolce Vita, Timeless Elegance. Our VIP Team Will Spoil You!

Highly Recommend!