GETAWAYS

WINTER 2011/12

ESPA LIFE AT CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON P. 12

T
I

T R A V

Venice
T

E R

E L

W A Y

Top Suites of Venice

Venices best suites will take your breath away with lavish period design, sumptuous comfort and spectacular views of the serpentine waterways so denitive of this oating city.
BY SCOTT GOETZ

EXTERIOR / BAUER IL PALAZZO

CAPTION LIVING ROOM / GRAND PALATIAL SUITE

BAUER IL PALAZZO
GRAND PALATIAL SUITE Key selling points | This suites rooms were once the palaces first-floor reception areas where owners displayed their wealth to convey influence and power to visiting nobility. It boasts ceilings over 16 feet tall, eight Gothic windows and a terraced balcony overlooking the Grand Canal. Standout service | The hotel created a private traditional Venetian dinner in the suite for royal couple Charles and Camilla. Style | Ornate 17th-century Venetian luxury, by Francesca Bortolotto Possati, 2000 Special amenities | Interiors rich with Bevilacqua and Rubelli fabrics, toiletries handmade in Venice by Santa Maria degli Angeli, pillow menu, 48-inch TV, bathrobes and slippers, custom mini-bar with top wines and liqueurs, petit fours made by the executive chef, fresh fruit bowl replenished daily, water transfer to and from the airport Square footage | 1,076 Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 72, including 34 suites Whos slept here? | Elizabeth Taylor, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Al Pacino, Queen Rania of Jordan, Sting Location | San Marco, 1413/D Contact | Head of Reservations Davide Buccheri, 39-041-2703993; dbuccheri@bauervenezia.com; www.ilpalazzovenezia.com

HOTEL CIPRIANI
DOGARESSA SUITE Key selling points | Housed in the hotels 15thcentury Palazzo Vendramin and offering a unique vista of the basin of San Marco through Gothic windows, this suite denes lavish with 18th-century Coromandel screens, antique Chinese lamps and beautiful Rubelli and Fortuny fabrics. An airy bedroom, complete with an elegant pink marble bathroom, overlooks serene gardens. Standout service | The hotel organized a Venetian dinner in the suite with elements from the table lace, glasses and masks made by artisans in Venice. Three types of champagne accompanied the menu, which was served by a waiter-actora Casanova-like spy who silently transcribed each dish onto parchment using a quill pen.

Style | Venetian elegance, by Gerard Gallet, 1990 Special amenities | Rivolta Carmignani linens, 32-inch Sony TV, Bulgari and Penhaligons bath amenities, Murano glass lamps, champagne and fresh fruit, chocolate heart mousse for two Square footage | 1,300 Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 95, including 21 suites Whos slept here? | Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro Nightly rate | From about $8,116 Location | Giudecca 10 Contact | General Manager Giampaolo Ottazzi, 39-041-520-7744; gottazzi@hotelcipriani.it; www.hotelcipriani.com

BEDROOM / DOGARESSA SUITE

21

VENICE

Top Suites

HOTEL DANIELI, VENICE A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL

SUITE DEL DOGE Key selling points | This suite, located on the noble rst oor of the 14th-century Palazzo Dandolo, boasts interiors rich in historic Venetian splendor, including a ceiling fresco by Jacopo Guarana (1720-1808) and original artworks by Ermolao Paoletti, a renowned 19th-century Venetian painter. Two large windows with balconies that overlook St. Marks Basin afford an incomparable view that stretches as far as the Lido and encompasses Venices most famous sights. Standout service | A private violin concert serenade was arranged in the atrium leading to the suite for Wang Yeping, wife of the Peoples Republic of Chinas former president, Jiang Zemin. Style | Gilded Baroque, by heritage CIGA architects with a soft upgrade by Starwoods interior design team, 1992 Special amenities | 52-inch Philips at-screen TV, BeoVision7 entertainment system, iPod speakers, Murano glass chandeliers, Laura Tonatto bath amenities, chocolates at turndown, fresh owers, Italian spumante, fresh fruit and cheese plate replenished daily, complimentary tickets to the Venice Biennale, Peggy Guggenheim VIP membership card Square footage | 1,292 Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 225, including 19 suites Whos slept here? | Marcel Proust, Charles Dickens, Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis, H.R.H. Prince Albert of Monaco, Federico Fellini, Sophia Loren, Henry Kissinger, Nicolas Cage, Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio Nightly rate | From $3,562 Location | Riva degli Schiavoni, 4196 Contact | Hotel Manager Claudio Staderini, 39041-522-6480; claudio.staderini@starwoodhotels. com; www.luxurycollection.com/danieli Standout service | The staff lled a suite with rose petals for a magical, fragrant proposal. Style | 17th-century Venetian, by several Venetian dcor restoration experts, 2007 Special amenities | Murano glass lamps, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, at-screen TV, Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities, VIP gifts by Ermenegildo Zegna, La Perla and Burberry Square footage | 646 Number of rooms in suite | One Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath
SALON / SUITE DEL DOGE

CA SAGREDO HOTEL
THE LIBRARY SUITE Key selling points | This suite occupies the original library of the Sagredo families 13th-century palazzo and is the embodiment of period palatial living with Grand Canal views. Accessed by the palazzos impressive main stairway, its 17th-century design features historic furniture and inlaid double-wood doors.

Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 42, including 11 suites Whos slept here? | Galileo Galilei stayed in the palazzo. Nightly rate | From about $1,588 Location | Campo Santa Soa 4198/99, Ca DOro Contact | General Manager Lorenza Lain, 39-041241-3111; guestrelations@casagredohotel.com; www.casagredohotel.com

BEDROOM / SUITE DEL DOGE

BALUSTRADE / THE LIBRARY SUITE

22

Ca Sagredo Hotel
W h e r e d r e a m s o f Ve n i c e u n f o l d b e f o r e y o u r e y e s
A stunning 14th century palazzo leaning majestically on the banks of the Grand Canal, between Ca DOro and the ever-famous Rialto Bridge, Ca Sagredo Hotel is a sight to behold. Named a national monument, this historic Venetian palace preserves the beauty of an ancient noble residence, its elegance and grandeur yours to indulge in and savor. Important artworks from 17th- and 18th-century Venetian painters grace the treasured ballrooms and ornate guest rooms, skillfully and faithfully renovated, so you feel as if you have literally stepped back in time to a nobler era. Romantic, mysterious and unforgettable, Ca Sagredo seduces its guests with a blend of cultural richness, vestar luxury and pure, expert Italian hospitality. Ensconced in one of Ca Sagredos 42 rooms and suites, youll enjoy picturesque views over the Grand Canal, iconic roofs and vibrant squares of Venice, as well as a unique, rened dcor. Dine on exquisitely creative, natural cuisine based on local Venetian traditions at the hotels LAlcova Restaurant, which has a terrace on the Grand Canal and sources much of its produce from Venices bustling Rialto Market.

CaSagredo Hotel Campo Santa Soa 4198/99 Ca DOro, 30121 Venice, Italy +39 041 24131111 info@casagredohotel.com www.casagredohotel.com

VENICE

Top Suites

Special amenities | Ortigia bath amenities, iPod docking station, replace in the living room, complimentary Internet access, Jacuzzi, unpacking and packing service, two complimentary garment pressings, multilingual concierge available around the clock, free local calls Square footage | 753, plus 377 of outdoor space Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | Two Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 104, including 22 junior suites and 15 suites Whos slept here? | Neil Armstrong, Sean Connery, Patrick Swayze, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, Van Halen, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John, Prince Rainier of Monaco, the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela Nightly rate | From about $1,732 Location | San Marco, 1243 Contact | Hotel Manager Gianmatteo Zampieri, 39-041-528-9840; g.zampieri@baglionihotels.com; www.baglionihotels.com

Rezzonico. The sleek modern design is rather light and playfulrefreshing in Venicefeaturing custom-made furniture by Philippe Starck, plus travertine and mosaic details. Standout service | The chef will craft a meal inspired by the personality of a guest, who will be able to witness the special custom meal come together in the show kitchen. Style | Modern Venetian chic, by Philippe Starck, 2009 Special amenities | Luxurious linen sheets, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, atscreen TV, large bathtub, 100 percent natural bath amenities, regular sized bottles in the mini-bar, welcome bottle of Krug champagne Square footage | 1,119 Number of rooms in suite | Two Number of bathrooms | One Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 22, including six apartment suites Whos slept here? | Johnny Depp

PALAZZINA G
GRAND CANAL SUITE APARTMENT Key selling points | This intimate 15th-century Venetian palazzo suite offers guests magnicent views of the Grand Canal and the Palazzo Ca

Nightly rate | From about $1,392 Location | San Marco, 3247 Contact | External Relations, Sales and Marketing Manager Simona Veronesi, 39-041-528-4644; simona@palazzinagrassi.com; www.palazzinag.com

PRIVATE TERRACE / GIORGIONE SUITE

LUNA HOTEL BAGLIONI

GIORGIONE SUITE Key selling points | Located on the hotels top and fth oor, this duplex suite overlooks Venetian rooftops and the lagoon from a secluded altana (wooden terrace) where guests can enjoy a romantic dinner or cocktails. The suites rst level offers an elegant living room, dressed with silk wall coverings, objets dart and antique furniture, while upstairs theres a regal bedroom and Italian marble bathroom with Jacuzzi. Standout service | Hotel staff surprised a guests young son on his birthday with balloons and a cake prepared by the chef. Style | Rened Venetian with olive green and gold accents, by Baglioni Hotels in-house design team, 2008
LIVING AREA / GRAND CANAL SUITE APARTMENT

24

VENICE

Elite Activities

Romance
and

Nightlife
STAR SERVICE / CAFF FLORIAN

Winter in this City of Love beckons couples with wispy fog and mysterious grey skies, while popular haunts offer plenty a place to unwind, socialize and mingle the Venice way.

My Little Swans: Let My Little Swans arrange a full lovers

day beginning with the Romance Ritual in the Casanova Wellness Centers couples suite at Hotel Cipriani. Indulge in a body scrub, rose petal bath and massage, then head up to the Dogaressa Suite in your robes where the butler pours champagne. Lunch is long; take breaks to enjoy the lagoon and views of St. Marks through Gothic windows. By sunset youre on the gondola sipping more champagne while drifting under the Bridge of Sighs and into the labyrinthine waterways where tourists are rare and locals add ambience. The only sound is the lapping of the water and the serenade of the gondolier (this one sings well). End the day with a private Teatro La Fenice tour.
Contact: My Little Swans Travel Advisor Ana Maria Pickens, (650) 766-2658; anamaria@mylittleswans.com; www.mylittleswans.com

CAFF FLORIAN: When Venetian merchants discovered coffee from the Turks a mass importation of the bean started a 17th-century Starbucks-style boom in Venice. The oldest Venetian coffeehouse in continuous operation, Caff Florian opened its doors in 1720 under the name Venezia Trionfante, meaning triumphant Venice. Casanova, Byron, Goethe, Proust and Dickens all lounged and gazed onto the pigeons in the piazza from this ideal location on St. Marks Square. Today the progressive caf plays host to discerning clientele who come for cocktails, contemporary art exhibitions, cultural events and live music performances.
Contact: Marketing and Communication Manager Silvia Zanella, 39-041-520-5641; szanella@caffeflorian.com; www.caffeflorian.com

Harrys Bar: Tourists descend upon Harrys in droves to sip Bellinis and dine
in the legendary bar that invented the champagne and peach cocktail. But those who come expecting the worlds best Bellini without observing the caf society essence thriving all around them, are missing the point. This welcoming ambienceas much as the good food and the Bellinisattracted Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles and Peggy Guggenheim, and its what keeps the bar going today. Harrys greatness is the sum of its parts, and if youre going in for just for one aspect, youll miss out on the true Harrys Bar experience.
Contact: Managers Claudio Alzetta and Elvio de Marchi, 39-041-528-5777; harrysbar@cipriani.com; www.cipriani.com

CAFF AURORA: Located right in Piazza San Marco, Caff

Aurora has a dual identity typical Italian caf by day and hip bar by night. Locals ock here in the evening when Aurora transforms into a cool lounge with DJ sets where guests enjoy the view of Basilica San Marco while sipping drinks on the square. Young, stylishly hip artists share their tables and mix with sexy Europeans. In the afternoon DJs spin electro sounds, which helps keep fanny-packing tourists from crashing the vibe.

DOGARESSA SUITE / HOTEL CIPRIANI

Contact: Manager Maraz Alam, 39-041-528-6405

26

Villa e Palazzo Aminta

HOTEL BEAUTY & SPA

Enjoy la dolce vita in perfect style, luxury and comfort

On the shores of Italys Lake Maggiore, Villa e Palazzo Aminta offers a luxurious, verdant hideaway where youll be able to truly unwind and recharge your body and soul in one of the worlds most exclusive lakeside retreats. Overlooking the enchanting Borromean Islands, this spectacular Leading Hotel of the World in Stresa is focused on warm welcomes, superb service and making guests feel at home for the length of their stay. Visually, the hotel is stunning, the picture of ornate elegance. All guest rooms and suites are beautifully and individually styled with original frescos, marble whirlpool baths and fresh owers. Guests seeking the ultimate indulgence opt for the Liz Taylor Suite, whose breathtaking terrace faces the sparkling lake. Follow in the footsteps of glamorous duo Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, who in 1966 chose Villa Aminta for a heady, passionate getaway, and be sure not to miss out on the ve-star pampering experience at the Palazzo Aminta Beauty & Spa, Lake Maggiores top spa destination.

Villa e Palazzo Aminta Hotel Beauty & Spa Via Sempione Nord 123, Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Italy Sales Contact Alice Vietti +39 0323 933 818 sales@villa-aminta.it

VENICE

Guide

Dining and Shopping

Local chefs and designers alike draw on the regions rich traditions and resources to deliver dishes, fashions and decorative pieces that sing Venices praises.
DINING
Annotated Dinner, an Evening of Venetian Cuisine at Fiaschetteria Toscana: Gastronomes and foodies around the
world know Venetian cuisine to reect the complex, interwoven traditions of the city, which stands at the gateway between East and West, halfway between land and sea. During this four-hour dining experience in a former Tuscan wine shop, a local gastronomic expert and sommelier guides guests through an epicurean adventure in one of Venices best but very traditional restaurants, Fiaschetteria Toscana, whose specialties include Frittura alla Serenissima, a savory tangle of fried seafood and vegetables, and moeche (softshell crab).

pares such signature dishes as pappardelle with saffron and oysters, and branzino wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, steamed and served with stewed apples and 35-year-old balsamic vinegar. Cooking classes have become a destination delight for globetrotting foodies.

Osteria Alle Testiere: This tiny restaurant

used to be the secret hideaway for artists during the Venice Biennale and Film Festival. Since word got out, the owners do two seatings, but still turn away diners eager for the hottest culinary tickets in Venice. Chef Brunos quality handmade gnocchetti with granceole (local spider crab) and taglioni with rana pescatrice (monksh) cheeks are standouts. Choose a 9:30pm seating for a more relaxed meal.

Contact: Owner Maurizio Martin, 39-041-721308;

info@daore.net or ristorantedaore@hotmail.it; www.daore.net

Contact: General Manager Luca Di Vita,

Met:

The gastronomic games played by chef

39-041-522-7220; osterialletestiere@yahoo.it; www.osterialletestiere.it

Corrado Fasolatos cutting-edge laboratorykitchen at the two-Michelin-star Met have made this restaurant inside the Hotel Metropole a must-book. Trained under Spanish chef Ferran Adria, Fasolato spins new dishes out of local tradition. Here, cuttlefish ribbons replace the pasta in the classic carbonara (spicy egg and bacon) dish, and sweet-and-sour marinated sardines become a delectable assemblage of breaded baked anchovies, lightly pickled onions and balsamic gelato.

Al Covo: Since opening its doors in 1987, this

small brick-walled restaurant near Riva degli Schiavoni with chef Cesare Benelli at the helm has attracted foodies from around the world who enjoy his wondrous sh-studded menu. Popular with locals and visitors alike, it offers simply prepared honest cooking. Expect a table loaded with, when in season, fried baby artichokes, plates of broiled baby scallops and razor clams, cuttlesh braised in ink and fried baby red mullet.

Contact: Context Travel Regional Manager for Italy

Jessica Stewart, (215) 240-4347; info@contexttravel.com; www.contexttravel.com

Contact: Restaurant Owner Albino Busatto

39-041-528-5281; busatto@aschetteriatoscana.it; www.aschetteriatoscana.it

LAlcova Restaurant: After a stroll through

the famed sh market, cross over the Rialto Bridge to LAlcova Restaurant inside the Ca Sagredo Hotel. Chef Josef Klostermaier, lauded for his original inspirations based on traditional Venetian technique, continues the immersion into Venice with a culinary journey drawn from whats fresh in the Rialto Market. Enjoy delights like tiger prawns or risotto with vegetables from the gardens of SantErasmo Island. If weather permits, book a table on the terrace for commanding views of the Grand Canal.

Contact: Manager and Chef Corrado Fasolato,

39-041-524-0034; met@hotelmetropole.com; www.hotelmetropole.com

Contact: Owner Cesare Benelli, 39-041-522-3812;

info@ristorantealcovo.com; www.ristorantealcovo.com

INSTANT CHARMER / AL COVO

Contact: Ca Sagredo Hotel General Manager

Lorenza Lain, 39-041-241-3111; guestrelations@ casagredohotel.com; www.casagredohotel.com

Da Fiore: Mick Jagger, Tom Cruise and Johnny

Depp have all dined in the wood-paneled main room of this Michelin-starred restaurant, considered by many to be Venices best. Owner Maurizio Martin oversees the oor while his wife Mara pre-

28

The Gran Meli Rome offers a unique experience: the charm of antiquity mixed with the luxury of modernity. The Hotel enjoys a privileged location, along the Tibers banks on the Janiculum Hill, in the heart of the cultural and entertainment district of Rome. 116 rooms and suites, all luxuriously appointed in an avant-garde style with classic luxury. An exclusive restaurant concept with multiple rooms where guests can enjoy Mediterranean meals created by one of Italys leading chefs, together with a drink at the bar. In an extensive private park of 80,700 sq ft the hotel offers a restaurant, a roof terrace with 360 of breathtaking views, a hydromassage pool, a swimming pool and a pool bar. YHI Spa, contemporary relaxation zone, sauna, steam bath, vitality pool, 4 double treatment rooms and a coiffeur salon enrich this exclusive property beyond compare.

Via del Gianicolo 4 00165 Rome Italy Tel: +39 06 66544454 Fax: +39 06 66544396 elisa.soregaroli@melia.com www.gran-melia-rome.com

Timeless luxury with avant-garde air

VENICE

Guide

GOLDEN BEAUTY / SEGUSO GIANNI & CO.

custom creations for many top architects and designers high-prole projects. Founded in 1982 by maestro Gianni Seguso, the studios production array is vast, ranging from classic Venetian, Murano and Ca Rezzonico chandeliers to experimental objects for modern settings. Wander the workshop loaded with samples and watch blowers mold and shape their glass before designing your one-of-a-kind piece with a workshop master.

classic masks for Eyes Wide Shut. Masks and the art of mask making once had great signicance in Venice, but after the fall of the Venetian Republic, the art all but disappeared. The owners of Ca Macana researched, discovered and helped resuscitate the very nearly lost art of Venice. The workshop/store offers many different styles; most are papier-mch, 100 percent handmade and come with authentication that each step of the process strictly respected the tradition of the ancient Venetian mask makers.

Contact: Owner Gianni Seguso, 39-041-739005;

marina@seguso.it; www.seguso.it

Contact: Manager Mario Belloni, 39-041-277-6142;

info@camacana.com; www.camacana.com

Antica Legatoria Piazzesi: Venices old-

SHOPPING
Private Artisans Tour:
Cristina Gregorin,

est paper shop still stands in the same place it was founded over 145 years ago. Although it is undergoing renovation to keep up with modern times, it still delivers superior-quality handmade stationery and books. A favorite shop among locals and visitors in the know, the elegant atmosphere, replete with history and culture, offers rened desk accessories, books, albums, notebooks and calendars so exquisite that browsing becomes serious pleasure.

Attilio Codognato: The

jewelry house of

Attilio Codognato, known for Baroque blackamoor brooches, serpent rings and gem-encrusted skulls, draws a high-prole clientele (including Nicole Kidman and Anna Sui) to the dark side with its precious jeweled goth-glam pieces. Though fourth-generation Attilio Codognato does not design the famed settings that attracted the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Coco Chanel, he continues to reissue and sometimes update three generations of memento mori that have come to earn cult status among todays artists, fashion gures and movie stars.

co-author of the acclaimed Venice Master Artisans, takes you on a guided excursion to discover the citys hidden private workshops that are generally closed to the public. Visit a bookbinder who works from a 16th-century palace in Castello, a gondola workshop in San Trovaso and the workshops of Bevilacqua, home to artisans who use 18th-century looms to produce velvets and brocades for such fashion houses as Gucci and Cavalli. This shoppers delight is offered to Mr & Mrs Smith GoldSmith members.

Contact: Manager Lavinia Rizzi, 39-041-520-1978 or

39-347-895-2802; info@legatoriapiazzesi.it; www.legatoriapiazzesi.it

Ca Macana: If its a mask youre after, head

to Ca Macana, the workshop that made many of the

Contact: Owner Attilio Codognato, 39-041-522-5042;

acodognato@gmail.com; www.attiliocodognato.it
MASK MANIA / CA MACANA

Contact: GoldSmith Consultant Katie Edwards,

44-208-987-5185; katie.edwards@smithhotels.com; www.mrandmrssmith.com/members

Giovanna Zanella:

For 13 years artisan

Giovanna Zanella has crafted quirkily colored, bizarrely shaped shoes in this shop, and she has been praised by fashion magazines for her surreal inspirations. All of her shoes are works of art executed to perfection, whether they are sculpted to look like bare feet, cobra heads or blooming owers. Choose your shoe from examples on her shelves, and your custom pair will be made to the specications of the foot measurements she takes in the store. Expect a two-month lead time and art gallery prices (womens shoes range from about $700 to $1,260 and mens from about $980).

Contact: Owner Giovanna Zanella, 39-041-523-5500;

giovannazanella@yahoo.it; www.giovannazanella.it

Seguso Gianni & Co.: This glassworks

studio on the Island of Murano specializes in fully

30