A few months ago I received an invitation.
It was a black card wrapped in an ivory ribbon. “You’re invited to your own private island” it said. This is definitely something that doesn’t happens every day. I got curios and curioser as I discovered I was invited to the opening of a very special hotel in the most special place: the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Venice, Isola delle Rose (Island of roses).
After a brief flight to Italy I arrived in Venice. Straight away I found myself on a private boat driving along the lagoon, heading to a luscious green island right in front of the city. Little did I know this JamesBond-ey feeling was meant to grow even stronger.
Isola delle Rose proved to be the perfect retreat. It’s away from Venice’s touristic chaos, still 15 minutes by boat from Piazza San Marco. Small yet full of little corners to discover. Its understated luxury is a relief, proving that you don’t need much more than a beautiful place, a stunning scenery and a spotless service to experience a memorable holiday.
I am obsessed by pools, so when I find one I like I tend to be there as much as I can. This time I found three amazing spots to satisfy my splashing cravings. The first is the rooftop pool overlooking Venice. It’s a small yet remarkable pool with the most amazing view. I enjoyed a few hours sunbathing and swimming and also took the chance to shot some pictures.
The second best spot of the island is the SPA. Can you tell this building was once a pig stable? Amazing what a little refurbishment can do, huh? 😀
After some relax at the Resort, I decided to head to Venice for a walk. This city is bond to my best memories. I’ve been here twice and both time I was madly in love. The most romantic city with the most romantic mood: can you imagine anything more perfect? The second time I also rented some proper Venice costumes and spent a night as Marie Antoinette.
Venice is just magical. The atmosphere you can find here it’s different from any other feel you can experience.
After checking out the most famous spots, I highly recommend to get lost. The little streets suddenly opening up on a sunny little square, the rough walls and pretty doors, the hidden balconies and the small bacari (bars serving Spritz and venetian tapas) are among the best things this city has to offer.
The place you don’t want to miss in Venice is a small trattoria called Alla Vedova. It is located in Ca’ D’Oro – a 2 minutes gondola taxi ride from the very centre (which also gives you the chance to ride a gondola for 2 euros). Here you can have one of the best typical Venetian on-the-go small meal: a delicious polpetta (meatball) and a glass of the house wine, again for 2 euros. You’re welcome.
Venice, of course, is worth much more than a few hours, but it was time for me to head back to the resort for a very special evening. I just took the chance for a few more snaps and a walk at the beautiful Sebastiao Salgado photography exhibition for Illy coffee.
The party for the JW Marriott was a fabulous event. So classy and wonderful. An itinerary and experience along the island with live music, food and drinks discovering secrets and tradition of Venice and the nearby islands Murano, Burano, San Servolo.
While the sunset glowed its pink and violet tones all around I thought this was one of those places meant to stay in your memories forever. If I was a wedding planner, this would also be on top of my best venues list. It’s absolutely magical and I truly hope to come back there again.
I was a guest of JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa. Opinions are my own.
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