THREE DAYS IN VENICE

Venice, the floating city of romance, makes the perfect destination for a long weekend rendezvous; a short flight to escape London or days well spent as part of your Italian sojourn.    

Nestled in the heart of the Venetian Lagoon, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a living testament to centuries of art, culture and architectural marvels. The labyrinth of canals and alleyways whisper tales of its vibrant past and the city captivates with its timeless beauty and pastel colour.   

Inspired by Stuart Cantor’s Venice Series in this Travel Edit we list our favourite places in Venice to stay, take aperitivo, dine, explore, and of course we note our favourite beach club. Yes, there’s a beach club! And we should first say we highly recommend beginning your luxe escape with a grand arrival by taking a speed boat – private or taxi – from the airport into the heart of Venice. The dreamy views coming into the Grand Canal are not to be missed!

STAY 

To experience the very best of both vintage Italian glamour and modern Venetian elegance, stay at the Cipriani. Founded by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1958 -  of Harry’s Bar and inventor of the Bellini – on the island of Giudecca, it’s an intimate private oasis set across the lagoon from the busyness of the main island but by no means it is isolated. Private speed boats will ferry you into St Mark’s Square when you’re ready to explore, and back when you’re ready to while away the afternoon lounging by the iconic Cipriani pool sipping one (or three…) of its infamous Bellinis. Wander the stunning gardens that look back onto Doge’s Palace across to the church of St Giorgio (a fabulous place to propose according to Stuart!). It’s the luxe option that you wont regret.   

Alternate luxury options if you want to experience refined Venetian luxury steeped in history is the very grand Gritti Palace or Hotel Danieli set on the Grand Canal in the heart of Venice. Or a more modern Venetian vibe is the Il Palazzo Experimentall where the ever-clever Experimental Group have transformed a Palazzo in the heart of the Dorsoduro quarter. And a unique more intimate boutique is Hotel Heureka with 10 rooms celebrating the grand history and tradition of Venice.

APERITIVO 

Harry’s Bar is an Italian National Landmark, a favourite of artists, writers, and nobility of bygone eras – Hemmingway, Peggy Guggenheim, and Truman Capote to list a few.  Established in 1931 by Giueseppe Ciprini and birthplace to the Bellini, it’s the place to go if you want to experience a moment of 1930’s European café culture and classic cocktails.  Harry’s is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. It’s ever popular so try to time your visit to avoid queuing.   

Sip at the CIP Club at the Cipriani– another of Hemmingway’s favourites – an elegant yet informal spot to enjoy aperitivos while watching the romance of sun setting over St Mark’s Basin.   To experience unmatched views across the Grand Canal and over to the Venetian islands one must take aperitifs at the magical rooftop bar at Bar Terrazza Danieli. And for a touch of old-world glamour its Bar Longhi at The Gritti Palace.   And after of exploration indulge in cocktail hour at the chic Experimental Cocktail Club. Try some bespoke recipes made with local ingredients - mixology it its best.   

Really, the beauty of Venice is that any bar on or overlooking the Grand Canal brings a little magic.

DINE 

Follow aperitivos with dining at any of Cipriani, Gritti Palace or Hotel Danieli– you will be ensured a glamorous date night to remember. Speaking of glam, for a two Michelin -starred experience book the intimate and stunning GLAM, led by Italian chef Enrico Bartolini and the highly talented Donato Ascani.    

Ever popular is Al Covo or Osteria alle Testiere both tucked away in the charming streets of Castello. With its intimate ambiance and focus on seasonal ingredients, these cozy osteria offer a culinary journey filled with surprises and delights.   To ensure a complete gastronomic experience of Venice savour classic Venetian cicchetti (small plates) and bacari (wine bars) scattered throughout the city, where you pair delicious local snack and delicacies with local wine or prosecco.

EXPLORE 

There is no better way to start your day than a dawn stroll around The Piazza San Marco before the daily tour crowds arrive, followed by coffee and pastries at Caffè Florian, in Piazza San Marco. Since 1720 it has captivated generations with its charm and beauty; it was a favourite of Dickens and Casanova. It is like stepping into a bygone era; its popular with tourists but for good reason and an icon of Venice not to be passed over.   

Cruising along the Grand Canal in a gondola is a must – perhaps cliché but a truly glorious way to experience the storied architecture along the canal. And if you can, do it all again on a speed boat while sipping a prosecco and blasting to some Italian Jazz.   

There are endless museums and galleries and grand buildings to visit, we suggest a stop at Peggy Guggenheim and a scoot around the Doges Palace.   Explore the hidden gems that await on the small islands of Burano and Murano. A kaleidoscope of colour adorns Burano’s charming streets, and you can experience the centuries-old glass making techniques by skilled artisans in Murano.     

For lovers of art time your visit with the Venice Biennale, and for book lovers a stop off at Libreria Acqua Alta a 13th century underground space a unique space with books overflowing from gondolas; a trove of new and old books, rare volumes included.       

BEACH CLUB 

If you’re visiting in the heat of summer schedule a day away from the exhilarating busy bustle of Venice’s St Mark’s Square to indulge in a day of sipping Venetian Spritz poolside at the historic Hotel Excelsior a Venetian Palazzo with exotic Moorish architecture, frequented by many an A-list Hollywood star and home to late-night parties during the Venice Film Festival. Or stroll across to the Lido and set up for an afternoon of Venetian beachside luxury in one of the exclusive white cabanas that line the long stretch of golden sand overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

SHOP 

Modern day merchants of Venice must visit Fondaco Dei Tedeschi. Located within one of the most famous buildings in Venice at the foot of the Rialto Bridge. Not only is it an interior design delight it’s home to all the homegrown luxury brands if you want to treat yourself to the latest luxe items.

TREAT 

Take home your forever piece of Murano glass, be it colourful glassware, vase or unique feature lighting piece.  Leather gloves have long been a classic staple of a Venetian wardrobe, face Winter with your new pair of baby soft lambskin leather gloves lined with the softest cashmere (there are any number of leather store options, with Fanny Gloves being one), and what is a trip to Venice without coming home a little more mysterious than when you left with a Venetian mask (really just decorative memento for a display shelf).