Image via Frontier Adriatic
What could be more romantic than cuddling with your newlywed in a gondola while admiring the beauty of the most romantic city in the world? Venice, with its world-famous Carnevale and secret passageways that hold countless stories of secret sojourns and political liaisons, thrives on mystery and awe. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, Venice is the perfect stage to start your journey together as husband and wife.
5 Places to Stay
1. Ca Maria Adele
Ca Maria Adele with its Murano chandeliers, flock wallpaper and heavy damask fabrics, is absolutely Venetian. Located in the heart of Venice’s most tranquil area, the only other tourists you are likely to come across are the lost ones. There are many themed rooms to choose from: the seductive Sala Noire room is sensual and elegant, the resplendent red and gold Sala de Doge and Sala del Camino features a huge fireplace, whereas the modern, wood-beamed Suite 336 has a Jacuzzi tub at the foot of the bed.
Image via Ca Maria Adele
2. Palazzo Barbarigo
The converted 16th century Venetian palazzo right on the Grand Canal blends modern boudoir glamour with Twenties art-deco chic. Dramatic contemporary furnishings and feathered lampshades ups the glam factor. Every room at Palazzo Barbarigo is a decent size and has a canal view, but the Junior Suites are a lovely upgrade with separate dressing and wardrobe areas.
Image via Palazzo Barbarigo
3. Palazzina G
Palazzina G is the yang to Palazzo Barbarigo’s yin. Located in Venice’s San Marco district, the Palazzina G is ferreted away behind a 16th-century façade by the Grand Canal. The pale colour scheme and hall-of-mirrors effect in the smallest rooms give the impression of size, but the upgrade to Junior Suite Plus is worth it for a terrace that overlooks the sweeping Venice vistas.
Image via Palazzina G
4. I Qs
For couples seeking some urban comfort, the intimate I Qs offers plush and private living in the heart of Venice. The individually designed rooms blend comfort with impeccable executed contemporary tastes. Decorated with modern art, photography and sculpture, I Qs is a great “urban hideaway” with style-savvy panache.
Image via I Qs
5. Aman Venice
For the ultimate, luxurious, once-in-a-lifetime splurge, newlyweds will not be disappointed with what Aman Venice has to offer. Best known for its role as George Clooney and Amal Alammudin’s wedding venue, the former Palazzo Papadopoli have been the setting for many high-society soirees since the 16th century. It’s Rococo and Neo-Renaissance décor have been restored to their former opulence. You don’t need a Clooney-esque bank account to enjoy the megastar treatment: the Palazzo Stanza room has great canal views without the steep price of the suite.
Image via Aman Venice
5 Places to Visit
1. The Accademia Bridge
The wooden bridge over the Grand Canal can be bustling with tourists, but it does offer some of the best and grandest views in Venice, looking along the Grand Canal in each direction. In a city of imposing stone architecture, it is striking to come across a large, plain wooden bridge. The simple organic material is an appealing counterpoint to the marble splendour of the Grand Canal. Try strolling along the bridge during late evening when it is quieter.
2. Santa Maria della Salute
One of Venice’s most pictured landmarks, the lovely curvy shape of Santa maria della Salute stands on the final stretch of the Grand Canal, over the water from St. Mark’s. The exterior of the church is a glorious confection in white. Inside, six side-chapels and the high altar open off the main space. Marvel at the magnificent Renaissance paintings and dramatic spaces, but be mindful to dress with decorum, as in all Italian churches.
Image via Virtual Tourist
3. Rialto bridge
The Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal is one of the most well-known sights in Venice. There aren’t many stretches of walkway alongside the Grand Canal, so the chances are you’ll arrive at the bridge via some of Venice’s long narrow lanes. The bridge is made of fairly steep flights of steps – two rows of shops, opening inwards, divide the inner steps from two external balustraded flights. Head through the arches and watch the world go by on top of the bridge, with fine views over the Grand Canal, busy with gondolas and ferries.
Image via Shaun Dunmall
4. Riva Degli Schiavone
The lively area is Venice’s most vibrant – albeit often overcrowded – promenade that sits on the waterfront at St Mark’s Basin in Venice. Stroll along the market stalls that had their start in the fifteenth century and feast on a variety of snacks, pastries and confections of all sort. Along the way the promenade is lined with numerous hotels, restaurants, bars and a number of historic buildings. A walk along the Riva degli Schiavoni also provides great views of the island of the San Giorgio Maggiore, located to the south, strewn with magnificent Palladian architecture that dominates the skyline.
5. Giudecca Island
This one’s for the art lovers: away from the bustling tourist scene, Giudecca island has become a destination for international curators and collectors thanks to its thriving contemporary art scene. A trip to the Giudecca island involves a boat ride with sweeping views of the Canal. Walk west along the waterfront to reach the charming Redentore and Le Zitelle churches. Take refuge from the fierce summer heat in Giudecca’s many art galleries or studios, or immerse yourself in the Venetian lifestyle with a glass of Spritz or Prosecco.
Image via Tony Hammond
5 Things to Do
1. Take a romantic gondola ride
No trip to Venice is complete without a gondola ride, so cuddle up for a quiet evening cruise while watching the stars as the gondolier serenades you down the Grand Canal. The soft lapping waves as the gondola wades through the canal, the buzz of crowds from restaurants and bars lining the Grand Canal is a unique experience like no other.
Image via Roman Candle Tours
2. Get a bird’s eye view of Venice
The Campanile, standing at almost 99m, is the city’s tallest building. Originally built between 888 and 912, it collapsed in 1902 but rebuilt exactly as it was, where it was. Take the lift all the way to the top and take in the superb view of Lido, the whole lagoon and on a clear day, you may even spot Dolomites in the distance.
3. Experience Vivaldi in Venice
After a long day of exploring Venice, seek respite from the heat in Venice’s many music venue. Venice was the home of the Baroque movement during the Renaissance period and for music lovers, experiencing Vivaldi in Venice is a must. Catch the sung Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica or the Gregorian chant on the island of San Giorgio on Sundays.
4. Watch a Glass-blowing Demonstration on Murano Island
Murano Island, famous for its handmade glassware and glass-blowing demonstrations has become one of Venice’s “must-see” for tourists. Although the commercialisation of these glass-blowing demonstration has taken the romance away from the art, it is still an entertaining and eye-opening experience. To avoid the crowd, catch a vaporetto (water-taxi) to Murano and stroll along the streets until you find a studio that looks relatively open. Bring home a few handmade glasswares as keepsakes of your honeymoon.
Image via Planet Ware
5. Have a Romantic Dinner Overlooking the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most famous bridge in Venice. Although there are many restaurants along the canal, it is definitely a romantic spot. Enjoy some Italian pasta and a glass of wine as you look out at the Rialto Bridge and the gondolas drifting down the Grand Canal!
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Captured by a romantic spell, Venice is a truly magical honeymoon destination; you may never want to leave!
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