Best romance - Venise, forever
Is there, in Europe, a more romantic city than Venice ? Venice is and will remain THE romantic hideaway city. Nowhere else will “O sole mio” sound more romantic than on a Venice canal, sung cheerfully by an authentic Venetian gondolier. Immerge yourself in the many charms and curiosities this wonderful once prosperous commercial city has to offer. Autumn in Venice is a very good option: less tourists, cheaper hotels and the autumn sun reflecting upon the water. Go to Café Florian, on Saint Mark’s Square, and enjoy an authentic “espresso ristretto”. This unique city is made up of 120 islets linked together by 400 bridges and 177 canals. There are no cars, scooters, you just have to walk through the city to explore it. Or you can take a boat. Certain places like Saint Mark’s Square are constantly overcrowded. Yet, getting away from the crowd is eas : just immerge yourself into one of Venice’s alleys and you’ll sometimes end up alone in the street. The world-famous Carnival of Venice leaves traces beyond the actual celebration, you will find masks “made in China or Taiwan” in almost every shop for tourists; avoid them! Purchasing an authentic hand made Venetian mask is just marvellouso. Go to 575 Ruga del Spezier, near the Rialto fish market. On the left hand side of the street you’ll find a shop where two lovely Venetian women make the traditional masks in the traditional way.
The Bellini cocktail- tender peach poured with Prosecco- was invented here. The ready-made version of it is undoubtedly not as tasty as the authentic Bellini, THE creation of the mythical Harry’s Bar. Ernest Hemingway was a regular from 1949. The legend has it that Orson Welles emptied on one go two bottles of Dom Pérignon. Truman Capote used to hideaway here to savour shrimp sandwiches. Today, when in Venice, Woody Allen is a regular, along with Nicole Kidman and Helen Hunt.
So, you’ll be in good company in Venice. Our piece of advice: if you want to have dinner there, pop by the day before to select and book your table and don’t forget your most romantic smile.
Romantic must do
When it comes to luxury hotels, you can very well explore the place’s history and atmosphere without actually spending the night. Enjoy a Spritz at the Danieli, lunch at the Cipriani’s Oro restaurant (1 Michelin star) and a romantic dinner at the Gritti Palace’s Club Del Doge.
And for a romantic hotel in Venice, we recommend the San Clemente Palace Kempinski, member of Leading Hotels of the World, located on San Clemente private island, a mere 10 minute from Saint Mark’s Square with the complementary services of the hotel’s boat transfers. The boat ride itself is an exceptional experience!
For those of you who wish to explore Venice from the “inside”, here is our secret address: book a suite with terrace at the Splendid Venice. The hotel is a true jewel: just a few minutes from Saint Mark’s Square, it has always kept away from mass tourism. Two typical Venetian hostels have been reunited and renovated to form a charming upmarket boutique hotel. You’ll feel like home in Venice.
The hotel’s restaurant, the Maschere is one of the rare places, close to Saint Mark’s Square, where Venetian people still enjoy dining. At sunset, escape to the rooftop terrace. Relax on a daybed, forget about time and contemplate “the Serenissima”… the roofs, the narrow canals. Emotions, happiness and silence. You are in the heart of Venice.
starhotels.com/en/our-hotels/splendid-venice
By Bernard Montiel, Suzanne Kauz
Translations : Denis Dessapt-Laroze