Introductions to the San Clemente Palace are made, rather atmospherically, by a complimentary boat transfer from the Piazza San Marco. Sailing through the canals, it’s the perfect way to arrive in Venice, and allows you to explore the city’s sights with ease. The Opera House, Doge’s Palace and famous markets are, of course, arranged around this famous square.
Then, once you’ve explored, you’ll return to your classically styled, high-ceilinged room. Expect Italian marble bathtubs and views of centuries-old park, the hotel’s cultivated gardens or the lagoon. The latter is particularly impressive, backdropped by the spires of the Venetian skyline. What’s more, upgrades add in Murano chandeliers and truly spectacular suite living, boasting everything from elevated panoramas and private piers to terrazzo floors and beautiful dark-wood-and-gold aesthetics.
The luxuries continue throughout the hotel. If the pool’s cocktail bar and spectacular views of Venice aren’t enough, relax further with the excellent spa and its exhaustive range of treatments. However, if you’d rather keep active, make use of the state-of-the-art fitness centre, jogging track, yoga classes or beautiful tennis court. There’s even a pitch-and-putt golf course.
Finally, no trip to Italy would be complete without some gastronomic indulgence. It all begins with the excellent breakfast at Insieme, where generous buffets and specialist à la carte menus are informed by the freshest local produce. Expect cheese from nearby farms and vegetables grown in the hotel’s own private garden. Then there’s the wood-fired pizzas and catch-of-the-day favourites of La Dolce, along with the wine-paired tasting menus of Acquerello Restaurant. Here, every vegetable is requested by the chef and grown on the neighbouring islands, exclusively for the hotel.