Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel

Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice has been a Venetian legend since 1958: a haven for discerning travellers, close enough to the city bustle, yet far enough to offer a relaxing escape. A welcome rarity in Venice, the property is a green oasis with its luscious Casanova Gardens and red-clay tennis court, as well as the famous salt-water swimming pool – the biggest in the city. An emblem of vintage allure, Hotel Cipriani is also the starting point of Belmond’s story as the first acquisition in 1976. The 79-room hotel is located on Giudecca Island, an exhilarating boat ride away from St Mark’s Square, with sweeping views of the lagoon. Glamorous guests of past and present – from Yves Saint Laurent and Sophia Loren to George Clooney and Madonna, have all enjoyed the privacy of the hotel, whose history is layered with countless stories. Guests can savour a Bellini at Bar Gabbiano, indulge in Michelin-starred cuisine at Oro restaurant, relish in a long sun-drenched lunch at Cip’s Club, or sample the catch of the day at oyster bar and seafood restaurant, Il Porticciolo. The hotel also features a historical ballroom event space, which were formerly used as Granaries during the Serenissima Republic.