Sunlight dances across narrow canals, gondolas glide beneath elegant bridges and magnificent palaces rise directly from the water in Venice, one of the world's most extraordinary cities.
Venice feels less like a city and more like a work of imagination brought to life. Built across a lagoon and connected by a maze of canals, bridges and narrow alleyways, it offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Europe. Every corner reveals another beautiful façade, hidden square or waterside scene that seems unchanged by time.
Grand palaces line the Grand Canal, gondolas drift through quiet waterways and world-famous landmarks such as St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge sit alongside neighbourhoods where visitors can still lose themselves amongst winding streets and hidden courtyards. The city's beauty often lies in the details, from weathered doorways and flower-filled balconies to reflections shimmering across the water.
Venice rewards wandering without a plan. One moment may be spent admiring Byzantine architecture, the next enjoying a glass of wine beside a quiet canal far from the crowds. Romantic, atmospheric and utterly unique, Venice remains one of those rare destinations that exceeds even the highest expectations.
Moments of discovery often become the most memorable part of any journey, whether found through an exceptional hotel, a remarkable landscape or an experience that reveals a destination in a new light. The places that stay with us longest are those that create a genuine sense of connection.
Across islands, coastlines, mountains and vibrant cities, every destination offers its own character and rhythm. Some invite adventure, others encourage slower exploration, but the most rewarding journeys are often those that combine comfort, authenticity and a sense of place.
From luxury hotels and boutique retreats to safari experiences, rail journeys and small-ship voyages, our collection celebrates travel that feels considered, inspiring and memorable long after returning home.
Ca Maria Adele, a 4-star boutique haven in Venice's artsy Dorsoduro, captivates with its romantic soul, perched beside the Basilica della Madonna della Salute, one vaporetto stop from Piazza San Marco. Hailed since 2014 as the world's most romantic boutique hotel, it weaves an intimate bond with Venice's timeless allure, blending Eastern and Western aesthetics in a celebration of love. The 12 uniquely decorated suites pulse with eclectic elegance, fusing Arab and African furnishings with Venetian damasks and Murano glass chandeliers. Each air-conditioned room features king-size beds, LCD TVs with satellite channels, Nespresso machines, minibars, and private bathrooms with spa baths or waterfall showers, adorned with Ortigia toiletries. Some suites offer balconies overlooking the Grand Canal or the basilica's dome, crafting a dreamy escape steeped in romance. A lavish breakfast, served on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Salute and shimmering lagoon, brims with fresh cornetti, local cheeses, and seasonal fruits, paired with aromatic espresso. The intimate breakfast room transforms into a cozy salon for afternoon tea, aperitivi, or light cicchetti, with a curated selection of Venetian wines and prosecco, evoking the city's enchanting ambiance. Steps from the Peggy Guggenheim Museum and a 5-minute stroll to the Accademia Bridge, the hotel's prime location invites exploration of Dorsoduro's galleries, canal-side trattorias, and hidden campi. A 24-hour concierge curates bespoke experiences, from private gondola rides under the Bridge of Sighs to exclusive tours of Murano's glass ateliers, ensuring every moment sparkles with Venetian magic. With complimentary Wi-Fi and water taxi access, located 15 km from Venice Marco Polo Airport, Ca Maria Adele melds eclectic sophistication with the floating city's romantic heartbeat, crafting an unforgettable sanctuary for lovers.
From £205 per night
Madama Garden Retreat, a 4-star boutique residence in Venice's vibrant Cannaregio, enchants with its serene riverside garden and prime location near the Rialto Bridge. The eight unique suites, inspired by Italo Calvino's “Invisible Cities,” exude bespoke elegance, each with distinct décor reflecting Venetian artistry. Air-conditioned units feature flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, Nespresso machines, minibars, safety deposit boxes, and private bathrooms with bidets, hairdryers, and Ortigia toiletries. Some offer river views or private dining areas, with daily housekeeping ensuring pristine comfort for guests over 15. An à la carte, continental, or Italian breakfast, brimming with fresh cornetti, local cheeses, and espresso, is served in the elegant lobby, lush garden (weather permitting), or private dining room. While lacking an on-site restaurant, the nearby Fondamenta della Misericordia teems with trattorias serving cicchetti and seafood risotto, with a 24-hour concierge reserving tables or curating private city tours. The riverside garden, a tranquil oasis, hosts private events like weddings or birthdays, framed by Venice's shimmering canals. Accessible by boat or footpath, the retreat is steps from Ca' d'Oro and less than 1 km from Piazza San Marco and the Doge's Palace. The concierge arranges boat taxis, theatre tickets, or bespoke lagoon excursions to Burano.
From £430 per night
The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice's grande dame on the Grand Canal, captivates with its 1475 palazzo grandeur, where Rubelli fabrics glow under Murano chandeliers, offering timeless Venetian elegance opposite the Santa Maria delle Salute Church. The 82 rooms and suites unfold with regal opulence, featuring air-conditioned comfort, satellite flat-screen TVs, minibars, and marble bathrooms with Acqua di Parma toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Antique mirrors, painted ceilings, and curated artworks adorn each space, with some offering sweeping Grand Canal views or city vistas. The Presidential Suite's floor-to-ceiling windows frame the canal's splendor. Attentive staff, discreet yet warm, ensure thoughtful touches, fostering a sense of belonging amid Venice's shimmering pulse. Dining at Club del Doge, led by Chef Daniele Turco, transforms Rialto Market ingredients into innovative Venetian dishes, served under crystal chandeliers. The Riva bar's Basil-ica cocktail delights on a canal-view terrace, perfect for aperitivi. A lavish breakfast buffet, with à la carte pancakes, brims with local flavours. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from Gritti Epicurean School cooking classes to Riva Yacht adventures, capturing Venice's timeless rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled 500 meters from St. Mark's Square and a 5-minute walk from La Fenice Opera House, with Venice Marco Polo Airport a short journey away, The Gritti Palace offers seamless access via a nearby vaporetto stop or private jetty. A Sisley Paris spa with hammam, three tennis courts, and free WiFi elevate the experience, ensuring serene renewal in a setting of palatial splendor.
From £650 per night
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, a luxurious five-star retreat on the secluded Isola delle Rose, captivates with its lagoon-side serenity, blending modern sophistication with Venetian allure, offering a peaceful escape just minutes from St. Mark's Square. The 266 rooms and suites unfold with refined comfort, featuring air-conditioned spaces, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with showers or baths and premium toiletries. Set in the main building or amid olive groves, many offer garden or lagoon views, creating tranquil havens where attentive staff ensure thoughtful touches, from plush linens to warm welcomes, fostering a sense of belonging amid the island's gentle rhythm. Dining across four restaurants, including the rooftop La Sagra with Venetian cicchetti and Fiola at Dopolavoro's fine Mediterranean fare, celebrates local ingredients, paired with three bars for cocktails. A daily breakfast brims with specialties. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from Sapori Cooking Academy classes to cycling paths, capturing the lagoon's timeless rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled on a private island, a free shuttle boat ride from St. Mark's Square, with Venice Marco Polo Airport a short journey away, JW Marriott Venice offers seamless access to the city's treasures. Three outdoor pools, a spa with sauna, Turkish bath, fitness area, and gardens elevate the experience, ensuring serene renewal in a setting of island splendor.
From £220 per night
The St. Regis Venice, a luxurious five-star retreat on the Grand Canal, captivates with its reimagined palazzo elegance, blending historic Venetian grandeur with contemporary artistry, offering unparalleled views of Santa Maria della Salute and a serene garden escape in the heart of San Marco. The 130 rooms and 39 suites unfold with sophisticated charm, featuring air-conditioned comfort, flat-screen TVs, coffee machines, kettles, minibars, slippers, and private bathrooms with premium toiletries. Pastel hues echo Venice's lagoon sunsets, paired with midcentury-modern furnishings and curated contemporary art, creating serene havens. Grand Canal-facing rooms, especially the Santa Maria Suite with its expansive terrace, offer breathtaking vistas. Attentive staff, led by a remarkably female-driven team and St. Regis Butler Service, ensure thoughtful touches, fostering a sense of belonging amid Venice's shimmering pulse. Dining at Gio's Restaurant, guided by Sicilian Executive Chef Nadia Frisina, reworks Venetian classics with Asian and northern European influences, served alongside the canal or in the lush garden-courtyard. The St. Regis Bar and Arts Bar craft vibrant spritzes, with manager Facundo Gallegos blending hues to match the lagoon's glow. A buffet, à la carte, or continental breakfast brims with local flavours. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from private gondola tours to La Fenice visits, capturing Venice's timeless rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled steps from Piazza San Marco and La Fenice Theatre, with Venice Marco Polo Airport 18 kilometers away, The St. Regis Venice offers seamless access via airport transfers and a nearby vaporetto stop. A fitness centre, two spa suites with treatments, a 24/7 gym, free WiFi, and a garden for events elevate the experience, ensuring serene renewal in a setting of canal-side splendor.
From £610 per night
Nolinski Venezia - Evok Collection, a luxurious five-star retreat in Venice's San Marco district, captivates with its fresh take on Stile Liberty elegance, blending Art Nouveau and modernist design in a former stock exchange, offering a vibrant yet serene escape steps from Piazza San Marco. The 43 rooms and suites unfold with curated sophistication, featuring air-conditioned comfort, flat-screen TVs, wardrobes, hairdryers, and private bathrooms with showers and premium toiletries. Le Coadic Scotto's designs merge contemporary mirrors, Art Deco accents, and mid-century industrial touches, with curated glassware and art creating serene havens. Select rooms, like 302, 407, and 501, boast city views or powder-pink velvet sofas. Attentive staff, many from Cipriani's legacy, ensure thoughtful touches, from plush linens to warm welcomes, fostering a sense of belonging amid Venice's lively pulse. Dining at Il Caffè, set in a sunlit courtyard with Fellini-esque parasols, delights with two-Michelin-starred chef Philip Chronopoulos's Greek-inflected French cuisine, featuring dishes like baba au rhum. The Library Bar, lined with 4,000 books and Simon Buret's radiant ceiling, serves elegant cocktails. A daily breakfast brims with local flavours. Guests can immerse in curated experiences, from mask-making to treasure hunts, capturing Venice's timeless rhythm with effortless grace. Nestled near La Fenice Theatre and Basilica San Marco, with Venice Marco Polo Airport 18 kilometers away, Nolinski Venezia offers seamless access via a paid airport shuttle. A rooftop gold-mosaic pool, forthcoming spa, 24-hour gym, free WiFi, and eco-conscious marmorino stucco elevate the experience, ensuring serene renewal in a setting of artistic splendor.
From £420 per night