Venice Square and its canals are popular with tourists in shorts and sneakers in late summer, and even the historic houses on the small cobblestone streets have been converted into Airbnbs. But across the water, on the barrier island of Lido, Laura Dern looks elegant in a powder pink Prada dress, Rebecca Donaldson turns heads in a shimmering champagne and silver sequin ensemble, Claire Foy has chosen long crimson opera gloves to match her red ruffled gown, and John Malkovich wears a ruffled Elizabethan collar with his Dior suit.
The Venice Film Festival is in full swing, as well as a screening of Danny Boyle’s Murdoch saga inkThere’s plenty to enjoy in the area – whether during the festival (assuming you’ve made arrangements in advance) or on your next visit.
Instead of hopping back and forth to Venice, you can stay in the Lido area at the Hotel Excelsior, which was the scene of the first International Film Festival in 1932 and now hosts the opening ceremony on its beach as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. It’s also less than a five-minute walk from the Sala Grande, where Lance Oppenheim’s film is shown Peak time a contract.
The hotel entrance is filled with large portraits of legendary figures, from Greta Garbo to Federico Fellini. Water taxis crossing the Venice Lagoon on their way to the festival stop at the hotel’s pier, so relaxing in the lounge puts you among some amazing arrivals, and you can’t underestimate the convenience of having a room there to shower, change and nap.
The Excelsior reopened last May after a major renovation, including the redesign of nearly 200 rooms and suites and a new terrace restaurant called Amù Venice. Iconic Hotels & Resorts also has a stylish beach club with private cabanas and views of the Adriatic Sea – a perfect addition to the region’s only five-star resort on the sand. Aside from sneaking a swim in the large heated pool, guests can participate in stand-up water skiing, wakeboarding, boating and tennis. In-room massages can be arranged with the sea as a backdrop, and if you want to hop on over to Harry’s Bar, the hotel has free water taxis.
Close to the Lido is another island in the Venetian Lagoon, the 15-acre San Clemente, which is entirely occupied by a hotel, Kempinski San Clemente Palace. It was built in a restored monastery dating back to the 12th century and still houses a medieval church. Every year, people looking for a little privacy choose this venue, which has hosted Johnny Depp and Jennifer Lopez, as well as events for Armani and AmfAR.
The elegant, spacious rooms are luxurious, with high ceilings, huge windows overlooking the Mediterranean gardens or the canal, gilded mirrors and terrazzo floors. There is a large, quiet, heated swimming pool surrounded by green grounds, as well as tennis and volleyball courts, a spa and a waterside golf practice area. The hotel features regular art and sculpture exhibitions, as well as outdoor shows. There is a free shuttle boat to Venice that runs all day, but if you want to stay in San Clemente, the main restaurant, Acquerello, is located on the lagoon and serves modern Venetian cuisine, with dishes such as scallops with sunchoke cream and tapioca chips, and spider crab with artichoke and lemon bisque. For a more casual meal, diners can head poolside at La Specialità, which serves a variety of thin crust pizzas as well as salads, pasta and fish.
Wherever you stay, it’s worth booking excursions with SeeItaly, which can upgrade your trip with a 60-metre wooden sailing yacht that was a favorite of Maria Callas. There is no engine noise and the Michelin-starred chef prepares the dishes as you cruise through the canals. The company can also organize other experiences including tours of local palaces, intimate rooftop dinners overlooking the Grand Canal and appointments with local artisans, where visitors can make jewellery, scarves and shoes. Fans Eyes wide closed They can also design their own gun masks.
