WEEKEND AWAY: Ca’ di Dio, Venice
Set in the charming Castello district of Venice, Leah Pierce enjoyed a weekend stay at the elegant Ca’ di Dio hotel
As summer begins to unfold, Venice is the perfect destination to step away from everyday life and immerse yourself in the typically mellow Venetian culture. Situated on Riva Ca’ di Dio, the VRetreats city hotel Ca’ di Dio is the ideal place to sojourn. A five-star, Michelin Key hotel that prides itself on sustainability, service, and its central location.
Location
Ca’ di Dio is accessible directly from Venice Marco Polo Airport by water taxi or public boat; with the hotel offering its own private dock. It is at this arrival point that you are greeted by diligent staff members and immediately immersed in the beauty of the hotel and its prime location. With it being only a short stroll to Saint Mark’s Square, the Basilica, and the Doge’s Palace, as well as being situated in the Castello district next to the historic Venetian Arsenale. The hotel’s central location places you on the doorstep of some of the greatest sights Venice has to offer. Although centrally located, Ca’ di Dio is set on military grounds, which prevents trade stalls and busy eyesores from encroaching on the area. This makes the hotel an ideal retreat from the bustling nature of Venice, while still being close to its energy and excitement. It is within this out-front, quiet terrace space that guests can enjoy an aperitivo or cocktail from the Alchemia Bar, overlooking the lagoon. The perfect spot to soak up the sun.
Hotel History
Dating back to 1272, the hotel acted as a religious hostel for pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. Following this, the building later became a home for elderly Venetians to reside. In 2021, it was renovated by architect Patricia Urquiola into a luxurious boutique hotel, creating a contemporary yet traditional Venetian atmosphere. Absorbing guests into the Venetian culture with Murano glass centrepieces and touches, as well as handcrafted details and artwork from local artisans, to create a strong sense of place. The history of the building still shines through today, with striking historic paintings, untouched architecture and the restoration of statues and pillars from the original convent.
Rooms and Suites
The hotel features fifty seven suites and nine deluxe rooms across three floors, including lagoon view suites overlooking San Giorgio Maggiore and exclusive suites with access to a large rooftop terrace facing the San Marco Basin. The design of each room is mirrored throughout the hotel with accents of typical Venetian property throughout. The rooms provide a sanctuary for guests to slow down of an evening, enjoying the in-room dining service or making use of the curated mini bar or gourmet nibbles selection. With two turndown services each day, the staff ensure not only that your room remains clean and comfortable, but that the entire hotel feels spotless and carries an aromatic note.
Facilities
The hotel has two main dining areas: VERO restaurant, which offers a fusion of Italian flavours and Japanese kitchen techniques, where the head chef had previously worked for many years cultivating small plates in Japan. VERO provides an atmosphere like no other, with each dish as playful as the surroundings of the room; you will be taken on a journey of flavour and visual representation, specialising in a six and eight course tasting menus.
The hotel also has the Essentia restaurant, an all-day dining experience to enjoy in a courtyard setting on those beautiful, warm spring days. It is also at Essentia where guests experience breakfast - a hotel buffet like no other. From detox juices and sweet and savoury pastries to a selection of local cheeses and fruits, everything is made fresh in-house each morning.
Pura City Spa is the hotel’s in-house treatment facility, with a sauna, steam bath and of course, a curated massage menu. Providing a serene retreat and a range of indulgent treatments after a day of exploring Venice. For moments of relaxation, the hotel also offers a tranquil reading room with lagoon views.
My Experience
My first impression of Ca’ di Dio was nothing less than exceptional. From the moment I arrived, the staff treated me with the utmost sincerity, ensuring I had a comfortable journey and refreshments upon arrival. I was given a tour of the hotel, from the modern gym, reading area, and spa to the hidden little treasures of architecture that remain from the original building. Once settled, I enjoyed a late lunch at the Essentia restaurant. After indulging in their impeccable Caprese, I knew I was in for a weekend full of delectable food. Having spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the streets of Venice and making use of the hotel gym, it was time for dinner at VERO restaurant for an artistic six-course tasting menu. A tasting menu like no other, each course served with the most creativity imaginable. From tuna tartare served in a ceramic egg dish to artichoke tarte tatin that look like they belong in a museum, VERO was unforgettable.
As day two commenced, I headed down to the Essentia restaurant, where the room had been transformed with the most incredible breakfast spread. Shortly after, arranged by the hotel’s concierge, I was taken on a private tour of the secret gardens in Venice. From private aristocratic courtyards to convent gardens and even lagoon-side vineyards, the tour enlightened me to a different side of Venice. Concealed within high walls and narrow Venetian streets, the gardens were their own quiet retreat, where one can soak up the history or enjoy an Italian espresso in the sun. Following the tour, I was taken to Murano via water taxi to enjoy a guided tour of a traditional Venetian glass-blowing factory. I even tried my hand at glass blowing. After browsing the gorgeous traditional glass shop I headed over to Burano. A gorgeous fishing town located northeast of Venice. I enjoyed a spot of lunch at the Michelin-star restaurant Gatto Nero. A family-run establishment, specialising in seafood dishes. Burano is a must visit town if you are looking to explore a little more that Venice has to offer. The evening began with cocktails at the hotel’s Alchemia Bar, where everything from Old Fashioneds to classic Venetian Bellinis were on offer. With its deep wood panelling, the bar had the feel of an exclusive members’ club.
On my final day at Ca’ di Dio and in Venice, I was taken on a private tour of the Arsenale district—a little gem in Venice, often missed by tourists. This area is a traditional military district with an abundance of history. This was shortly followed by a guided tour of St Mark’s Square and the Palazzo Ducale. In my opinion, three of the must do things whilst staying in Venice. Before heading off to the airport, I enjoyed one final lunch at the hotel’s lagoon facing courtyard, making the most of the sun and delicious, fresh food; and of course, one final Bellini.
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