Italy's Hidden Gems III
In Part 3 and a final installment on this months “Italy’s Hidden Gems” is just a taste of things to come. In 2017, I will dedicate an entire month of special posts around this mysterious and breathtaking city of Venezia (Venice, Italy) home of today’s post.
In midst of the bustling waterways (get just a taste of it in the video on this post courtesy of my niece who recently visited), you will find yourself immersed in a maze of winding alley walkways which are, apart from boats and docks throughout the city, the only method of getting from one place to another. Commerce of this majestic city is driven by the water and the people who come to visit and play in history.
With so many churches, museums, shops, restaurants, historical venues, and different islands each with their own character, it’s hard to navigate which way to turn. In 2017 I will highlight many of the “must sees” on the main Island of Venice along with tips on visiting the surrounding network of awes inspiring islands. But today I will draw attention to one destination, one hidden gem here in awe inspiring Venezia, at what I consider one of my current top 5 resort destinations in the world.
When visiting Venice, you must either stay or at least visit for an afternoon or evening, the majestic San Clemente Palace Kempinski Venice . This resort and spa is a fast 10 min complimentary speedboat ride from their private boat launch at San Marco square that whisks you out to this small private island that houses a grand Palace.
Besides all of the stellar service, restaurant, pool, tennis and spa offerings at this retreat, it boasts a beautiful approaching view of Venice that is hard to find. Not surprising San Clemente is chosen for weddings and affluent events by those who have visited before.
A stay inside this resort for us offered views looking directly out over the water at San Marco. Walking through the halls of the hotel, if you are a movie buff you may feel as though a Big Wheel will come hurdling around the corner at any minute as it has that “grand hotel” feel with expansive corridors similar to the one featured in the famous movie “The Shining.” The Palace is so much more then a resort, it’s an experience.
Yet inside these walls, no need to worry about going crazy, here you’ll be transported and captured in the romance of this great city. Incredible views, great dining, and an island full of gardens, a church and palace to wander through and take in the rich history.
With only a handful of buildings that make up the entire island, you’ll be ensconced with its history. Since it’s beginnings many centuries ago, it was home to where the Doges entertained visitors coming into Venice by sea. For several centuries it was a momentary and a bustling hospital. Now stands a grand resort for you and your loved one to come get caught up in romance. I was able to find a steal when I stayed here a bit ago through Unitedvacations.com on their Hotel search. We paid about $160 a night and felt like we were treated like royalty at the Palace. Watch out for more detail around this special venue in my 2017 special on all things Venezia.
To see pictures and more detail on the incredible San Clemente Palace, go to their website:
https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotels/best-rate-guarantee/
Or go to Wikipedia to read up a little on the rich history of this landmark:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isola_di_San_Clemente
Where will you go next?
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