The Cipriani: A Hotel on the Water

The Orient Express journey, which began in London, England, finally arrives at its destination: Venice Santa Lucia station, after 30 hours of elegant passage. Stepping out of the station, a completely different landscape from England unfolds. Venice, the city of water. There is no roundabout for buses or taxis in front of the station. Only a pier for water buses and water taxis.

The Grand Canal, a S-shaped waterway stretching approximately 3 kilometers, divides the city. This Venetian city, floating on the Adriatic Sea, consists of 118 islands connected by about 400 bridges and over 150 canals of various sizes. Today, the city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a renowned tourist destination, drawing people from all over the world.

However, the sheer number of people. No matter how wonderful a place it may be, it's a bit unsettling for a sophisticated traveler.

Therefore, we recommend the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, a premier luxury hotel founded in 1958. To reach the Cipriani, built on the water, you take a private shuttle boat from St. Mark's Square. Just five minutes after boarding, you'll disembark on Giudecca Island, with the UNESCO World Heritage scenery as your backdrop.

In contrast to the bustling St. Mark's Square, the Cipriani exudes a sense of privacy, surrounded by lush gardens and bathed in the radiant Italian sun. The hotel's expansive grounds, among the largest in Venice, further enhance its relaxed atmosphere.

Venice's Panoramic View

The Belmond Hotel Cipriani, adorned in pastel colors, retains the charm of the 15th century. It features 95 rooms in total. The suites, renovated in 2010, were converted from two rooms into one, ensuring ample space and showcasing diverse designs.

From the chandeliers and Murano glass to the furniture, every piece is breathtakingly beautiful. The king-sized beds promise to soothe the traveler's fatigue. The view from the floor-to-ceiling windows is spectacular, offering a beautiful vista of the lagoon. It's an unparalleled setting for those seeking to fully indulge in a vacation.

Consequently, the Cipriani's guest list boasts numerous VIPs. Hollywood star George Clooney is one such guest; he recently garnered global media attention for hosting a grand party here the night before his wedding in 2014.

The Cipriani's "Cipriani Bar" is one of his favorite haunts. His original cocktail, "La Nina's Passion," is a must-try, not just for fans. Nina, incidentally, is his mother's name. A sign at the bar reads, "Mom said: No more than two, no less than four drinks!" – George Clooney's handwritten signature. Enjoying a cocktail while watching the sunset is an experience not to be missed.

For many travelers, a spa is a highlight, and the Cipriani offers just that. At the popular "Casanova Beauty & Wellness Center," you can receive various treatments from skilled therapists in rooms with private terraces. Although we couldn't experience a treatment during our visit, the smiles on the faces of departing guests suggested a blissful time.

I Don't Want to Go Back to Japan Yet

As the sun sets, it's time for the long-awaited dinner. Dress up a little, in Italian style. The Cipriani's main dining room, named "Oro" (gold), features a decadent golden ceiling designed by architect Adam Dihany.

The executive chef, Davide Bisetto, a Michelin-starred chef from France, presents delicate and creative Italian cuisine. Notably, the use of ponzu and bonito flakes in sauces, inspired by Japanese flavors, is intriguing. Incidentally, the "carpaccio" originated here and is a signature dish of the Cipriani. It's a must-try when you visit.

After dinner, enjoy the lingering moments at the Cip's Club on the water deck. A drink while gazing at St. Mark's Square will surely become a cherished memory.

If time permits, consider a visit to Murano Island, famous for its Venetian glass, or the nearby Lido Island, known from the film "Death in Venice." You could also attend an opera at the Teatro La Fenice, which opened in 1792. There's simply never enough time. The Cipriani is one of the few hotels that makes travelers feel like they "don't want to go back to Japan yet."

This journey, starting in England and culminating in Venice via train, has been a constant echo of the phrase, "To learn anew, one must review the old." The hotel in London, 45 Park Lane, the "Orient Express", and here, the "Belmond Hotel Cipriani" – all exemplify this principle.

Tradition is not merely a relic of the past; it is preserved with dignity and beauty through modern techniques, enhancing its convenience. Excellence is not defined by price, nor by mere opulence. This journey has profoundly shown that the essence of excellence lies in the culture that preserves and nurtures tradition, aesthetics, and spirit.



Belmond Hotel Cipriani
Giudecca 10, 30133 Venice, Italy
http://www.belmond.com/ja/hotel-cipriani-venice/