JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa ★★★★★L

The only way to arrive into Venice in style is by water taxi and that’s exactly how guests to the newly opened JW Marriott Venice Resort will get here.

You won’t be hemmed into the city limits like the hoards of other tourists, here you’ll be staying on the exclusive Rose Island, located just a 15 minute water taxi ride from the main sights. Situated in a 16-acre park surrounded by fruit orchards, olive groves and old historic buildings, you can feel a world away from Venice, whilst still being able to look upon its beauty the whole time.

Had it been open towards the end of last year, you might have expected the JW Marriott Venice Resort to be the perfect place for guests of the George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin wedding to stay in.

Designed by architect Matteo Thun, each room is spacious, light and minimalist, bathed in cream and magnolia colours with stylish beige and teal furniture. As soon as you enter you’ll feel a sense of calm and immediately want to ease yourself onto the sofa of your snug seating area.

Look out of your window or step out on your private balcony and you’ll be treated to envy-inducing views of the Venice Lagoon and the famous buildings of St Mark’s Square beyond. You could easily lie on your sun loungers and drink in those views all day long.

Begin each morning with freshly cooked breakfast at the Cucina Daily Restaurant and then head out to explore the city known as the ‘Queen of the Adriatic’, accessed by the hotel’s free 24-hour shuttle service.

Your first stop of course should be St Mark’s Square and its famous Basilica di San Marco. Fronted with glittering mosaics and rippling stonework, it took over 800 years to build. It’s in this piazza that you’ll also find the Palazzo Ducale, a Gothic, yet elegant white and pink structure that was the seat of the Venice’s government for nearly seven centuries. Art fans should also make their way to the famous Gallerie dell’Academia, housing a rich collection of Venetian art from the Byzantine and Gothic 14th century painters to the artists of the Renaissance and the 18th century.

After you’ve seen the major sights – the Grand Canal and the romantic Rialto Bridge, it’s time to get lost. Put away your map and simply stroll down any street that takes your fancy. Venice was made for getting lost in. And when you want to find your way again, simply hop on a gondola to take you back to the centre again. Nothing says romance quite like riding on a gondola through the canals of Venice.

Back at the hotel, you can escape the crowds of tourists in central Venice on your own little island. Unwind at the Sagra Poolside bar with a cocktail or an aperitif, then take a dip in the rooftop pool to refresh. What could be better than swimming accompanied by panoramic Venetian views and followed by a massage and a body scrub in the tranquil and lavish spa?

In the evening you’ll be spoilt for choice with an array of dining options -casual dining at the poolside Giardino Garden Grill or international fare paired with incredible views at the Sagra Rooftop Restaurant. Our favourite though is the opulent Dopolavoro Dining Room, situated in a charming 100-year old building and serving up traditional Veneto-inspired dishes from fresh produce gathered at the Rialto Market each morning.

And for night time entertainment - choose to head back out on the town by shuttle or relax in the sumptuous Rose Bar Lounge with a choice of Italian wines and liquors. Staring out at the view of the Venetian lights shimmering on the water of the Grand Canal and a glass in your hand, this moment will sum up your romantic and luxurious Venetian break.

One thing’s for sure, the JW Marriott is a worthy addition to the Venetian hotel scene and is set to be for a long time to come.