Looking Around

Venetian Escape to Aman Hotel

Aman Venice is a symbol of opulence and Italian allure, expertly combining contemporary luxury with perfectly preserved heritage. Cross the Grand Canal and dock at Palazzo Papadopoli to enjoy the mesmerizing charm of the Floating City during the most unique Carnival celebration in Italy.

Set in a grandiose mansion, overlooking the meandering Grand Canal, Aman Venice is one of the most opulent locations of the city. The hotel has been housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli, one of Venice’s historic buildings that still belongs to Arrivabene Valenti Gonzaga family.

Filled with museum-quality treasures, the mansions have spanned the centuries and captivated the attention of many prominent figures of the past. The great 18th-century painter Tiepolo once lived here, and his frescoes adorn the walls of many of the rooms. In the 19th century, the presiding Papadopoli family turned adjoining buildings into two gardens that, today, are among the city’s rarest private green spaces. After its renovation in 2013, the palace still maintains its ancient splendor thanks to a sensitive incorporation of contemporary comforts.

Brimming with gilded Rococo twirls framing pastel-colored frescoes and twinkling Murano chandeliers, every room in the palace is a leap into the past. Palazzo Papadopoli is a grandiose mansion, a lavish maze of spectacular artworks and historic treasure where it is a pleasure to get lost.

When Jean Michel Gathy was called in to lead the restoration effort, he turned this artwork of Neo-Reinassance and Rococo style into a contemporary haven, paying homage to its historic heritage. He combined the classical details of the palace – silk wallcoverings and curtains, ornamental friezes and marble surfaces – with elegant modern furniture, creating a strong contrast between them and the majestic location.

The first thing to do once arrived at Aman Hotel is to visit the Palazzo and explore it to the full, from the ancient library for the most relaxing moments to the red bar, where stunning frescoes are the backdrop for elegant lounge furniture.

Among these, the ballroom is, no doubt, the most classical and exclusive: soaring ceilings covered in colorful frescoes and reliefs are reflected in the polished parquet creating a magical atmosphere and inviting the guest to admire the craftsmanship and the impeccable attention to detail. It seems to step back in time, surrounded by gilded mirrors and shiny chandeliers, imagining the grand occasions that have occurred here centuries ago.

The experience reaches its climax with the crown jewels of Aman Venice: Alcova Tiepolo Suite and the Coccina’s Apartment. The first one offers the guest the unique opportunity to sleep among remarkable frescoes by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, the greatest decorative painter of 18th Century Europe. Rococo details are everywhere, to crown the majestic windows and frame the stunning view of Aman’s Garden Terrace and the Grand Canal.

The Coccina’s Apartment is on the fourth floor of the Palazzo and features a more modern style, complemented by artworks that reflect the rich history behind Venice’s evolving architecture. The presence of silk wall coverings, Murano chandeliers and chinoiserie allow the guest to fall further into the opulence of Venetian design.

To complete the aristo experience offered by Aman Venice, Arva restaurant is a tribute to Italy’s rich culinary heritage. Here excellent delicacies are served to delight guests with local flavors and products sourced in and around the lagoon.

Arva’s chefs pay homage to the classical dishes and delights of Italian culinary tradition with a contemporary touch.

In the month of February, La Serenissima – as the Republic of Venice is known - takes on a thousand shades, in occasion of the Carnival parades. Attending this event is a jaw-dropping experience. During the grand opening of Venice Carnival, hundreds of boats navigate through the Grand Canal up to Rialto Bridge and turn into food stands where typical Venetian finger food is served, the Cicchetti.

During these days you can really feel the local spirit and enjoy many parades including the “Festival of Mary’s” in St. Mark’s square, to pay homage to the history of Venetian Doge and the “Flight of the Angel”, a traditional ceremony that consists of an “angel” flying in the historical city center.