Does a hotel in Venice set on its own private island, with an award-winning spa, Michelin starred restaurant and rooftop pool, sound too good to be true? This mythical place actually exists – in the shape of the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa.
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
JW Marriott is the Marriott’s flagship luxury hotel brand and the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is one of its best hotels. Formerly a hospital for pulmonary illnesses, no expense has been spared on the renovation.
The end result by architect Matteo Thun has a pleasing contemporary feel. This sets this luxury hotel apart from most of the hotels in Venice which have more traditional decor.
Isola delle Rose means Island of the Roses and these flowers are in abundance on the island.
In the Summer, their heady scent creates an intoxicating effect. There are quite a few artworks dotted around but our favourite has to be this unusual still life in the form of a mirror, sofa and coat hanger.
Another unique feature is the fact that you can access the hotel directly by water taxi. It feels very James Bond!
The spacious hotel lobby has been decorated in harmonious shades of blue and taupe. Formal check in desks have been eschewed in favour of low level seating, giving a much more relaxed atmosphere.
Accommodation at the JW Marriott Venice
Our 60 square metre Studio Suite was spread over 2 floors. With its own private entrance, it is located in a quiet, separate building close to Goco Spa and Dopolavoro restaurant.
They all have comfy loungers, chairs and a table, Some of these suites also have their own private plunge pool – perfect in Summertime,
Inside, the decor continues the blue and taupe theme, with some very funky touches such as these wicker baskets. There’s a downstairs washroom, a walk-in closet and some tasty treats as well as tea and coffee making facilities.
We tucked into some scrumptious macarons whilst getting inspiration from the Venice books decorating our suite.
Ascending the stylish floating stairs, you come to a second wardrobe area with fluffy bathrobes laid out on hangers. The large bathroom has a toilet with a separate door, a powerful rainshower and a bath as well as Aromatherapy Associates toiletries.
The bedroom itself had the same stylish colour scheme with velvet cushions and a lovely view over the olive trees. The resort produce their own olive oil, served in the restaurants.
Dining at the JW Marriott Venice
Talking of restaurants, there’s a great selection, with Dopolavoro Dining Room being Michelin starred. Dopolavoro means after work in Italian and it used to be the place where the hopsital workers gathered for a drink after work.
Unfortunately it was closed for private events when we were there but a few Venetians had sung its praises to us. We did meet the chef who grows much of the produce used in the herb garden adjacent to the restaurant.
There’s also an outdoor terrace with a spectacular open roof with great views towards the lagoon.
In the hotel’s main building, there’s an informal restaurant, Cucina, where breakfast is also served. Alternatively, you can also choose from the bar snacks menu in the lobby or head to Giardino Grill next to the main outdoor pool, open in Summertime.
Dispensa Delicatessen, located just off the lobby is good for light bites and also runs a popular cooking school. Sagra Rooftop Restaurant is also a great choice by day.
Decorated in vibrant shades of blue and white, it has some fun touches like Panama hats attached to the wall. Some people choose to sit at the bar for cocktails or their whole meal.
The multilingual staff are charming, service is very efficient and the dishes are tasty.
We ate there a couple of times, it was so enjoyable. On the second night we shared a sundae, with a lovely chocolate biscuit base.
The evening lighting can be quite bright so for an intimate ambiance, enjoy a drink before or after in Sagra’s fantastic rooftop bar next to the pool. The views towards Venice are absolutely spectacular – this is the place to be at sunrise or sunset.
Their pool is heated and even in October when we visited, it felt very pleasant.
Facilities at the JW Marriott Venice
The island has a beautiful private church, constructed in the Romanesque style, that is used for private events and weddings. It’s right next to Dopolavoro, overlooking the lagoon so the food is no doubt excellent.
The old water tower also makes a striking backdrop.
There’s a jogging map and headphones available as well as bicycles for hire, so you can explore the 16 acres of grounds easily. You might even spot some of the wildlife such as herons on the way.
Alternatively you could sweat it out in the gym, which is equipped with the latest Technogym equipment. Regular water boats transport you to the centre of Venice in 15 minutes. Don’t forget to check out some of our top unmissable hidden gems in Venice whilst you are there!
However, if you just want to kick back and relax, GOCO Spa is the place to go. Accessible with a small supplement, its the largest spa in Venice at 1,750 square metres.
There are two saunas at different temperatures, a steam room and a pool that’s half inside and half outside. Swim out through the sliding glass walls to relax on the sun loungers overlooking the lagoon.
We sampled the Classic Massage and liked the fact that you can choose a gentle, medium or sports pressure.
In most places you only get a choice of gentle or sports massage and we tend to find the first too soft and the latter a bit uncomfortable. This was the perfect balance and we even fell asleep.
The therapists are real experts and afterwards you will feel completely relaxed and regenerated. The JW Marriott Venice is definitely one of the best 5 star hotels in Venice and a place you will never forget.
Book here: JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
Check out the JW Marriott Venice video tour here:
Read Next:
- Famous Italian Furniture Designers
- The Best Hot Tub Hotels in the World
- The Best Restaurants in Sarasota FL
Looking for more travel hacks and tips? From hidden gems to unique experiences, we’ve got you covered.
Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.
What a beautiful place! Looks like you fell in love with Venice as much as I did!
Absolutely, don’t know why it took me so long to visit!
Such an impressive hotel. The style of the bedroom is what I like best!
It’s quite different to most Venetian hotels and really spacious too
Loved the little vlog you included!
Georgia | The Weekend Attic
I’m glad that you liked it, Georgia – we had fun putting it together!
What an utterly impressive hotel – and travel diary from your stay there! I adore the inclusion of Aromatherapy Associates toiletries in the room’s bathroom and that rooftop pool, wow…
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
The pool was amazing, once I’d plucked up the courage to go in – it was October after all ;-). Once in it though, the water was lovely and warm
Wow, every single corner is amazing, such a great hotel!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
My Facebook
My Instagram
It’s true that the place has a lot of photogenic corners – you should visit!
Wow, it definitely looks gorgeous! Such pretty outdoor space, great furniture, and yummy looking food.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
It was a killer combination, Amy! Hope your week is going well
This looks awesome, especially the view from across the bay. So much luxury! Can I tag along next time you go there?
Ha ha, I’m sure you’d love it too, Anda
O…..M….G….I would die to take a last trip to a spa like this!!!!I can literally feel that chill mood in your post! Awesome!Yummy the food looks totally delicous!
xx
Yaya
www.yayavanchique.com
I have to say that the spa was brilliant, I loved the fact that you could swim outdoors to get to the sun loungers!
I’m feeling the Bond vibes all round here, not just at the hotel, which is stunning. The views and setting, everything about this, including the island feels so luxe.
Sxx
www.daringcoco.com
Even the spa felt rather James Bond, Sonia! I’d love to return in Summertime and spend even longer in those pools
Lovely post Suze and really enjoyed watching you video! Gary x
Thanks very much, Gary – we had fun doing the video, still very much on a learning curve!
Gorgeous location and an extremely luxurious hotel. The only Marriott I’ve stayed in was in Belgrade and that was lovely but this is stunning. I agree this looks very James Bond with the water taxi arrival and unusually spacious room.
It did feel very glam, going right into the hotel with the water taxi, Lyn. I haven’t yet visited Belgrade but have heard good things about it
Sounds perfect in every way. I’m currently looking around for honeymoon ideas so adding this to the list. Just love the idea of arriving by boat!
It felt very romantic, so perfect for a honeymoon!
Oh wow this place looks really stunning, makes me want to go back to Venice and stay there!
I hope that you get the chance, Becky – I’m sure you’d love it
Ahhh Suze I love Venice, it’s such a beautiful place! What a stunning hotel – love an in house Michelin star restaurant! Perhaps next time you’ll get to eat there!
Fingers crossed, it was a shame to miss that!
Wow Suze this hotel looks absolutely incredible!! Beautiful write-up and gorgeous photos as always. Can’t wait to hear all about it next week!
Yes it will be lovely to catch up, Maggie and exchange travel tales
This hotel looks absolutely gorgeous!! I visited Venice a few years ago and absolutely adore the city. Love this post!
http://thecourtneydiaries.com
I’m very glad you liked it, Courtney – I have more Venice posts on the way! Have a great week ahead
Sage green is a very relaxing colour and I loved the bright tiles in the restaurant. I want to inject a bit more colour into our own home after visiting here!
I have to admit that we didn’t do a jog around, the intention was there though 😉
Just the mental image of heading to the hotel in a water taxi is enough to add this hotel into my list to stay. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed at the Marriot’s, we always go to the Westin and Hilton.
Reflection of Sanity | b·liv Skincare Set Giveaway
What a beautiful hotel! So modern and spacious 🙂
What a beautiful hotel, the massage sounds perfect and the food yummy. Condé Nast has some wonderful spas I have now sampled quite a few but would defintly lov to try this one Lucy x
The JW Marriott Venice looks gorgeous, very nice of them to leave you some gorgeous Macarons.
Think it’s great that the hotel room reminded you of being in a house, love it when you visit a place and it feels like home, had a similar feel when I visited The Sandpiper in Barbados in the rooms.
Great video and post Suze! Nice to see you chatting on camera and great tour of the room.
Laura xo
www.shehearts.net