Madama Garden Retreat
Chez
Mara De Guidi
@francescodolfophotography
Mara De Guidi has transformed an old Venetian palazzo into an intimate retreat with nine suites. Between an almost secret garden near the Ponte della Misericordia and nods to Venice's past, classic elegance subtly dialogues with a refined contemporary vision.
From perfumery to hospitality, there may only be a small step. In any case, Mara De Guidi took it by transforming this former palazzo, the Palazzo Antelmi, into a hotel with just nine suites. But perfumes are still very much part of the story: at the foot of the Ponte della Misericordia, in the northernmost of Venice's six sestieri, lies a garden, perhaps not quite Eden but certainly an exquisite interlude. An almost secret garden that guests at this well-hidden retreat can enjoy to their heart's content. For the rest, she has come up with clever nods to Venice's past (damask, muted tones, aged gold, canopies), while distilling a more contemporary, stripped-back, refined vision, bringing in the perspective of contemporary artists and adding touches of her own collector's eye. It's a dialogue that hits the mark, especially here in this room overlooking the water.
3 good reasons to go
- for its proximity to the Jewish ghetto, which still escapes the hordes of hurried visitors
- for the breakfast, considered by some to be the best in Venice!
- for the garden, of course
9 suites, starting from €638
To get there by train?While waiting for the return of a Paris-Venice night train, and if you don't want to take the Venice-Simplon Orient Express operated by Belmond (sky-high prices!), you can take the daytime train via Milan (about 9 hours) or the night train via Brussels (about 20 hours)
Madama Garden Retreat
Cannaregio, Fondamenta S. Felice, 3604, 30121 Venise
Venise, Vénétie, Italie
