If it is true that the journey is more important than the destination itself, the JW Marriott in Venice does not disappoint at all. The luxury resort can in fact be reached by shuttle motorboat, available from a private pier in Piazza San Marco, which in 15 minutes will take you to a stunning cream-colored lounge at the gate of the resort. It is not easy to describe the beauty of such a complex, made up of many souls and an important past, despite the recent renovation that led to its opening in 2015.

The resort, which extends along the whole island, includes a bistro with a panoramic rooftop and swimming pool overlooking St. Mark’s square, a luxury spa, a church, many bungalows, a neo-romantic villa built in 1913, an olive grove, a botanical garden, tennis courts with an area dedicated to various sports and the refined Agli Amici Dopolavoro restaurant.

Agli Amici Dopolavoro is managed by the 2 Michelin star Emanuele Scarello who, together with Michela Scarello, created the renowned Agli Amici 1887 in Udine. The menu, under his guidance, contains all the best flavors of the Venice Lagoon as well as the “fruits” of the fertile Isola delle Rose island: organic fruit and vegetables, olive oil, and aromatic herbs. One of the “secrets” of the restaurant is, in fact, the Dopolavoro olive oil, the only oil produced in Venice from the olive trees grown in the resort, with a truly unique taste.

Housed in a 1936 deco building, whose original function was to promote the recreation of the island’s workers, beautifully restored in a contemporary and eco-sustainable key by the architect Matteo Thun, the restaurant features a sophisticated interior design with an international flair.

The furnishings are in fact a compendium of local high-end craftsmanship, such as Murano glass, fabrics by Rubelli, and lights by Artemide and Barovier & Toso.

Agli Amici Dopolavoro is perfect for a romantic dinner after a visit to the Goco Spa or for a business dinner preceded by an aperitif on the panoramic rooftop (easy to arrive thanks to the free transfer from San Marco). On summer evenings it is truly a unique experience to eat al fresco surrounded by one of the most beautiful gardens in Venice, overlooking the Lagoon.

The Secret

The structure was until 1979 a pulmonology hospital, inaugurated in 1836, that then fell into total abandonment, until the acquisition by the JW Marriott group.

Useful Info

Agli Amici Dopolavoro
Isola delle Rose
30133 Venezia
Tel. +39 041 8521300