Luxury travelers to Venice are anticipating two notable hotel openings this spring. Following the JW Marriott Venice Resort, which will open in March on the island of Sacca Sessola in the Venetian lagoon, the St. Regis San Clemente Island will make its debut in April. Last year Starwood signed an agreement with the Turkish group Permak (owners of the private island) to take over management of the five-star San Clemente Palace Resort. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation which started last October, the resort will reopen as a St. Regis on the historic island that was first settled in 1131. Reservations are currently being made for April 1, 2015 and beyond.
It’s a privileged setting overlooking the Venice Lagoon, just a 10-minute ride to Piazza San Marco in one of the hotel’s complimentary boats. The resort will have 191 rooms and suites serviced by private butlers. If you reserve a suite, you’re privy to perks like an hour-long private cruise in a luxury boat.
Facilities include a swimming pool facing Venice, a professionally-designed tennis court, two bars and three restaurants, including Acquerello, where you can dine on Mediterranean specialties on a terrace overlooking the lagoon. Note that the island is home to a 15th century church, where weddings can be held, and also a conference center with six meeting rooms (300 person capacity). The St. Regis San Clemente Island will be the third St. Regis property in Italy, after Rome and Florence. 