Sky-High Dining In Venice

John O'Ceallaigh, The Daily Telegraph, May 23, 2013

A meal al fresco might be one of the supposed pleasures of a trip to Venice, but, given the destination’s popularity with tourists, those with an aversion to crowds might find the experience somewhat stifling. Should said diners have a head for heights, however, the Dinner in the Sky experience at Hotel Cipriani will provide them with impressive views of the city while far removed from the masses visiting it.

From the hotel’s base on the Venetian island of Giudecca, hotel guests and non-guests alike will have the opportunity to join a party of up to 22 people for drinks or dinner on a platform hoisted 50 metres (164ft) above the ground. Measuring five metres in length and nine metres in width, the platform will be suspended above the hotel’s swimming pool and will feature specially designed secure chairs and a table so that those ‘on board’ can feel as secure as possible. The contraption is also capable of rotating up to 180 degrees so that guests can appreciate as much of the panorama before them as possible.

Those who want to minimise their time in the air can ascent for 30 minutes to drink an aperitif, with the experience costing €50 (£42). Visitors who want to dine are invited to sample a three-course menu at Dinner in the Sky. Lasting one hour and including wine, the meal will feature dishes prepared either by Hotel Cipriani’s executive chef Renato Piccolotto or dishes by Roberto Gatto of the hotel’s Cips Restaurant. The latter option costs €250 (£213) per person.

Dinner in the Sky is available at Hotel Cipriani from June 19 to 23; advance booking is recommended.

Read our review of Hotel Cipriani here
Venice city break guide