Here’s Why Jeff Bezos And Lauren Sánchez Stayed At This Seven-Star Property During Their Venetian Wedding
Echoing the sumptuousness of 16th-century architecture, the Aman Venice is an exemplar of a luxury hotel operating at the intersection of heritage and modernity. Here’s why the rich and famous are drawn to it
The seven-star property, which also hosted George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin Clooney during their 2014 wedding, was among four additional luxury hotels to be fully booked out for the couple and their 200 VIP guests. The rooms at the Aman Venice typically start from around INR 153,000 per night and go up to as much as INR 853,000—a drop in the ocean for the Amazon founder whose net worth is estimated to be worth INR 19 trillion.
So, what makes the Aman Venice a stand-out accommodation in a city as glittering as Venice? Here’s what you need to know.
A Testament To Venice’s Rich Heritage
Set in the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli, one of the city’s eight monumental palazzos on the Grand Canal, the Aman Venice embodies all that is sumptuous and sensuous about La Serenissima (“the most serene”).
Its interiors are a unique fusion of Rococo art, original 18th-century frescoes by the artist Tiepolo and minimalist touches by celebrated architect Jean-Michel Gathy. Here, contemporary furnishings complement authentic silk wall coverings, chandeliers, wood panelling, chinoiserie and painted ceilings, with many rooms offering stunning views of the Grand Canal. In fact, what you see today is the result of a painstaking renovation that was completed in 2013, which earned the hotel a heritage award for Italy’s best restoration.
The property includes a number of suites, signature rooms and two private apartments: The Coccina’s Apartment, which spans the palazzo’s fourth floor, and the Grand Canal Apartment, a three-bedroom wing offering maximum privacy.
But what sets the Aman Venice apart from other city stays are its private gardens, a rarity in “the Floating City.” These spaces serve as tranquil retreats and settings for its elegant dining areas.
Paying Homage To Italian Cuisine
Talking about food, the meals at the property are steeped in Italian culinary traditions. The kitchens source fresh Adriatic fish, Tuscan and Ligurian olive oils, artisanal pasta, and niche market produce from local suppliers to create a selection of pastas, risottos, meats, seafood and cicchetti-inspired small plates for guests.
Visitors can enjoy a laidback breakfast in the opulent setting of Arva’s elegant dining room that overlooks the palazzo gardens and gondolas that drift past on the Grand Canal, or opt for a private setting where they can savour a seasonal menu.
For a relaxing evening, visitors head to The Bar, which is inspired by one of history’s most famous poets, Lord Byron, a man renowned for his eccentric spirit. Hence, the cocktail menu, which is prepared by an award-winning resident mixologist, embodies the creativity and artistry of the Palazzo Papadopoli in alcoholic form. Guests can also partake in late-night snacks, tea and light meals from midday until midnight.
Exclusive Wellness Offerings
Hidden on a third-floor mezzanine within the palazzo is the Aman Spa, an intimate and tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city. Its three softly lit treatment rooms offer a selection of massages and treatments that balance mind and body.
The ingredients used in the thermal baths, mud wraps and body treatments here are sourced from the mineral-rich waters and bentonite clays from the spa town of Salsomaggiore Terme in northern Italy. The Lissaggio treatment in particular combines the exfoliating, lymph-draining and detoxifying action of Salsomaggiore thermal salt with the moisturising and elasticising properties of the water’s oil and argan oil.
Besides this, the massages range from cranial therapy to deep tissue work, all of which is tailored to the specific needs and goals of the person. The “Aman Advanced Facial” is the highlight among them all, combining products from the hotel’s “Essentials Skin” line with exfoliation and manual lifting techniques to stimulate face muscles and improve the skin’s overall texture.
Lastly, cryotherapy, which involves the application or immersion in extreme cold to prevent or relieve muscle pain, sprains and swelling after soft tissue damage, is also available for guests to invigorate themselves with.
Around The City
Beyond these experiences, the Aman Venice curates private tours of the city that take in the ateliers of renowned artisans, the heritage sites and museums after hours, and a behind-the-scenes look of centuries-old establishments. These guided excursions are helmed by art historians, architects, chefs and engineers for guests to fully appreciate and absorb the magic of Venice without the crowds.
A marker of wealth, refinement, elegance and luxury—it’s no wonder then that’s the world’s rich and famous choose the Aman Venice when they are in one of Italy’s most beloved metropolis.