While standing under a 14,000-piece Murano glass chandelier — its curves reminiscent of flowing water — there was no mistaking my location. I had just arrived in Venice, and after a short water taxi ride to the private dock of Ca’ di Dio, one of the city’s newest five-star hotels, I felt like I had stepped into a design-forward love letter to the Floating City.
Housed in a former Venetian palace on the city’s main waterfront, Ca’ di Dio meticulously bridges history and luxurious modernity. Contemporary culture lovers will appreciate the property’s location in the Arsenale district, where the famous Art Biennale is held, with bustling St. Mark’s Square just a 10-minute walk away. Though Venice is a hotbed for activity (and plenty of tourists), the hotel has found its sweet spot as a visually inspiring retreat with lagoon vistas and quiet courtyards peppered with mimosa trees.
An Artisanal Restoration
While parts of the property’s building date back to 1272, Ca’ di Dio’s latest update — led by architect and interior designer Patricia Urquiola — brings the property into the 21st century. The former-chapel-turned-lobby (where I found myself standing under that gorgeous chandelier while checking in), is filled with Italian designer furniture upholstered in locally made fabrics, marble tables stacked with contemporary design books, and Murano glass lamps that dually serve as art pieces.
The jewel-toned color palette continues throughout its 66 rooms. Those lucky enough to score the coveted Rooftop Terrace Suite — which features intricate wrought iron, glass and wood details — can enjoy a 360-degree view of the San Marco basin and city.
But one can argue that the other rooms, with views over the lagoon or the hotel’s manicured courtyards, are just as dreamy. As I checked into my Lagoon View Suite, I immediately opened my windows to take in the sweeping views of San Giorgio Island, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and a fleet of passing gondolas. With its plush, king-size bed and marble-clad bathroom, it’s hard to believe my room may have once been a dormitory for a medieval traveler. After all, the building first served as a pilgrims’ hostel before becoming a women’s refuge and later, a retirement home.
During its restoration, many of the property’s original features were restored, including door frames, the ground floor ceiling, statues, flooring, ancient trees in the garden and even a stone well. And, as the hotel is passionate about keeping Venice’s craft traditions alive, Ca’ di Dio has partnered with local artisans and businesses. As part of the turndown service, for example, my pillowcase is graced with a vial of perfume made for the hotel by luxury fragrance house The Merchant of Venice.
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A Deluxe room at Ca’ di Dio in Venice, Italy
Credit: 2022 Small Luxury Hotels of the WorldCa’ di Dio Restaurants: Cuisine With Venetian Roots
Beyond its immaculately furnished rooms, Ca’ di Dio has ample communal spaces where guests can lounge and relax between sightseeing sessions.
I spent my morning cradling a cappuccino in the idyllic courtyard of the property’s Essentia Restaurant, which serves breakfast and light bites. Later, I sampled an Aperol spritz inside the intimate Alchemia Bar, before padding over to the quiet reading room.
The hotel’s own kitchen garden supplies fresh ingredients for its restaurant, Vero (an abbreviated version of Venetian Roots), which boasts a modern interpretation of regional dishes (including a vegan and gluten-free menu). The hotel purchases local goods wherever possible, including Veneto cheeses, produce from Sant’Erasmo and fresh fish from the lagoon.
As I sip a glass of Masari Agnobianco Veneto wine out of a hand-blown glass and savor delicate pockets of ravioli stuffed with local ricotta cheese, it’s clear that the property brings art to every detail — from the hand-crafted Friulane shoes worn by the dining staff to the fresco featuring fresh produce on the ceiling.
Encouraging Conscious Exploration
With water levels consistently rising in Venice, the need for environmentally conscious design is greater than ever. Ca’ di Dio has taken this seriously through its sustainability measures, leading it to join Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s Considerate Collection. The property draws water directly from the lagoon to power its heating and cooling systems, while elegant glass bottles filled with filtered water are placed in the rooms.
Guests are also encouraged to explore Venice responsibly. During my stay, the hotel arranged for me to take a hybrid electrical water taxi to visit a local Murano glass factory and Dalla Lidia, a historic Burano lacemaker. Additional shopping can be found in the hotel’s gift shop, where guests will find bags and accessories by Malefatte Venezia, a fashion brand that helps reintegrate prisoners into society, as well as notebooks covered with wallpaper that was salvaged during the hotel’s renovation.
The 750-year-old building has layers of history, but its new life as a boutique hotel might be its most exciting chapter yet. As Ca’ di Dio ushers in a fresh era for Venetian hospitality, it’s also celebrating the city’s rich past.
