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entire room dedicated to Jackson Pollock. See the
world’s most significant collection of Venetian
masterpieces at Gallerie dell’Accademia, in a
building dating back to 1343. It’s hard to miss
the imposing Santa Maria Della Salute, the
Baroque church at the Grand Canal’s southern
tip. Completed in 1687, it features sculptures of
the Virgin and Child protecting Venice from the
plague. Finally, escape the hustle and bustle of
the city and retreat to the JW Marriott Venice
Resort & Spa. The resort sits on its own private
island, Isola delle Rose, and is home to GOCO
Spa, one of the largest spas in town. You'll feel
refreshed after a relaxing massage and a soak
in the heated pool with city views from across
the lagoon.
TREASURE HUNT
On the island of Murano, familiarize yourself with
one of the area’s most recognizable exports at the
Glass Museum, which chronicles how Murano
became the epicenter of glass artistry in 1291.
Then, wander the surrounding streets in search
of a colorful piece of hand-blown glass of your
own. For another Venetian tradition, peruse the
crowded showroom and workshop of Ca’ del Sol,
not far from San Marco, where you’ll find intricate
carnival masks made of everything from leather
to brocade. Shop the Rubelli Venezia showroom,
which has been producing fine fabric and furniture using traditional techniques since 1858. Just
steps from the Rialto Bridge lies Piedàterre, a tiny
shop turning out furlane veneziane, or slippers,
customizable in seemingly endless combinations
of styles and fabrics. Pick up another wearable
souvenir at The Merchant of Venice flagship
perfumery, housed in a 17th-century pharmacy.
The brand offers dozens of fine fragrances, some
of them in Murano glass bottles.
MANGIA — EAT!
Start your day with a cup of strong espresso at
the only coffee roasting company in the historic
center, La Torrefazione Cannaregio, which has
been roasting its rich beans since 1930. Stop for
cicchetti (tapas) at Cantina Do Mori, the oldest
wine bar in Venice. Tucked near the Rialto Bridge,
it opened in 1462 and is said to have been a
favorite spot of the famously amorous Giacomo
Casanova. Order a glass of local pinot bianco
from a cask and baccalà (creamed cod on toast)
and snack like a true Venetian. Enjoy an after-
noon pick-me-up with the crema de doge (fresh
cream, chocolate and orange), Gelateria Il Doge’s
signature flavor. JW Marriott Venice Resort &
Spa guests and non-guests can enjoy one of the
area’s best dining experiences, with the Michelin-starred Dopolavoro Dining Room right on
property. Chef Federico Belluco executes creative
dishes with just-picked produce from the island’s
prolific garden and uses oil pressed from its 104
olive trees (October visitors may be lucky enough
to witness the harvest). Or, hire a boat to the
charming island of Torcello, the first in Venice to
be settled. Before a robust dinner of crisp seafood
misto, hearty risottos and fresh pasta at Locanda
Cipriani, wander the grounds of The Cathedral
of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639. Finally,
have a nightcap of bussola buranello (butter
cookies) dipped in vin santo wine at Al Sacro E
Profano before tucking in for the night.
One trip won’t allow exploration of all of
Venice’s watery breadth, but it’s certainly enough
to be charmed to return again and again. [
"Spend a day
getting lost in
Venice’s winding
streets and you’ll
find yourself
believing
that magic
awaits around
every corner."
Clockwise: A look inside
GOCO Spa at JW Marriott
Venice Resort & Spa.
A glass exhibit on the
Island of Murano.
A sculpture in the garden
of the Peggy Guggenheim
Collection Museum Venier
dei Leoni Palace.
JOURNEYS