JWM Magazine - Fall 2018

IL L U S TRAT I ON B Y PE T ER O U MA N S K I . CLO C K W I SE FR O M TOP R I G H T: ME RV Y NR EE S /A L AM Y, PE T ER B ARR I T T / AL A M Y, CO U R TE S Y O F J W M ARR IOT VE N IC E RE S OR T & SPA.

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.