Venice - While making TV’s A Place In The Sun, I always hope we will film an episode in Venice. It hasn’t happened yet - it’s not the most obvious destination for a holiday home - so when my husband Alex booked a surprise three-night stay for us in the Italian city, I was delighted.
Once you land at Marco Polo Airport, you can take a commuter ferry that takes 80 minutes to reach central Venice, or a private water taxi that takes just 20 minutes. We decided on the latter, sharing it with another couple and thus splitting the Û150 (about R1 600) fare.
We stayed at Ca Maria Adele, a splendid boutique hotel with 14 rooms that is a stone’s throw from the Grand Canal. The hotel is named after the owner’s grandmothers - a lovely touch. The lounge was both beautifully scented and lavishly decorated - not surprisingly, Ca Maria Adele was named the most romantic hotel in Europe by Conde Nast Johansens in 2011.
We stayed in a tastefully decorated deluxe room, which featured views of the Grand Canal. Perhaps the bathroom was on the small side, but other than that our accommodation could be summed up in one word: Perfetto!
Breakfast was an extremely relaxed affair. Guests can eat on the roof terrace, in the breakfast room or in their room. And with 60 dishes to choose from, it’s a great way to start the day.
There is so much to see in Venice that it’s impossible to do it all in three days, but Alex and I were determined to pack as much into our stay as we could.
At the suggestion of Nicola, the hotel’s owner, we decided to explore the city by water, which allowed us to really appreciate Venice’s stunning architecture. A 72-hour travel pass for the public boats that cruise the Grand Canal costs Û35. Back on land, a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must, as is the renowned glass factory on the island of Murano.
For a beautiful view of the city, head to the top of the bell tower of San Giorgio Maggiore, and then catch your breath by popping into Harry’s Bar for a bellini - it’s where the peach puree and Prosecco concoction was invented. The bar isn’t particularly special, but it’s good to say you’ve been there.
Of course, no trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride - but be warned, it will cost at least Û80 for about 20 minutes. We jumped in our gondola near the Rialto Bridge and the serene ride took us along some of the city’s smaller waterways.
In an expensive place such as Venice you have to be careful not to overspend unnecessarily on food and drink. Staff at our hotel recommended several great places that combined wonderful food with value for money.
Our favourites were Riviera on Zattere Ai Gesuati and Al Gondolieri. We also enjoyed lunches at the Grand Monaco and Hotel Gritti Palace.
As Alex and I enjoyed a glass of wine at the hotel before our flight back to London, we agreed that a fourth day in the city would have been ideal. But according to a couple we met, “Venice is a city where you can make new discoveries every time”. It just means we’ve got an excuse to return soon. - Mail on Sunday
l Laura Hamilton will be appearing on the UK’s Channel 4’s new show Beat My Build.
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