The St. Regis Venice San Clemente Palace, Italy

rooms

There is a wide variety of recently renovated luxurious rooms. Choose from Superior or Deluxe rooms with their opulent Venetian décor, Italian marble bathrooms and romantic views over the courtyards. Or go for the elegant and sophisticated Grand Deluxe or Lagoon View rooms with their heritage design, high Venetian ceilings, silk clad walls and panoramic views.

Or treat yourself to one of the spacious suites. The Junior and St Regis suites offer spacious and beautiful accommodation, with separate living spaces, lofty ceilings, walk in wardrobes and – should you feel inspired by the historic setting and feel the need to pen a novel - a large writing desk.

For top tier luxury then there is the Marco Polo suite – a dramatic c-shaped living space capturing the view of the historical sailing ships entering Venice through the four spectacular windows. Or The Royal Suite, found at the grand entrance to the hotel, which offers an opulent two bedroomed apartment, and enchanting views over the park and water. The Presidential Suite boasts the most prominent setting on the third floor and filled with the warm Italian light through the multiple 4m high glass windows, this tranquil and spacious suite has separate living and bedroom areas and is vibrantly designed with Venetian and contemporary touches.

facilities & activities

Wallow in the cool waters of the sparkling pool or lounge on the chairs dotted about on the sun drenched terrace and enjoy the picture postcard views of the lagoon and Venice. Meander through the beautiful gardens and soft terracotta courtyards infused with the heady scents of cypress and pine trees, or take part in the elegant afternoon tea ritual served al fresco at the bar. Alternatively there's a taste of Napoleonic swashbuckling while you learn how to open a Champagne bottle with a saber. Whether you don a Venetian mask and slide down the curtains afterwards is entirely up to you.

For the energetic there are state-of-the-art tennis courts over looking the lagoon and private lessons available. Hit the lavish techno gym or take to the beautiful 1100m jogging path through the centuries old park.

And when it's time to explore Venice and all its treasures, there are private tours organised by the hotel and taken by locals. You'll leave with an authentic taste of the treats and waterways of Venice and avoid most of the crowds.

dining

Savour a champagne cocktail, made with the finest of champagnes, or the famous Lagoon Bloody Mary, served with a Venetian twist and enjoy the tranquil gardens that surround the hotel bar before lingering over your evening meal at Acquerello. Listed on 'The World's Best Restaurant' list in 2014, it offers modern and elegant Venetian and East Mediterranean fare complete idyllic views out over the marble terraces and into the lagoon beyond. For a less formal feel then head to Insieme. Food is made to order and fuses Mediterranean and Italian seasonal dishes, within a family friendly market-type setting.

But if you haven't moved from the beside the temperate waters of the pool then choose some light antipasti or entrées served up from the grill or wood fired oven at the poolside bar. And if all this is still too much hard work then you can book your own personal Butler to attend to your every need.

family

All members of the family are welcome here and the 'Family traditions' program ensures your every need is catered for. There is a wide range of spacious suites and interconnecting rooms available, complete with welcome packs that include traditional venetian treats, child sized robes and slippers. They'll love the 'turn-down' ritual every evening too. There is also often a 50% discount should you need a second room and additional beds, sofabeds and cots are available.

Once they've got over the excitement of being on their own private island, they'll be off playing in the ancient park amongst the perfumed trees – while you watch (and perhaps savour a crisp glass of wine) at the bar. Tennis, swimming, pitch and putt or golf will take up the rest of the time and the St Regis butler is always on hand to advise on the seasonal activities on the island. He'll also organise your transfers when it's time to explore the delights of Venice.

Meals are free for children under 12 and there are a range of options of light bites and child friendly fare at Insieme and the poolside bar.

location

The adventure begins at the pier when you step onto one of the hotel's iconic private boats that whisk you across the historic merchant waters of Venice and drops you at the quayside of private island, San Clemente. Water taxis are also available or charter your own private boat and take some time to explore the lagoon. The hotel can organise all transfers for you. And even though you'll relish the peace and tranquility on your own private island, the famous landmarks of Venice are only a short boat ride away.