Venice’s Ca Maria Adele is sure to sweep you off your feet.

Arriving at the charming Ca Maria Adele, you can almost imagine Cupid on a cloud above. The hotel has its own private canal entrance, and with romance in mind, this grown-up retreat is reserved for over-16s only.

Inside the boutique hotel, a former palazzo dating back to the 16^th century, the mood is tranquil, the décor opulent. Before you can blink, coupes of cold Prosecco are in hand, superlative snacks are set out and it’s such a hassle-free welcome you may wonder what happened to your bags (they’ve been discreetly whisked away to your room). It’s all a wonderful intimation of the luxury that awaits.

The Setting

The hotel is located in Venice’s Dorsoduro sestiere, one of the city’s quietest and least touristy areas, across from the magnificent Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. Make a point of visiting this Baroque architectural masterpiece – its dome is an integral part of the Venetian skyline and has been painted by greats, including Canaletto and John Singer Sargent. Speaking of art, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Accademia (a must for Venetian grand masters) and the Punta Della Dogana (a showcase for contemporary works) are just minutes away.

The Hotel

Brothers Alessio and Nicola Campa opened the 14-room Ca Maria Adele in 2004 and remain hands-on hoteliers. They’re usually on site and they, along with the extremely professional staff, are happy to arrange a private gondola for two, hard-to-get dinner reservations or whatever guests desire.

The brothers are also passionate about décor. They individually decorated each room and suite — Murano chandeliers, drapings of damask, flocked velvet wallpaper and gilt-framed oil paintings are the norm here. Other perks: a 24-hour concierge, bespoke toiletries, an honesty bar, and a complimentary water and juice minibar. 

The Rooms

Ca Maria Adele has two adjacent apartments (mini palazzos), but for pure romance, book one of the five concept rooms in the main hotel. The scarlet-red Doge’s room has been called “an anthem to opulence” and the décor is miles deep in decadence. Red carpeted and wrapped in flocked velvet, it offers a cocoon of sumptuousness punctuated by glass chandeliers, gilt furniture and golden cherubs, yes, cherubs! It’s maximalism and not for the faint of heart.

The double-height Noir Room follows suit with dramatic, moody tones and possibly the largest black chandelier you’ve ever seen.

If a lighter palette is preferred, the Fireplace Room is a creamy delight anchored by an 1800s-era marble fireplace. All of the rooms entice and radiate comfort, so you really can’t go wrong.

The Lounge

The Lounge is a testament to how much the Campa brothers love to decorate. Its décor changes throughout the year to reflect each season, and the overall design gets a refresh whenever the mood strikes. What is constant are the cozy beams on the ceiling, the squishy velour sofas and the softly lit fireplace. It feels more like a bohemian members-only club than a hotel reception room and is the ideal spot to relax after a busy day seeing the sights. Don’t forget to get a pour from the honesty bar before settling in to watch gondolas quietly glide by. 

The Food

The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but the breakfasts are so lovely and lavish it doesn’t matter. There are over 70 food and beverage options to choose from (really!), and you can order as many as you like — coupes of Prosecco, prosciutto, omelettes and fresh fruit are among the most popular picks. Guests may also choose where to enjoy their spread of goodies: alfresco on the roof-top terrace, in the exquisite, terrazzo-floored breakfast room overlooking the water or wrapped in a plush robe in the comfort of their king-size bed. Whatever the whim, Ca Maria Adele caters to it with aplomb and undeniable Venetian flair.

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