2 Posts are tagged with: venice_italy

Most Posh Hotels and Spas in the World: Venice, Italy

0 comments
Sep 1, 2009 by E.A. Anne

Never will you find a better opportunity to splurge on an extremely decadent hotel than in Venice, Italy. Venice is known to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, with its many canals, gondolas, and archways. The beauty of Venice makes it a perfect destination for a romantic getaway—even a honeymoon.

A stay at the San Clemente Palace Hotel and Resort is the best way to start a honeymoon in Venice. This five star palace has been touted as one of the most luxurious in all of Italy. Located in the central lagoon of Venice, the views from the hotel are breathtaking.

San Clemente island is dominated by gardens and greenery. With the hotel situated in the midst of the gardens, your stay is guaranteed to be extremely peaceful. The Palace Hotel offers a range of suites to satisfy the needs of all of their guests and the Presidential and Residential Suites are the finest on the island. The Palace Hotel also boasts a host of luxurious amenities, including a Spa and Wellness Center that offers all sorts of treatments from around the world. Guests should take advantage of the equipped fitness center and swimming pool as well.

The San Clemente Palace Hotel and Resort is also known for its amazing restaurants. Le Maschere restaurant is a lovely choice for those wanting a typical Venetian restaurant, and La Laguna is located right near the swimming pool, for those looking for a more casual dining experience. Whatever your choice may be, both restaurants are superb.

For the guests that wish to take advantage of the lush surroundings near the Palace Hotel, a great pair of sandalsis necessary. But also be sure to check out the cultural sites that Venice has to offer as well. Venice boasts tons of museums, cultural exhibitions, and other outdoor opportunities. While staying at the Palace Hotel, be sure to check out Palazzo Ducale and Ca' Pesaro. Take a ride on a gondola down the iconic Grand Canal, or take a water taxi through some of Venice's other intricate waterways.

0 Comments Permalink Add Comment

Celebrity Gossip: Salma Hayek Ties the Knot for the Second Time This Year

0 comments
May 18, 2009 by Sabah K.

Salma Hayek has officially tied the knot (for the second time) with French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, and the beautiful wedding took place in Venice, Italy on April 25, 2009. The couple exchanged vows at La Fenice, one of Venice's historic opera houses. Valentina, the couples' 19-month-old-daughter, played her part as the flower girl, and Francois-Henri's son and daughter, ages 10 and 8, helped with the ceremonies. Over 150 guests attended this celebrity wedding, and the VIP guest list included the likes of Charlize Theron, France's former President Jacques Chirac, Penelope Cruz, Anna Wintour and Woody Harrelson.

The theme of this fabulous event was even more romantic with the 'The Carnival in Venice' masked ball; guests were asked to dress head to toe in black, and sport a gold mask as soon as they arrived at the gates. Salma Hayek arrived in a beautiful navy and blue gown and a pair of criss-cross strap stiletto sandals. The ball took place in an historic courtyard, a place that was once used as a trading spot and marketplace by merchants during the 15th century. It was a grand event that gave guests a chance to have fun and dance under the stars.

Interestingly enough, this was the couple's second wedding celebration of the year. The first wedding took place over Valentine's Day in Paris, but Wedding Number Two was designed just for Italy and brought together the couple's closest family and friends for a fun adventure through Venice's most notable sights. The rehearsal dinner took place at the Punta Della Dogana, a regal building that guards the south entry of the Grand Canal in Venice.

People Magazine reports that this wedding cost nearly $2 million; Salma Hayek wore a stunning Balenciaga wedding gown by Nicholas Ghesquiere, and she carried a bouquet of orchids and stephanotis covered with crystals.

The couple's guests were given a grand tour of Italy the day they arrived, and were spotted all over the city doing some last-minute shopping, enjoying some classic Italian food at local eateries, and soaking up the sun. It was an extravagant and joyful weekend that gave both the wedding guests and the happy couple a chance to enjoy the best of beautiful Venice.

0 Comments Permalink Add Comment