Venice, Italy
Come explore this mysterious floating city, filled with tales of Casanova, gondolas,
magical palazzi, lidos, islands, and more.
Why do we love Venice?
Venice is a dreamscape. Everywhere you look, there is beauty. Not only is it surreal to be in a floating city, but it has the effect of a time capsule, creating a magical, mysterious place, like a real life Brigadoon. There is a reason it’s a tourist favorite—it lives up to the hype. It’s an incredibly serene place—between the absence of cars and the gentle lapping of the waters, there is a soft, peaceful energy about the city. And it’s an art lover’s dream, from the world class art to the detailed architecture.
Where do we stay?
Our host in Venice is Palazzo VItturi, an unassuming gem of a hotel, which is an historic Venetian palace. The staff creates the warm energy of a bed and breakfast, but the surroundings are decidedly and splendidly Venetian. The shockingly spacious rooms are lit with Murano glass chandeliers, and the view from the balconies on each floor will entice you to sit and watch local life unfold. Best of all, while they are in an open square, giving you space to breathe, it’s a short walk to Piazza San Marco and other famed sites of the city.
Why come to Venice on a wellness retreat?
For one thing, it’s worth it to come off season in the fall with us— the ‘streets’ of Venice are alleyway width, so battling tourist crowds in summer is not ideal. We go when the air is crisp and the light is perfect for photography. We examine the city from the lens of mindfulness, so, while we are forced to be present to navigate the maze of tiny streets, we are also stopping to notice the colors, sounds, smells and energy that are so different here from home. (You have to pay attention in a place where you could walk into water!) The city in fall has a zen quality, perfect for rejuvenating and for creating space to examine life from a different perspective.
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VENICE GIVE BACK PARTNER \ SAVE VENICE, INC.
On our upcoming retreats in Venice, Italy, we're pledging at least 10% of profits to benefit the internationally recognized organization, SAVE VENICE INC. The mission of Save Venice is to protect the cultural patrimony of the city by raising funds to restore its monuments and works of art. Save Venice also values its educational mission to teach people about the culture and history of Venice through publications, educational trips, tours, lectures and events with themes pertaining to Venice’s history and festivals.
Every year, the Board of Save Venice, including a Projects Committee of renowned international experts in the fields of art, history, conservation, and preservation, selects restoration projects in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Culture based on artistic merit, historical importance, and urgency of need. Save Venice has numerous restorations underway throughout the city, made possible with support from individuals, foundations, and corporations who believe in a universal responsibility to preserve the world’s irreplaceable artistic and cultural treasures found in Venice.
Save Venice Inc. was established in response to the serious damage caused by the November 1966 floods – the highest tide in Venice in the last century. More than thirty international committees were formed under the administrative umbrella of UNESCO to restore and preserve the priceless and irreplaceable cultural heritage of Venice.
We couldn't think of a better beneficiary for our funds in this location, as we ourselves and our guests get to enjoy in person the outstanding efforts this organization has bestowed on such a unique and important city of artistic heritage.
We visit so many places around the world, and many of them have featured prominently in film and/or tv. So we thought we would highlight some of them, in case you might not have put them together.