For 800 years, the Venetian villa "Riva Ca' di Dio" has stood on the Grand Canal, where it has offered refuge to crusaders and travelers since 1272. In July 2021, the venerable building was reopened as a luxury boutique hotel, part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Ca' di Dio, redesigned by architect Patricia Urquiola, is an elegant hideaway in the heart of Venice.

Ca' di Dio - Small Luxury Hotel
Riva Ca' di Dio, 2183, 30122 Venice, Italy
Tel.: +39 041 098 0238
Web: vretreats.com/ca-di-dio/
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from €330

Why book?

A modern take on Venice: one year after opening, the hotel is considered one of the best in the city. © Ca' di Dio

A weekend in the lagoon city is always a good idea. And Ca' di Dio is a hideaway you'll remember for a long time: the chic boutique hotel banks on high-quality materials and, with its fragrant courtyard garden and spacious suites, offers an elegant retreat in the bustling city. The location is excellent, too. Perfect for those looking for an authentic Venice experience.

Location

The view outside falls directly on the Grand Canal and the venerable buildings all around. © Ca' di Dio

Not only is Ca' di Dio located directly on the Grand Canal, offering first-class views of the hustle and bustle of the lagoon city and its inhabitants, the hotel is also within walking distance of the most important sights of the city, inclduing St. Mark's Square and the Biennale.

Related: A Weekend in ... Venice!

Ambience

Old meets new: the century-old building has been carefully renovated and redesigned. © Ca' di Dio

Architectural icon Patricia Urquiola – who was responsible for Il Sereno on Lake Como – was brought in to redesign the old Canal Villa. She has given the historic building a modern makeover, while carefully respecting its history and classic Venetian elements. The result is an elegant boutique hotel that pays as much tribute to the contemporary stylishness of the lagoon city as it does to the building's long history.

Some of the furniture comes from the studio of architect Patricia Urquiola herself. Rooms like the library invite you to enjoy the design ambience for longer. © Ca' di Dio 

Modern furniture, some of which comes from Studio Urquiola, meets designer pieces from the surrounding region. Wood, glass, marble and wrought iron, as well as high-quality fabrics – typically Venetian materials – stylishly intertwine here to create a balanced overall allure.

The patio of Ca' Di Dio is green refuge in the middle of La Serenissima. © Ca' di Dio 

The peaceful inner courtyard with its fragrant garden is a rare find in Venice. A perfect oasis of calm to escape the hustle and bustle.

Rooms & suites

The hotel's spacious rooms and suites score with high-quality materials and fine details. © Ca' di Dio 

The boutique hotel includes 57 spacious suites and nine deluxe rooms on three floors, ranging in size from 22 to 41 square meters. The accommodations have all been individually and meticulously redesigned in a modern way and – with Murano glass and marble bathrooms – are almost a sight in themselves. If you treat yourself to a night here, you should definitely book a room with a lagoon view! 

Gastronomy

Vero

Vero scores with fine Venetian-Mediterranean cuisine at the chic restaurant, which also has a terrace. © Ca' di Dio

The culinary heart of the boutique hotel not only serves up the best views of the lagoon city and Isola San Giorgio, but also delicious Venetian and Mediterranean classics with a modern twist. A must!

Essentia

If you're looking for peace and quiet and a light snack between meals, Essentia in the courtyard, where breakfast is also served, is the place to be. How about a nice afternoon aperitif? You're not in the city of a thousand bridges of every day, so go ahead and treat yourself. 

Alchemia

Really chic: Alchemia is the place to meet for a fine cocktail in the evening. © Ca' di Dio 

Whether you come here before exploring the romantic streets of Venice at night, or meet for a nightcap after a night out, the mixologists at Alchemia serve up fine cocktails, true classics and excellent wine. 

Fitness & spa

Small but nice: at the Pura Cita SPA you can relax with a soothing massage. © Ca' di Dio

If walking across the city's thousand bridges isn't enough, you can work out at the hotel's gym – small, but just right for a quick workout. The property also has a spa: the intimate Pura Cita SPA houses a small sauna area, but focuses on soothing treatments like anti-aging gold masks or soothing massages. The latter are perfect for unwinding after a long day, such as at the Biennale exhibition spaces.

Ca' di Dio - Small Luxury Hotel
Riva Ca' di Dio, 2183, 30122 Venice, Italy
Tel.: +39 041 098 0238
Web: vretreats.com/ca-di-dio/
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from €330