Wellness at seven stars in Venice

In Sanskrit the word Aman means peace, shelter, protection, and this is the philosophy the luxury resort chain adopts when choosing the locations for its hotels around the world. Overlooking the Grand Canal, in the San Polo district, Palazzo Papadopoli was commissioned by the Coccina family of Bergamo. Built in the sixteenth century and designed by architect Gian Giacomo de ‘Grigi, the palazzo houses the striking Aman Canal Grande Hotel Resort. The majestic Istrian stone facade with its central Serlian windows conceals a treasure of frescoes, stucco and marble of rare beauty and, above all, guarantees the discretion to which the guests aspire. The L- shaped building develops vertically over three floors: from the reception, usually accessed from the small harbour, a grand staircase rises up two floors to the main floor and here, a spacious vestibule leads to the lounge area, the bar and two dining rooms. The hotel has 24 luxury suites, divided into four categories: the Palazzo Bedroom, the Palazzo Chamber, the Palazzo Stanzas and Signature Rooms, which include the Grand Canal Suite with its lounge and the characteristic arched window as well as the Alcova Tiepolo Suite, with a fresco by Gian Battista Tiepolo. Completing the property are two private gardens, one of which overlooks the canal. The renovation work by Jean Michel Gathy for Denniston Architects lasted 18 months and involved all the rooms and large public areas: it was a conservative intervention designed to preserve the original beauty of the structure. In contrast to the magnificence of the rooms, the furniture chosen has smooth, essential lines. Large inviting palecoloured sofas occupy the hall, the library and most of the common areas. In the bedrooms, beds, chairs and tables with sober lines sit in sharp contrast with the frescoes, mirrors and precious details.