Radisson Collection has launched a series of art collaborations, working with local emerging artists to create immersive art experiences for guests. This weekend’s Radisson Collection Art series was an experience in Venice with surrealist photographer Minh T.
Radisson Collection is a new luxury lifestyle brand from the Radisson Hotel Group which is made up of historical iconic properties in increasingly interesting city locations, primarily Europe, and a few in Asia. There are now 32 Radisson Collection Hotels in locations including Seville, Milan, Budapest, Riyadh, Stockholm and Cortina d’Appezzo. Each sets out to exceed any pre-conceived notions of any given Radisson. Expect an authentic local influence, living design and a vibrant social scene. Not forgetting to add that these unique spaces come in at a reasonable price, for those wanting to celebrate any special occasion.
Location
Positioned right in the heart of Venice’s floating island, Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice is located in North-Eastern Italy. This jewel of a hotel can be found in the Cannaregio District, placing the coordinates of this building on just one of the 118 islands in the Adriatic Lagoon of Venice.
It comes as no surprise that Venice has been ranked the most beautiful city in the world – several times over! Romance, history, exquisite architecture and glistening canals… this hotel is simply gifted with the most sensational setting.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice
Dripping from floor to ceiling in classic renaissance vibes, the hotel has been perfectly restored. The architecture and decoration represent how an ancient Venetian family once lived inside this impressive infrastructure.
Interior designer Marco Piva has cleverly returned this former school, back to its original charm. Each thoughtful touch has been executed intelligently, showcasing the perfect experience of where the Nani family used to reside. Marco Piva was set a task to evolve the concept of this Radisson Collection Hotel, making sure to achieve a sense of luxury across all five floors. The final product of this 5-star hotel is a reflection of its culture and refined value.
One of the main challenges when designing the hotel was to keep intact both the historical and artistic values of the palace. The majority of the original structures, floors and frescoes have been gracefully preserved. These features are emphasised and magnified cleverly through the assistance of the hotels interior lighting.
The composition of this project bounds the lifeblood of the Nani family, whilst linking each reference of the interior’s emotional elements, back to the city of Venice. Studio Marco Piva has well and truly preserved the past, by designing the future.
First impressions
After an extremely swift flight from London, I’ve arrived at Marco Polo Airport. From the plane straight into a private water taxi – I could only describe this as the most stylish of ‘James Bond’ like entrances into a different country. Minutes later, I’m dropped off just outside the hotel at the Vaporetto stop, where I find myself steps away from the entrance to this opulent installation. With a quick exterior scan up and down the Venetian Gothic architecture, impulsively I fall into the building’s intimate interior.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice has 52 gorgeous rooms with free gym access, 24-hour room service and luxurious in-room amenities to satisfy every need.
Now positioned on the other side of the door, I’m standing inside the exceptional open-plan lobby area. The contemporary layout of this hotel sparks a warm and immaculate first impression. Cosy lounge chairs in the shade of royal blue, invite you to perch and relax whilst check-in commences. In the nearby distance, a welcoming bar flows with the counters edges and swivel stools wrapped in colours of fern green. The onyx black and Orion white marble flooring progress through the room, accomplishing an elite finish. With the textile furnishing across each area chosen from the work of Fondazione Rubelli, this hotel demonstrates nothing except pure excellence and artistic style.
Suite 503
Beginning on the ground floor, I proceed by trailing my accommodating host up to the 5th and final floor of this awing heritage; each footstep of the originally preserved stone staircase, designed to imitate a sense of superiority. Along the journey up to the top, floor by floor, I’m presented with an ancient arched opening, acting as a window into each of the dramatically featured lounge areas. All of these large open social spaces create a sense of serenity, through a refined colour palette and soft fabrics. However, it is the well-preserved stuccos and frescoes, which make up an integral part of these spectacular rooms.
Now standing at the top of the hotels small summit, I’m guided toward the outside of suite No. 503. A gorgeous hallway presents itself instantly, helping to encourage my first step through the door. Directly ahead of me I can see the most opulent of bathroom fitouts; A large free-standing bathtub sits on top of white Statuario marble flooring, a large double basin marble-top sink, finished with gold taps and black surround features. This already palatially sized bathroom even has a separate toilet and wet room, each sectioned off with their own glass doors.
Back out and over to the other side of the hallway, I enter through into the body of another monumentally proportioned area of this outstanding room. Dark wooden joists work in parallel, to support the neutrally brushed ceilings and walls. The lush bedding and comfy fabrics across the bedroom and lounge area generate an impression of calmness and wellbeing.
Radisson Collection Art series – Meeting the Artist Minh T
It would be impossible to talk about Venice without talking about Venetian art and the artists themselves. Still today, many artists find themselves drawn to the city of Venice. With an economy wealthy and powerful enough to be able to support art and artists, a strong artistic culture was established. Residents benefitted greatly from trading whatever decorative arts Venetian craftspeople could produce.
Radisson Collection have integrated their very own Radisson Collection Art Series, as part of an extended guest experience to this premium hotel brand. I was lucky enough to meet and attend a session led by Minh T, who is the third local artist to exhibit his immersive artwork across this global art collaboration.
Minh T presented some of his past work, where he explained his own artistic processes and inspirations for creating his artwork. Patterns, edges, shadows, content reduction and capturing the ephemeral are the elements that influenced the pieces composed by Minh T.
Dinner at Zoja Restaurant
Named after the noble Venetian Nani family that resided here in the 16th century, the meaning of ZOJA also translates to the word joy or happiness, in the local Venetian language.
Gunmarie Gatti the hotel’s Front Office Manager, warmly greets me over to my table that’s positioned inside this elegant dinner set-up. Hosting a menu of traditional venetian food, the finest wines and delicious cocktails, I start with warm octopus with crunchy vegetables and spicy sauce. For my main, I try paccheri pasta with lobster and cherry tomatoes. To finish this experience, a panna cotta with thyme, strawberry coulis and biscuit crumble.
Breakfast
After an imperial night’s sleep, I head down to the courtyard for breakfast al fresco style. Enclosed inside a private, quiet and peaceful spot, all of the local delicacies are made from the highest quality ingredients. I was tempted by the smashed avocado and perfectly poached egg, dressed with fancy chilli flakes on a bed of sourdough.
Things to do in Venice
Situated close to the Venetian Ghetto, neighbourhood shops and the popular islands of Murano and Burano; Venice has an array of experiences to discover, from local history & art, to craftsmanship or gastronomy. Whatever activities chosen inside the itinerary for your trip, Venice is packed with all the action, so that you can learn something new.
Whether you are looking to catch an opera performance, sample classic Italian dishes, book an island tour, partake in an Aperol Spritz masterclass or learn about the art of Venetian rowing, there really is something on the menu for everyone in Venice.
In a nutshell
Radisson Collection Hotel, Palazzo Nani Venice well and truly does accommodate a red-carpet luxury experience, for a great price too.
The Radisson Collection Art Series have created a great platform for local emerging artists, promoting a curated selection of immersive artwork, inspired by each of the Radisson Collection’s iconic destinations.
To discover more, visit: radissonhotels.com
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All imagery courtesy of Radisson Collection.