This Private Island Hotel Has Venice’s Poshest Rooftop Pool

The JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is a hot ticket during the Venice International Film Festival.

Jared Paul Stern

Aug 16, 2022

The most luxurious rooftop pool; the largest and most comprehensive spa; and the only hotel spa with an indoor-outdoor pool—these are just some of the game-changing amenities at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Venice, Italy, a posh 40-acre private island retreat with a world-class restaurant that brings a new level of luxury to the fabled Italian city.

Marriott is arguably the world’s most important player in luxury hospitality, with brands like The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Edition, and W Hotels all part of its impressive portfolio, which includes many of the most luxurious and beautiful resorts on the planet. And the properties branded JW Marriott, named after company founder J. Willard Marriott, more than hold their own with this elite crowd.

This is especially true of certain flagship properties overseas, where European brands have traditionally dominated the luxury hotel landscape; but the JWM marque attracts a devoted clientele by outclassing the competition in terms of the number and quality of top-drawer amenities on offer. It also reassures seasoned luxury travelers who want the security of a trusted name.

Case in point: The JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, located on the private island of Isole delle Rose, mere minutes from the heart of Venice, and serviced by private water shuttle. With historic buildings thoughtfully reimagined as a 5-star resort, it’s designed to be a “secluded wellness hideaway,” surrounded by acres of gardens and olive groves overlooking the lagoons, with views of the fabled city. And it’s especially popular during occasions like the Venice International Film Festival , taking place at Venice Lido from Aug. 31 to Sept. 10.

In addition to its elegant rooms and suites in the main building, the sprawling property offers numerous JW Retreats, standalone residences, suites and lofts, many featuring private pools and gardens, serviced by the resort but otherwise as self-contained as you want them to be. No other hotel in Venice offers this level of luxe seclusion.

At the pinnacle stands the Villa Rose, with over 2,000 square feet of space with its own pool and gardens, which includes a full gourmet kitchen as well as a dining room and indoor/outdoor living spaces. It can be configured to house up to seven guests, or just enjoyed by two people who want the ultimate in privacy and bespoke service.

The resort has also gained attention as one of Venice’s top dining venues, thanks to the impeccable Fiola at Dopolavoro from Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi. Widely celebrated among the world’s leading restaurateurs, the Washington, D.C.-based culinary star earned his Michelin star for the original Fiola in the U.S. capital.

At Fiola in Venice, housed in a historic olive oil factory, Trabocchi combines seasonal ingredients from Venice’s famed Rialto market in Venice and the Adriatic Sea, vegetables grown in the hotel’s garden, and olive oil made from the trees on the property. The decor and setting are unlike anything else in the area.

Yet another of the resort’s repurposed historic buildings, the Dopolavoro has a stunning contemporary interior incorporating original architectural elements, and is serviced by a private water taxi dock. Of course it also boasts a spectacular wine list, while the bar can prepare any concoction imaginable.

In addition to Fiola, there’s the Sagra rooftop restaurant and bar, adjacent to the pool, with the same postcard-worthy views of Venice. This is the place to be at sunset for sure, with a spritz in your hand or a glass of wine. From the simplest of pastas with fresh truffles shaved on top, to more intricate dishes showcasing the flavors of Italy, it’s all as fresh as can be.

The JW Venice Spa is, as we mentioned, above and beyond. It was designed by Italian architect and interior decorator Matteo Thun, who wanted to “reflect the peacefulness of the island into a serene and minimalist spa setting.” A moveable floor-to-ceiling glass wall allows natural light to pour into the spa’s indoor-outdoor Vitality Pool.

There are additional tranquility pools on the side of the building as well, along with Bali beds and loungers positioned to overlook the soothing waters of the lagoon. In addition there’s a bio-sauna, a hammam with a private scrub room, and a Finnish sauna with salt therapy, making for the ultimate indulgent escape.

Other unique, ever-changing experiences offered by the property at times include the JW Venice VOGA Academy, the resort’s first sports school dedicated to traditional Venetian rowing; art installations set to coincide with Venice’s famed La Biennale; and the JW Culinary Experiences, wherein 10 new Michelin-starred chefs showcase the best of Italian cuisine over a series of culinary weekends.; and a pop-up Gourmet Pizzeria, courtesy of famed Veronese chef Renato Bosco.

With Marriott’s renowned Bonvoy loyalty program making it easy to experience properties and earn rewards across all of its brands, this is the time to book that bucket list trip to Venice you’ve been dreaming about.