Airelles, the prestigious French hotel collection, has unveiled plans for its eagerly awaited new project, Airelles Venezia. The property, which will be the group’s ninth address and its first outside France, will open in Venice, Italy, in the autumn of 2025.
Situated on Giudecca, an island beloved by locals for centuries as a place to escape the bustle of San Marco, Airelles Venezia will bring the group’s unique ethos to life while paying homage to La Serenìssima. The property was once the site of the Bauer Palladio and comprises three historically significant buildings, a church, and extensive gardens of almost one hectare.
Airelles Venezia will offer an array of exquisite facilities and amenities, including 45 beautifully appointed rooms and suites; three elevated culinary destinations, a cicchetti bar, a main bar; a 1700m2 Airelles Spa and gym with a dedicated wellness garden; three swimming pools; a Kids’ Club; and a dedicated event space for private functions.
“We are privileged to introduce our first property outside of France with the upcoming opening of Airelles Venezia,” says Anne-Laure Ollagnon, CEO of Airelles.
“The opening of this exceptional property is a landmark moment for our brand and a magnificent addition to both our portfolio and to luxury hospitality in Venice. It is a great honour for Airelles to be the next custodians of this remarkable estate, and we look forward to curating some of the most incredible experiences for our discerning guests.”
The property is uniquely positioned on a peaceful promenade, overlooking the canal with spectacular views of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
The hotel’s central building and entrance is the impressive Palladio, which surrounds Santa Maria della Presentazione, a historic church adorned with two bell towers. These historic buildings were once a refuge dedicated to the protection of young unmarried women.
Established in the late 16th century, the Palladio was designed by the famed architect Andrea Palladio. It will now enter a new era as Airelles Venezia, proudly housing 23 rooms and suites alongside two dining venues, a bar with an outdoor terrace, a Kids’ Club, and the Airelles Spa.
The Santa Maria della Presentazione church, a protected heritage site, is being lovingly restored to its former glory and will be available to hotel guests for weddings and small ceremonies.
Once the restoration is complete, Airelles Venezia will provide its guests with exclusive access and private tours of the iconic church.
Adjacent to the Palladio is a standalone villa with an illustrious history as an icon of Italy’s golden creative ages. It first served as a residence to a succession of noble Italian families before becoming an elite pensione in the 16th century, catering to an eclectic clientele of painters, writers, and actors.
The villa will feature Airelles Venezia’s most exclusive accommodations, including a four-bedroom Presidential Suite with a full view of Piazza San Marco. It will also include one of the hotel’s upscale dining experiences and a bar.
To the rear of the property lies the Conventino, where guests will discover further rooms and suites and an intimate three-bedroom villa with a private garden and swimming pool.
Set amongst the property’s expansive gardens, Conventino provides a discreet and tranquil retreat.
The soul of Airelles Venezia will be captured in its thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail, led by the superb vision of world-renowned architect and interior designer Christophe Tollemer, who has been responsible for the design aesthetic across all Airelles properties.
French linens and fabrics will seamlessly blend with classical Italian stylings, incorporating decadent terrazzo and marble floors, custom Fortuny chandeliers, delicate Murano glass pieces and Rubelli wallcoverings.
Inspired by the romantic Venetian backdrop, the colour palette will feature warm ambers, neutral tones, rich mahogany and deep blues.
Within the rooms, handpicked antique furniture and historic artefacts sourced from the most prestigious antique dealers will be complemented by subtle 21st-century luxuries and intuitive design elements.
“I am extremely proud to be opening Airelles Venezia, the most esteemed address on Giudecca Island,” says Lionel Ferrari, General Manager of Airelles Venezia.
“The hotel will represent a true reflection of Venetian life while staying true to the best-in-class French hospitality known only to Airelles. Alongside my incredible team, I look forward to welcoming our discerning guests and showcasing what this magnificent property has to offer.”
The culinary programme, which has yet to be announced, will promise an array of internationally acclaimed chefs and elevated cuisine. It will celebrate Italy’s world-renowned food culture while honouring Airelles’ French heritage.
The hotel group is deeply committed to ensuring a strong connection with the local community and preserving important Venetian landmarks. It has also participated in restoring the Doge’s Palace in San Marco and the Giardini del Redentore.
Airelles Venezia joins a collection of timeless luxury hotels that offers the finest French hospitality at carefully curated Maisons and grand residences.
Photography by Mark Luscombe-Whyte, courtesy of Airelles.