Repurposing and reusing are the obvious way forward to help the planet. The NH Hotel Group’s evocative Venezia Murano Villa hotel is a brilliant example of what is possible in this respect. This stunning new hotel is located in the former “Fornace De Majo” glassworks on the Island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon and has preserved much of the building’s original charm and features.
The design concept – by the H&A Associati architectural studio of Venice – recalls the origins of one of the first glassworks in Murano and brings this ancient art closer to the world of design. The complex of 12 pre-existing buildings has been preserved as a reminder of the entire production cycle while, throughout the hotel, traces of its former life have remained intact.
These include the exposed concrete walls, steel slabs, furnace-shaped windows, exposed installations, and even art and artistic glass production objects. In addition to this, the original chimney and exposed bricks remain as a tribute to the history and importance of this building for the city.
From the beginning, the challenge was to transform the entire structure from a place of manufacture to a place of hospitality, with all the comforts and services needed to make the guest experience truly unforgettable.
During the long redesign process, several premium brands were invited to collaborate with the architecture studio. These included Artemide, which created a line of ad hoc glass-metal lamps based on a study of the torch traditionally used in furnaces. Also, Rubelli, which used typical Venetian fabrics inspired by the colours of the lagoon to upholster the restaurant’s armchairs and curtains; not forgetting the Zucchetti taps in the rooms, the chairs and tables by Saba Italia and Calligaris, the outdoor furniture by Varaschin, and the fitness equipment by Technogym.
“NH Hotel Group has always been committed to protecting the historical and artistic heritage of the cities in which it is located while enhancing the original appearance of the hotel buildings themselves”. Said Hugo Rovira, Managing Director Southern Europe and the USA at NH Hotel Group.
Adding, “With the Venezia Murano Villa, the goal was to let our guests breathe in the authentic atmosphere of the historic glassworks that once stood here from the moment of their arrival, and we worked with both the owners and the architects to realise a dream and restore value to the extraordinary character of the place”.
The building has a total area of approximately 4,800 square metres and extends from the main entrance on Fondamenta Navagero (opposite the Glass Museum and the Cathedral of San Donato) to the opposite side, overlooking the Venetian Lagoon.
The Venezia Murano Villa hotel’s beating heart is the central courtyard from where guests can admire the entire complex and access the suites and the hotel restaurant.
The Venezia Murano Villa has 104 rooms ranging from Superior and Premium to Junior Suite Duplex and the Laguna View Suite. Some of the rooms overlook the Lagoon and the islands of Sant’Erasmo and Le Vignole.
They all feature exclusive furnishings and precious pieces of Murano glass and pamper guests with the services that have always distinguished the NH Collection brand, such as rain-effect showers, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, espresso coffee machines and Sleep Better Mattresses for a truly perfect rest.
Guests at the Venezia Murano Villa can also take advantage of the hotel’s rich gastronomic offering. Breakfast choices include both sweet and savoury and options for children and those with particular dietary needs.
For lunch or a candlelit dinner, the Venezia Murano Villa hotel’s restaurant overlooking the Lagoon tickles guests’ palates with an à la carte menu inspired by the local culinary tradition, all served in an elegant and refined setting opening onto an intimate and private pier.
Finally, for a drink before dinner or to taste the famous Venetian aperitif, head over to one of the two bars at the hotel, with one boasting an atmospheric terrace from which guests can admire the view.
The hotel also offers guests a 24-hour gym and a spa, which will be the perfect place to relax and recharge batteries after a long day. At the hotel’s spa, guests can enjoy multiple body and face treatments, including a Vitamin Scrub or the Regenerating Treatment with Himalayan Pink Salt.
The NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa also has five meeting rooms, all of which are adaptable according to the needs of guests and clients. These rooms are ideal for formal meetings, private events and even wedding ceremonies. The spaces can host up to 130 people and have all the equipment and services necessary for every type of event.
For those who enjoy the fresh air, adjacent to the Venezia Murano Villa is Navagero Park, a public space connected to the hotel complex. It is easily reached from the central courtyard, offers a large green space and playground for children, and is reserved exclusively for the hotel in the evening.
Finally, a charming private traditional Venetian pier offers a unique view of the lagoon and provides a convenient mooring for boats and transport for guests. It’s a dream location from which to start an unforgettable holiday.
For more information on the Venezia Murano Villa Hotel and other properties within the NH Hotel Group, please visit their corporate website www.nhhotelgroup.com.
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