Latest news with #Venice
South China Morning Post
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
How to skip the tourist traps at the Venice Biennale: where to stay and what to eat, drink and see – from cicchetti and natural wines to the ‘Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective' exhibition
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Venice is, unsurprisingly, also one of the most polarising. Known in equal measure for its gorgeous, winding canals as for its expensive gondola rides, this is a city whose most compelling secrets are revealed only to those who actually take the time to research what's going on beneath its touristy surface. Tourists sail on a gondola along a canal in Venice. Photo: AFP Luckily, Venice also benefits from a vibrant arts and culture scene – one that's among the best in the world by modern standards. Historically, the city played a hugely influential role during the Italian Renaissance period and many relics of this legacy – from outstanding architecture to Murano glassware and Venetian paintings – still stand as major tourist draws today. And in 1895, the city played host to the very first Venice Biennale, now the oldest cultural exhibition of its kind in the world. Advertisement People visit the main exhibition, titled 'Intelligens. Natural. Artificial. Collective.' and curated by Italian architect-engineer Carlo Ratti, at the Corderie dell'Arsenale, on May 7. Photo: EPA-EFE The 19th edition of the Venice Biennale of Architecture – which opened on May 10 – runs until November 23 of this year. It's a prime moment for visitors seeking an alternative view of the city, focusing on its best arts and culture and eschewing the busy crowds of St Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge. We're here to help you sift through what's really worth seeing, eating and drinking in this cultural capital of truly discreet – if not quite hidden – gems. Stay at Ca' di Dio Ca' di Dio is a charming, characterful hotel with views of the Venetian Lagoon. Photo: @cadidio_/Instagram An unassuming hotel occupying prime real estate just a 10-minute walk from St Mark's Square, Ca' di Dio boasts some of the best views on this side of the Venetian Lagoon from a discreet location along the popular Riva degli Schiavoni promenade. Don't be fooled by its relatively demure exteriors, however. This humble haven has plenty of character dating back to the 13th century. Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola brought much of this historic charm to life upon renovation, converting the former chapel into an impressive lobby that's equal parts expansive and intimate, with high ceilings, a healthy dose of natural light, and carefully curated artworks and coffee table books. The central courtyard provides much-needed respite from the heat of summer. This is an art lovers' hotel through and through, and the rooms feel somewhat like an art deco bohemian's paradise, contrary to the more stately and classical feel afforded by much of Venice's architecture. Red marble countertops in the bathroom and Murano lamps with a retro feel give the suites a truly lived-in atmosphere that you won't find at many of the city's more extravagant hotels. Accessible via private water taxi or the Arsenale ferry station, the hotel is the perfect home base from which to explore the Biennale, centrally located between its two most prominent venues, the Arsenale and the Giardini. Savour some cicchetti at Nevodi
Forbes
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Best Summer Events 2025, Per European Best Destinations
Decorated Boats on the Grand Canal in Venice for the "Historical Regatta" which takes place each September. From the electrifying beats at Tomorrowland in Belgium and opera on the water at the Bregenz Festival, to the Velvet Dinner in Maribor and a historic sailing regatta in Venice, there's an event to suit every taste in Europe this summer. Here are ten of the best according to professional travel organization European Best Destinations. Bregenz Festival The Bregenz Festival takes place ever summer on a floating stage off the shore of Lake Constance. From a stage that seems to rise from the lake, visitors can see incredible set designs and masterpieces of opera, classical music and contemporary compositions, performed by elite orchestras and internationally renowned artists. And as if that isn't reason enough to attend, there are also spectacular fireworks and light projections. Getting There: Zurich Airport is 90 minutes by car. he ceremonial opening of the Fair St. Dominic. Fair tradition dates back 750 years and from 1260 he has been held in Gdansk." Europe's largest open-air summer festival, St Dominic's Fair transforms Gdańsk into a vibrant world of flavors and unforgettable surprises. For 765 years, this iconic fair has drawn in travelers, artists, collectors and dreamers in search of not only rare treasures, but also meaningful moments. The medieval trade tradition blends with the spirit of a modern festival offering hundreds of fair stalls and over 400 events. Concerts, dancing, street theater, chill-out zones and family workshops complement the market with antiques and handmade goods by local artisans. Getting there: Gdańsk Airport (GDN) is just 20 minutes from the city center. Tomorrowland, Belgium Tomorrowland is one of the world's biggest electronic music festivals, drawing over 400,000 fans from over 200 countries for two weekends each July. The festival's stages feature massive 3D structures, LED mega-screens and immersive storytelling themes. This year's theme is 'Orbyz' turning the festival location into a magical universe made of ice filled with mythical creatures. The festival attracts the world's best DJs like David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren and Eric Prydz. Expect spectacular fireworks and laser shows too. Getting there: Brussels is 30 min by car to Boom. Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Every August, Bristol's skies burst into color as hundreds of hot air balloons take flight in Europe's largest and most spectacular balloon festival. The Bristol International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta at Ashton Court Estate is a free, four-day celebration that transforms the city into a floating dreamscape, making it one of the most popular events of the year. Visitors will see mass ascents at sunrise and sunset, where dozens of balloons of all shapes and sizes lift off simultaneously, creating a panoramic spectacle in the sky. At night, the festival transforms into a mesmerizing light show, as balloons illuminate in perfect sync with music. Getting there: Bristol Airport is just 20 minutes from Ashton Court Estate. Alternatively, London Heathrow is around a 90 minute drive to Bristol. Puppets Occupy Street Festival, Craiova, Romania Art, music and theatre come together in Puppets Occupy Street Festival. For eight days, the streets, parks and squares of Craiova become a surreal open-air stage, where giant puppets parade, street performers captivate, and immersive animations and visual arts take over the city. With international artists, oversized puppet floats, interactive workshops and concerts, this free, non-competitive festival turns Craiova into a dreamlike playground for all ages. Getting there: Craiova has direct flights from London and Brussels. Velvet Dinner Maribor The Velvet Dinner is a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience that takes place in the vineyards of Maribor, Slovenia's wine capital. The elegant, open-air dinner is more than just a meal, it's an immersive celebration of local cuisine, culture and community. Guests seated at a long communal table under the open sky are treated to an exquisite menu paired with award-winning Styrian wines. The dinner is prepared and served by rising stars from local hospitality schools, adding a fresh and authentic flair to the experience. Getting there: Ljubljana Airport is 90 minutes by car or Graz Airport is 60 minutes by car. Fireworks explode as Coldplay perform on the Pyramid stage during day four of Glastonbury Festival 2024 at Worthy Farm, n Glastonbury, England. Glastonbury, the world's most legendary music festival, brings together iconic artists, emerging talent and a unique mix of arts and culture for five unforgettable days. Held on the vast fields of Worthy Farm, the festival was founded by Michael Eavis in 1970 and features around 3,000 performances across over 80 stages. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and iconic Pyramid Stage, the festival's headliners for 2025 include The 1975, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, The Prodigy and the Ezra Collective. In addition to music the festival features immersive art installations and cabaret performances. Getting there: Bristol Airport is just 1 hour from Worthy Farm. Regata Storica', a competition between Venetian boats and gondolas sail the Grand Canal from Piazza San Marco to Rialto Bridge. Every September, the Grand Canal of Venice transforms into a breathtaking stage for the Regata Storica, one of the most historic and visually stunning water festivals in the world. Combining majestic 16th-century pageantry with thrilling gondola races, this event is a true Venetian spectacle, attracting thousands of visitors for an unforgettable display of tradition and color. The first regatta took place in 1315 and today the festival begins with the Grand Historical Parade of ornate 16th-century boats, rowed by Venetians in elaborate Renaissance costumes. Following the parade, the best rowers in Venice compete in highly competitive regattas, racing through the Grand Canal in traditional Venetian boats. Getting there: Venice Marco Polo Airport is 20 minutes from the city center. From there, take a private water taxi or a vaporetto (public boat) straight to the Grand Canal. Cattle drive in Zillertal alps, Tirol – Austria The Almabtrieb (in German 'drive from the mountain pasture') is an annual public event in the alpine regions in Europe, referring to a cattle drive that takes place in late September or early October. During summer, all over the alpine regions cattle herds feed on alpine pastures (Almen in Austria or Germany, Alpen in Switzerland) high up in the mountains. Every September, thousands of beautifully adorned cattle descend from the mountain pastures in the Cattle Drive (Almabtrieb) of Tyrol. This centuries-old tradition, celebrated with music, folk dances, and vibrant parades, marks the end of summer grazing and is one of Europe's most picturesque and authentic rural festivals. Getting there: Innsbruck Airport is 30-60 minutes from the main Tyrolean villages. Flowertime, Brussels, Belgium Every year, Brussels transforms into a paradise of flowers with Flowertime, an immersive floral exhibition outside of the Unesco-listed Brussels City Hall. Talented Belgian and international floral designers let their creativity run wild, crafting breathtaking floral installations that celebrate the year's theme (to be announced soon!). Getting there: Brussels Airport is 25 minutes from the city center.
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Dakota Johnson Becomes The New Global Ambassador Of Roberto Coin
Roberto Coin's new global brand ambassador, Dakota Johnson, in new ad campaign Italian fine jewelry brand, Roberto Coin, has named actress and advocate Dakota Johnson as its new Global Brand Ambassador. The announcement was made May 29 during an event in New York where the brand also unveiled a new advertising campaign featuring Johnson. The new global campaign starring Johnson is photographed by award-winning British fashion photographer and filmmaker, Craig McDean, known for his raw, unfiltered approach capturing the essence of his subjects with natural lighting and minimal retouching. The campaign will run through May 2027. The photography with Johnson is set against the backdrop of Venice. The company says the campaign 'captures the fusion of classic Italian beauty and contemporary elegance that defines Roberto Coin.' Roberto Coin's new ad campaign places Dakota Johnson against the backdrop of Venice Roberto Coin, who founded his eponymous brand and serves as creative director, said that Johnson's selection as brand ambassador ushers in a dynamic new chapter for the brand, highlighting its continued evolution through bold storytelling and artistry. 'Dakota Johnson is a true original I love her expressions—an artist with authenticity, depth, and a unique ability to connect,' Coin said. 'We are proud to welcome her to the Roberto Coin family and to collaborate on a campaign that speaks to the heart of who we are.' Johnson, 35, has been a professional actor for more than two decades. The daughter of Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, she appeared in her first role at the age of five in 'Crazy in Alabama,' directed by her then-stepfather Antonio Banderas, and starring her mother. Since then, she has appeared constantly in starring and supporting roles in film and television. She is probably best known for playing the lead role in the erotic 'Fifty Shades' film series. Most recently, she starred in the 2024 film, 'Madame Web.' Johnson also is a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. Venice is the inspiration and soul of Roberto Coin's new campaign starring Dakota Johnson Venice serves as both the inspiration and the soul of this campaign, Coin said, as his connection to this city is deeply personal. Born in Venice, its essence has profoundly shaped his creativity over the years, he said, adding that the city's rich history, majestic architecture and vibrant artistic culture have long influenced his designs and inspired many of his collections. The campaign, features video and still photography with Johnson wearing pieces from the brand's most iconic collections: Love in Verona, Venetian Princess, Navarra, Obelisco, Tiaré and Cobra. Released in two phases, the campaign's first half will launch this month, with the second installment debuting in May 2026. The full campaign will run through May 2027 across global platforms. 'I've always believed that jewelry tells a story—of who you are, where you've been, and what you love,' Johnson said. 'Roberto Coin's pieces are full of depth and meaning, and I'm honored to help bring that spirit to life through this collaboration. There's romance, strength, and bold femininity in every design.' In addition to the campaign, Johnson will make global appearances and participate in creative initiatives for Roberto Coin. The announcement of Johnson and the new advertising campaign comes a year after Roberto Coin's North America business division was acquired by luxury watch and jewelry retailer, Watches of Switzerland for $130 million. At the time of the acquisition, Watches of Switzerland said Roberto Coin has more than 400 points-of-sale with department stores, jewelry chains and independent jewelers, making it the sixth largest jewelry brand in the U.S. by sales. Roberto Coin S.p.A., founded in Vicenza, Italy, is one of the most recognized fine jewelry brands in the world, with operations in 60 countries.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Triona McCarthy: Five mini hair and make-up gems to pop into your carry-on this summer
Simply perfect! Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick (€60, is a great little stick to bring away as it's a multi-use product. Aside from being a foundation that gives a blurred finish, it can also be used as a target concealer. It's extremely portable and can be thrown in your bag for touch-ups on the go. It's also very buildable and evens out the complexion, plus it lasts for up to 24 hours. Holy trinity The Trinny London Trinity Stick (€44, is a great multitasker for lips, cheeks and eyes. It's dual-ended and one end provides glow, while the other is a creamy matte. If you're a fan of Trinny Woodall, you'll probably have seen her creating all sorts of looks on Instagram from the three different sticks. My favourite is Venice, which combines a soft dusky rose shade with a golden pink glow. Smooth operator Forget the hairspray, gel and hair clips, The Smooth Stick (€16.99, is perfect for controlling frizz and flyaways. It doesn't leave your hair feeling greasy or crisp, and it's enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E. I love the design of the wand, as its bristles are strategically positioned to comb every hair into place. Oops, hair it is For those who like to treat their hair on holidays, The Hair Edit (€47.95, from Voduz will allow you to ditch the bulky bottles. It contains everything from thermal conditioning oil and hydrating hair oil to texture spray, an exfoliating scalp scrub, a paddle brush and a hair tamer. They're all 100ml or under and are perfectly sized for cabin bags and weekend escapes. It's the tooth Forget the bulky charger, bring the Burst Nova Sonic Toothbrush (€12.99, away with you and you'll spend your holiday delivering minty-fresh kisses with confidence. It will give your pearly whites a powerful clean with 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute and has a battery that lasts up to four weeks. Treat Fragrant father With Father's Day coming up, treat dear old dad to Bleu de Chanel All-Over Fragrance Balm (€70, It softens and tames facial hair and can be applied to hands, hair and beards. If you're feeling generous, pair it with Bleu de Chanel moisturiser (€75). Once you hand this pressie over, you'll definitely be dad's fave child! Treatment Facial fabulousness The Johnstown Estate in Meath is on my wish list to visit so I can experience the Elemis Sculpt & Contour Facial (€140, can include 90 mins thermal suite access). What makes it tickle my pickle is that the facial is only 60 minutes, no downtime and it includes a targeted LED mask application and a triple cleanse so my face will not only be squeaky clean, but glowing! See Trick Solid foundations Even though it's very tempting to add more make-up on later on in the day when you're going out, stop right now, thank you very much. Follow in the footsteps of those fabulous Spice Girls with some girl power face revival by taking the foundation off that you've put on earlier – as it will have settled into your skin and won't look fresh – and do it again. You can leave your eyes alone and just touch them up as they'll be OK with a little mascara refresh!
Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
This is Venice's coolest hotel right now
Every time I look at the vaporettos, ambulance boats and bin boats that plough up and down the Grand Canal, I marvel that Venice, a city of 250,000 people, manages to function. It's beautiful, endless proof of the adaptability of the human race, but it's never been cool. In general, Venice is about as hip as an A-level history teacher. And yet, while I'm eating a plate of gnocchi with ragu for £15 on a terrace opposite the Rialto, I'm somewhere very cool indeed. Venice M'Art occupies the ground floor of the Venice Venice Hotel, which quietly opened a couple of years ago behind the façade of a 13th-century palazzo, the oldest building on the Grand Canal. In the 16th century, Ca' da Mosto became one of Venice's earliest hotels, later hosting Mozart, Voltaire and Byron. By the end of the 20th century, when water breached the ground floor, it was — quite literally — sinking into decay and became derelict. Then, the husband and wife designers Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo — by purchasing ten separate apartments over a number of years — managed to buy the palazzo. The couple, who sold their fashion brand Golden Goose in 2017, had grown up in nearby Mestre. They spent millions more shoring up the building before returning it to a hotel. Venice is a city that excels in experiential hotels. But Venice Venice — spread over two different buildings — takes it to another level. Arrive in the evening by water taxi at the Grand Canal entrance and the first thing you'll see is a marble sculpture Mother and Son by Fabio Viale, surrounded by (purified!) canal water and lit by the flickering lights of large white candles stationed on the flight of the 25 steps that lead up to the reception. The rooms — there are just 43 of them — are very fancy indeed. 01 is the only hotel room on the Venetian mainland to have its own private swimming pool. Prosaically named room 35 on the first floor, piano nobile in Italian palazzo speak, has proportions that make its grand piano and a ten-seater dining room table look minuscule, thanks to triple-height ceilings and the vast French windows that lead onto a balcony. This is, at 2,045 square feet, the largest suite in Venice. Mine has frescoes, a terrace and a heart-stopping view, and a poured concrete floor. Venice Venice also houses Gallo and Rinaldo's significant art collection, which includes work by the pioneering artists Christo and Jannis Kounellis. • Italy honeymoon ideas: 10 of the most romantic places to stay A treatment room multi-tasks as an installation by the Romanian artist Victoria Zidaru. The ceiling looks like a giant piece of knitting, but with the linen skeins stuffed with fragrant herbs and dried flowers from her garden, changing with the season. There's also the Bitter Club, with a bar that incorporates speakers. So far, cool but very expensive. Rooms start at £500 a night. Those staying at Venice Venice generally arrive by water taxi at the Grand Canal entrance but coming by foot, crossing the Ponte Santi Apostoli and ducking through an alleyway, gives an entirely different experiential hit. A set of minimart-style turnstiles lead into a shop. Freezer containers from the 1970s have branded M'Art sweatshirts while special edition Golden Goose trainers are showcased in what was once a fridge. The shelves have Bialetti moka pots branded with the M'Art logo and the hotel's own toiletries, in tins that look like drink cans and metal toothpaste-style tubes. 'When the da Mosto family lived here, the ground floor was always a trading area so it seemed appropriate,' says Bianca Bonaldi, who curates the art and the shop. 'Venice is a city that's always been commerce-driven.' • Read our full guide to Venice Which is true, and in the restaurant, the 15th-century bricks now have vast, glorious, black and white photos of the Venice fishermen and vegetable sellers who provide the food while the waiters wear striped gondolier tops and chinos. It seems almost effortless, which — in my experience — means that lots of effort has gone into it. And indeed like nearly everything in the hotel, the uniforms have been designed by Gallo and Rinaldo. Unlike most hotels in Venice, it also allows non-guests to come for breakfast, although this costs £55. Dinner too, which is expensive with dishes starting from £25 for risotto and rising to £67 for filetto di manzo alla Rossini, steak with foie gras and truffle. But lunch is a different matter. Most posh restaurants in Venice close between lunch and dinner, but Venice M'Art has an all-day menu, and compared with most places on the Grand Canal, it's refreshingly good value and delicious. Admittedly, you can spend £25 on a seafood lasagne if you want to, but there are plenty of cheaper options. Most of Venice's five-star hotels are now run by luxury hotel groups. Next year Rosewood will open in what was formerly the Bauer and Four Seasons is taking over the Danieli. In contrast, Venice Venice, from its mad name to the Venice M'Art branded moka pots and sense of individuality, feels gloriously, robustly Venetian. They named it twice, Bonaldi says, because one day Gallo and Rinaldo may open hotels in other cities, so there might be a Venice Paris or Venice London. Even though I'm in the middle of a love affair with this hotel, I hope they don't. • 18 of the best affordable hotels in Venice under £200 a night Anyway, back to the terrace, which is packed with Venetians. It's opposite the Rialto, and word has got around that this is now the city's best terrace. And the best value one. You can order an £8 toasted sandwich with a £5 spritz and feast on the same view Canaletto painted in 1729 (plus the bin boats and the vaporettos). There is no barrier between me and the water; something that took much negotiation with the Venice authorities before being allowed but, with the water lapping inches away from me, the result is magical. 'Since we've opened, only one person has fallen in,' Bonaldi says. 'And he wanted to,' she adds. Perhaps he thought he was being cool. But with its mix of luxury and water-fronted groundedness, it's safe to say that this guest will never be as cool as the Venice Venice Hotel. This article contains affiliate links, which can earn us revenue Sarah Turner was a guest of Venice Venice. B&B doubles from £500 ( Fly to Venice • 18 of the best hotels in Venice
