Ca’ di Dio: A Luxury Oasis in Venice

For jetsetters and world travelers looking for another reason to visit Venice, you should consider a stay at Ca’ di Dio (Palace of God), a new luxury hotel that just opened almost two months ago. Parts of the hotel’s building date back to 1272, but more recently, the Venetian palace received a facelift that incorporates flawless 21st-century updates, including the suites and bedrooms that feature exquisite locally-crafted Murano glass lamps. 

Located in the Arsenale art district, the 66-room Ca di’ Dio is a serene hideaway if you want to get away from the bustle of tourists and busy Piazzo San Marco, only a 15-minute leisurely stroll away.  

My suite was spacious with a king bed, a modern marble bathroom, and a small, plush living area where a small plate of chef-made confections and a bottle of rosé were waiting for me when I arrived. Although I didn’t have a balcony, it was a joy to wake up in the morning, open the windows, and glance down at the narrow canal below. Although there was construction going on across the canal, the windows miraculously kept my suite peaceful.

It was a beautiful room, but if you really want to splurge, book Altana Suite to enjoy the 360-degree iconic view of San Giorgio and the lagoon from your private terrace. No upgrades for me because my stay at the hotel coincided with the last few days of the Venice Film Festival. unfortunately, there were no J. Lo sightings. However, I did spot an interracial gay couple, which definitely let me know that we (LGBTQ+ travelers) were welcomed there. At check-in, guests can sign a waiver to keep their stay at the hotel quiet from inquiring minds and the paparazzi – two things I never have to worry about. 

Ca’ di Dio has a front entry courtyard and a secluded courtyard where I enjoyed having the breakfast buffet, which included fresh pastries, eggs, prosciutto, sausage, fresh fruit, and an amazing spread of fresh pastries. Guests can also order from the menu. Speaking of food, the hotel has two restaurants, Essentia Restaurant in the courtyard, and VERO restaurant, where diners can enjoy the view of the lagoon while eating your seared scallops with braised bitter salad, parsley coulis, sweet garlic, and fried bread. Try the linguine with Busara style sauce, morel mushrooms, smoked provolone cheese essence. 

I enjoy a good, handcrafted cocktail and you can definitely get one at Alchemia Bar, the hotel bar located adjacent to the reading room. The hotel has its own signature gins: Rosa, Blue Tea, and Sál, the latter one made from the water in the lagoon. My happy hour always consisted of a few small bites from the bar menu and a Blu Cobalto made with Blue Tea Gin, triplum orange, lillet blanc, lime, and grapefruit bitters. Diego and Stefan are good mixologists that’s for sure. I highly recommend any of the bar’s signature cocktails.

The hotel also has a spa and an amazing staff that can arrange a private walking and boat tour with a local archeologist or a day trip to visit nearby islands Murano and Burano. Even if you’re not a celebrity, you’ll feel like you’re one when you stay at Ca’ di Dio. Check out more photos of the property in the photo gallery below.