Vladislav Doronin: Events in Venice and Italy
Vladislav Doronin, Aman Resorts owner, CEO and chairman, heads one of the leading global names in ultraluxury residences and resorts. This article will look at the brand’s exclusive location in Venice, as well as provide an outline of the exciting cultural events that visitors to Aman Venice can enjoy nearby.
Enviably located in Palazzo Papadopoli, one of the Grand Canal’s eight monumental palazzos, Aman Venice is the embodiment of the sumptuous and sensual ‘La Serenissima’. Here, Rococo works of art are skilfully offset by the contemporary restraint of Jean-Michel Gathy interiors, with the venue boasting its own private gardens, a rarity in Venice, as well as spacious suites and opulent dining venues.
Aman Venice offers the perfect base from which to explore this romantic city. It is located just a short walk from Piazza San Marco, presenting the ideal opportunity to sample the hidden gems Venice has to offer while traversing its waterways via a traditional gondola.
Integrating fresh, seasonal ingredients at the heart of its dining experiences, Aman Venice welcomes guests to its Yellow Dining Room, an opulent canal-side eatery where guests can watch the world drift by while savouring some of the finest food the city has to offer. Alternatively, guests seeking a more intimate experience can dine in one of the palazzo’s hidden rooms.
From time to time, Aman Venice is visited by the renowned Chef Norbert, a gastronomic icon who has achieved the virtually impossible feat of receiving three Michelin stars. On select dates, Chef Norbert hosts a series of specially-themed dinners, inviting Aman Venice guests to enjoy a six-course tasting menu with a keen focus on the fresh produce found in abundance throughout the region. Along with an optional wine pairing, guests are also presented with an opportunity to meet Chef Norbert in person.
Known all over the world as the ‘City of Canals’, Venice is one of the world’s most renowned and romantic cities. Built over 118 islands in total, Venice and its lagoon form one of the world’s most unique cities, boasting an impressive array of annual events to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Aman Venice poses the ultimate venue for exploring the following festivals and cultural events.
Venice Carnival
Commonly referred to as Mardi Gras in other parts of the world, particularly South American nations, in Italy the two weeks preceding Shrove Tuesday are known as Martedi Grasso. During this period, many events are staged in Venice’s St Mark’s Square, including the highly anticipated ‘Flight of the Angel’ celebration, which sees a young beauty flying overhead, suspended by a zip line. Indeed, during Martedi Grasso, celebrations are staged in every corner of the neighbourhood, with colourful parades on both land and water. There are also children’s fairs, boat races and free live performances to entertain people of all ages. However, the ultimate carnival experience is attending a masquerade ball. Although many are private and by invitation-only, others are ticketed affairs, including the famously expensive and extravagant official ball staged at Ca’ Vendramin Calergi on the Grand Canal.
Venice Biennale
Established in 1895, the Venice Biennale is one of the world’s most famous exhibitions of contemporary art, film, theatre, and dance. Staged biennially on odd years, the event is held from mid-May to November, inviting artists, collectors, curators and curious travellers to experience visionary works united by a common theme. Presented in two official areas in the Giardini Gardens and former Arsenale shipyard, the event’s organisers also stage satellite exhibitions at various sites across Venice, making for a surprisingly relaxed and accessible experience.
The Vogalonga Rowing Race
Established in 1974 with the aim of increasing public awareness of the problem of wave motion caused by motorboats in Venice, the Vogalonga Rowing Race was launched by a group of Venetians who were passionate about rowing and the traditions of the Serenissima. Over the years, the number of race participants has continued to grow, with some 1,500 boats competing in the race in recent years.
On the morning of the event, vessels of every shape and type gather in St Mark’s Basin, opposite Doge’s Palace, eagerly awaiting the start of the race. The course leads participants along a 30-kilometre-long route, winding their way past Venice’s lagoon islands before following the Rio di Cannaregio, with the race ending at the Punta della Dogana.
Venice International Film Festival
One of the oldest and most influential celebrations of cinema globally, for more than 75 years the Venice International Film Festival has shaped and showcased the movie industry. Over the years, the event has attracted some of the industry’s biggest stars, including the likes of Robert Redford, Matt Damon and Jennifer Lawrence. For 11 days in late summer, film moguls and fans gather on Venice’s Lido Island, exuding glamour in a relaxed, informal manner. While mainstream movies are usually the main focus, documentaries, international films, art films and virtual reality works are also featured.
