insideKENT Magazine Issue 62 - May 2017 | Page 141

We began our evening at the laid back Gabbiano Bar where we sampled our way through some specially recommended cocktails next to the swimming pool. Drinks flowing but hunger building, we headed to our dining destination: the glamourous yet informal waterside Cip’s Club. The atmosphere was upbeat and buzzing. Whilst we enjoyed the intimacy of our table for two it was great to be able to talk at normal levels and to be able to relax into the surroundings, taking in the dining room that is bedecked with original artwork, perusing the tastebud-tingling menu and supping from the beautiful Murano glasses on the table. It soon became apparent however that we hadn’t built up an appetite quite big enough – the portions were more than generous! Keen not to miss out, we created a mixture of dishes and half portions that we could share rather than opting for our own selections from the Antipasti (starters), Primi Piatti (first courses) and Pesci E Carni (meat and fish second courses) which use an abundance of locally sourced ingredients including those hand- grown in the hotel’s own Cassanova’s garden. First up – the Buffalo mozzarella. Smooth, rich, creamy hunks of cheese served with Treviso radicchio, hazelnuts and dried figs complete with the most wonderful aged balsamic vinegar which we ate alongside the fresh bread basket with a divine local olive oil. This was followed by the ‘half’ (seriously how big is the full) portion of risotto – the most delicious, creamy dish of goby broth with sautéed pilgrim scallops; it was huge, flavoursome and promptly devoured. Next we embarked on our main courses. My guest opted for the fried scampi, squid and zucchini with fresh horseradish sauce. It arrived on paper reminiscent of childhood fish and chips by the sea, crispy batter, salty and fresh, murmurs of ‘ohhhmmmiigaawwd’ the only thing I could make out as he worked his way through the heaving mound. I opted for the more refined but equally tasty lamb chop scottadito – the plump, juicy cutlets were seared and served with a creamy potato cake, chicory and delicate mustard sauce. Feeling full but never beaten, we just had to have dessert, and we chose the Chocolate Cipriani Cake – a rich, luxurious affair of decadent cake and dark chocolate ganache; and the lemon meringue tart – a delicate shell of short pastry, rich lemon curd, meringue and raspberries. An after dinner stroll along the water and through the gardens back to our suite meant we were soon dreaming about our next day’s adventures. Waking after a peaceful slumber to the sound of the water, we ventured down to the sundrenched lagoon-side terrace for breakfast with its wonderful selection of fresh breads, pastries, cereals, fruits and à la carte cooked options, as well as the hotel’s own help- yourself breakfast Bellini bar complete with hotel-grown fruit juices – thank you Guiseppe Cipriani! Full again (this is a running theme throughout this Italian stay!) we jumped on the next boat transfer back to San Marco. I have to say that, like many first time visitors, we were initially a little overwhelmed – the map looked almost unreadable with hundreds of tiny streets, alleyways and waterways dotted throughout, where would you begin and just how would you get around? But rest assured it is easier than it looks and we spent the best parts of our trip whiling away the hours sightseeing, getting lost (in a good way), and of course eating our way through the city. More gelato anyone? Whilst some may question a location that is not walking distance from the main tourist sights, I can tell you that this is honestly the best of both worlds. The private launch offers five-minute transfers, every ten minutes, 24 hours a day! And as soon as that boat leaves the hustle and bustle of San Marco behind your trip takes on a whole new relaxed feel that no city centre accommodation could match, and of course allows this residence to offer the city’s only swimming pool. Taking the R&R opportunity for all it was worth, we took full advantage of the large pool, and leaving the other half to soak up some rays on the pool side loungers I escaped to the Cassanova Wellness Centre, home to the hotel’s gym, sauna and steam room and plush treatment rooms perfect for either couples or individual treatments. Nestled in the gardens, I was able to totally unwind with a full aromatherapy massage using delicate rose oil courtesy of therapist Alessia who provided the perfect end to a perfect stay. As the boat bobbed away across the lagoon for our final transfer we were both sad to leave. The Belmond Hotel Cipriani and of course Venice itself are just magical; we left full (not just of food!) but of love for this hotel, the city and of memories to last a lifetime. Belmond Hotel Cipriani Giudecca 10, 30133 Venice, Italy Reservations: 0845 0772 222 [email protected] www.belmond.com/hotel-cipriani-venice hotelcipriani hotelcipriani belmondhotelcipriani 141