Regata Italy

Gently waking to the sound of church bells, lapping water and a singing gondolier just has to be the archetypal Venetian holiday experience. Add a grand pink palazzo, private jetty, access to a lemon scented terrace and views over the most famous canal in the world for a taste of perfection. Here is Regata, a very beautiful third floor apartment five minutes’ walk from St Mark’s square with both living room and master bedroom overlooking the Grand Canal and the iconic Santa Maria della Salute Church.
Breakfast croissants, sumptuous beds decked in the finest Italian linen, marble bathrooms, air conditioning, welcome hamper with a bottle of Bellini, maid service and concierge are all part of the pampering. Aside from such luxuries and beauty this is a home with history – a medieval building transformed in the 17th century into a fine Renaissance palazzo, resided in by the same family for 200 years and recently restored by local artisans.
An elegant spacious hall has antique table, sofa and hat stand, all with stories to tell while the polished wooden door in the comfortable and beautiful living room has been opened by generations. The striking portrait attempting to lure you away from the views is sure to be someone special in the palazzo’s history.
There are more wonderful canal views in the en-suite master bedroom with its custom-designed canopy bed.  The charming alcove in the second en suite bedroom has two exquisite oval windows and a settee, the perfect place for a quiet read before breakfast.
Stroll to St Mark’s square to admire the extravagant domes of the Basilica and the smooth lines of the Doge’s Palace, sip a cocktail in Harry’s Bar or simply start your holiday with a vaporetto tour past the colourful palaces and alongside the gondoliers.
La Serenissima is a bewitching city with so many renowned galleries, museums and churches to visit. It’s also a lovely place to just wander and take less direct routes past layers of history where every corner reveals yet another little canal, church, tiny square or enchanting view.On the third floor of a historic palazzo in central Venice, Regata enjoys wonderful views of the Grand Canal. If you are arriving at Venice Marco Polo airport then a water taxi will take just 30 minutes and can be pre-booked in advance – the skipper will take you straight to the palazzo’s jetty which can be used for your arrival and departure, alternatively the vaporetto stop is just a brief walk away.
Situated in the heart of Venice, the whole city is easily accessible by vaporetto, water taxi or simply by foot. Start with the five minute walk to St Mark’s Square to gaze at the domes and arches of the Basilica and the Gothic architecture of the Doge’s Palace. Take the lift up the Campanile for amazing views over the city and lagoon. The white Bridge of Sighs, built in 1600, has barred windows through which many prisoners may have had a last glimpse of their beloved city. Enjoy being in the 21st century again, gaze across the lagoon, admire the black silhouettes of the gondolas and head off for a coffee and Venetian cookie near the square.
Sip a Bellini cocktail at nearby Harry’s Bar or take light lunch near the Rialto, a stone arched bridge spanning the narrowest part of the Grand Canal, an amazing engineering achievement of the Renaissance as well as an architectural delight. The famous Rialto market lies north-west of the bridge and is a great place to stock up with peaches, cherries, vegetables and fish.
Take the vaporetto across the Grand Canal to the Basilica di Santa Maria dello Salute, so visible when entering Venice from the lagoon and built as a symbol of thanks after the terrible plague in 1630. Travel further along the canal towards the symbolic lions of Venice outside the Peggy Guggenheim Collection which houses 20th century American and European art. The Galleria dell Accademia has a fine collection of pre-19th century Northern Italian artists such as Titian and Tiepolo.
It’s always great fun to just wander around this enchanting city and marvel at how the buildings stand firm on their wooden stakes in the mud below. You may stumble upon so many delights – little bridges across small canals, a tiny bar for an aperitivo and daily life cameos. You are sure to eventually arrive back at your delightful apartment overlooking the Grand Canal in one of the most wonderful cities of the world.At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras included at this property:
– Welcome hamper with a bottle of Bellini, seasonal fruit and still/sparkling water – Croissant delivery (daily at 8.00 a.m.)- Breakfast provisions (sliced bread, butter, jam, tea, Nespresso capsules, milk, sugar)- Daily maid service each morning – Concierge service
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Bedroom/bathroom facilities for early arrival – Luggage deposit- Fresh flower service- Personal laundry- Massages- Grocery shopping service- Cooking classes- Babysitting- In-house aesthetic treatments
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!