SimplyAbuDhabi XLV

While waiting to experience the creations of Matteo Panfilio, I simply gazed at the ornate frescoes and the 800 year-old Murano glass chandeliers, which provoke the imagination and conjure images of the bygone era of Venetian grandeur. Matteo has worked in several Michelin-starred kitchens, and under highly-acclaimed chefs such as Gordon Ramsey, Tristan Mason, and Alberico Penati. Throughout his professional career he has focussed on placing vegetables at the heart of his cuisine. For Arva, he sources them exclusively from local farmers, working to enhance their flavours through an experimental approach. I ordered the Burrata cheese with datterini tomatoes and basil pesto, followed by Celeriac roll fillet, vegetable gravy, parsnip foam and black truffle, capped off by the sublime Arva Tiramisù. The cuisine was as spectacular as the setting where it was served. Not to be missed is alfresco dining with unparalleled views of the Grand Canal in the hotel’s Garden Terrace. And no visit is complete without sampling a drink in the cosy Bar, which pays homage to the hotel’s famous former resident, the eminent English poet Lord Byron. Wellness & Leisure The Aman Venice provides ample opportunities for rest and relaxation and guests can indulge in luxurious Salsomaggiore Terme treatments at the serene on-site spa, or simply unwind in one of the many lounge areas dotted throughout the palazzo. Many original rooms such as the formal dining room, the library, and the in-house chapel, have been left as lounge areas for guests. A typically thoughtful touch is the discreetly positioned telephones allowing you to order and be served where you are. For those seeking a bit more activity, the hotel’s small but well- equipped gym allows dedicated guests to maintain their fitness regime. Essence/Overview As the sun sets over the Grand Canal and golden light falls upon the Aman Venice, I recognise that the hotel is a masterpiece of Venetian history and hospitality, where the splendour of the past meets the sophistication of the present. From the grand, frescoed reception to the refined guest accommodations and world-class culinary offerings, every aspect of the experience is infused with an unparalleled sense of luxury and elegance. Aman Venice is a place where guests can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Venice while enjoying the modern comforts and impeccable service that the Aman brand is renowned for. Simply Abu Dhabi | 183