Italy: Plush new JW Marriott island resort in Venice opens early

Guests are staying at the new JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa on a private island in Venice’s famed lagoon ahead of its grand opening planned for June 24.

What? A hotel opening early? But the resort did so quietly in March, debuting its 250 guest spaces in existing buildings on the island.

The buildings and landscaping on Isola delle Rose, an artificial island that dates to the 19th century, were redesigned with Italian architectural firm Matteo Thun & Partners. It’s about a 20-minute boat ride from St. Mark’s Square to the island.

Marriott’s announcement says the resort offers five places where guests may choose to stay. (Some areas don’t open until late April.)

--The Hotel, with 191 rooms, most of which have private balconies

--La Residenza, which features 12 Mediterranean-style rooms that access private gardens

--L’Uliveto, with 26 rooms in a garden setting that overlooks olive groves and a church on the island

--La Maisonette, which includes 20 split-level suites with private patios and gardens

--La Villa Rose, a private retreat with two bedrooms, private garden and pool.

The resort with a contemporary design is set on the island’s 40 acres. Guests can explore fruit arbors, olive groves, gardens, a church and other historic buildings.

It also has a rooftop infinity pool and four restaurants. Rooms start at $430 a night.

Info: JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa