4
Bauers Venezia
A Passion for Venice
rancesca Bortolotto Possati is a remarkable lady, who has strived with
great success for the last 15 years to create a most diverse collection of
fine accommodation within the centre of Venice. As President and CEO
of BAUERs Group she has breathed new energy into a family hotel business
that dates back to the late 19th century to create a portfolio of properties that
offer the visitor to Venice with splendid contrasts both in style and location.
Her first task was a major $100 million refurbishment of the original Bauer-
Grunwald Hotel close to St Mark’s Square. The result was the creation of Bauer
L’Hotel and Bauer Il Palazzo, two different properties with two different
entrances and two quite different moods. One is urban, a contemporary Art
Deco temple, whilst the other, a veritable Venetian palace, is a sophisticated
boutique hotel with ornate furnishings and a splendid Grand Canal frontage.
No sooner had she completed this grand enterprise that she then turned her
eyes across the waters to nearby Giudecca Island where she purchased a
former convent, which was converted into a 50-room boutique hotel. Like the
nearby Cipriani, Bauer Palladio is a rare example of a Venetian resort including
a generous 3-acres of gardens and parkland. It is a restful sanctuary that
reflects the slower pace of Giudecca. This is a place where one can really
escape the frantic buzz of Venice. It was also the place that would best benefit
the siting of a world-class 500 sq. metre spa.
In addition to the former convent further buildings were acquired on
Giudecca including a 15th century private villa. Also benefitting from open
spaces, Villa F offers the ultimate luxury. Appealing to those who probably are
looking to stay in Venice for a longer period, this gated residence offers all the
comforts and services of a 5-star hotel within 11 beautifully restored
apartments. It features some of the best views of Venice, a meditation pool
and 24-hour butler service.
F
