Airelles, the prestigious French hotel collection, announces the opening of its eagerly awaited project, Airelles Palladio, Venice. The property marks Airelles’ ninth address – and the first outside France – in a collection revered for its exceptional French Maisons, including Le Grand Contrôle: the only hotel on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles.
Located on Giudecca, an island beloved by locals for centuries as a place to escape the bustle of San Marco, Airelles Palladio, Venice brings the group’s unique ethos to life while paying homage to La Serenìssima. The property was once the site of the Bauer Palladio and comprises three historically significant buildings, as well as the restored Santa Maria della Presentazione Church, all set within almost one hectare of fragrant Mediterranean gardens. The 45 key Airelles Palladio offers an array of exquisite facilities and amenities, featuring 17 beautifully appointed rooms and 28 suites, including the 450m² Suite del Doge with spectacular panoramic views; three elevated culinary destinations, three bars, a traditional cicchetti bar and Elton’s Club created in collaboration with Elton John; a 1700m2 Guerlain Spa and Rossano Ferretti’s signature Hair Spa; four swimming pools and a Kids Club.
“We are privileged to introduce our first property outside of France with the opening of Airelles Palladio” says Anne-Laure Ollagnon, CEO of Airelles. “Venice has its own poetry, shaped by water and centuries of history. With Airelles Palladio, we wanted to give Venice a starring role, letting its colours, materials, and spirit guide us. We interpreted the essence of Venice through Airelles’ signature hospitality, blending French elegance and Italian refinement."
Creating a Culinary Destination
Airelles Palladio takes guests on an epicurean journey through its five distinct dining outlets, including three standout restaurants led by an internationally renowned quartet of chefs. Jean‑Georges Vongerichten’s abc kitchens Palladio serves generous Mediterranean-inspired cuisine throughout the day in a relaxed, contemporary setting, while Chef Nobu Matsuhisa brings his trademark interpretation of Japanese cuisine. Villa Frollo provides the theatrical backdrop for Norbert Niederkofler’s refined dishes, inspired by the surrounding lagoon. Cedric Grolet brings his exquisite repertoire of pastries and sweet treats, from his sculptural fruits and flowers to exclusive creations conceived especially for Airelles Palladio.
Beyond the table, Palladio Bar welcomes guests with a cosy, captivating atmosphere and views over the Fondamenta and the lagoon, while Zitelle Bacaro pays homage to traditional Venetian cicchetti in an authentic setting. Created in collaboration with Elton John, who fell in love with Venice and is now a local resident, Elton's Club will debut in September 2026, bringing music to the Maison.
Architecture & Design
Three 16th-century buildings, surrounding the Santa Maria della Presentazione Church, have been meticulously restored under the direction of Christophe Tollemer, Architect and Artistic Director of Maisons Airelles. "During the restoration, 3,000 artworks and books were sourced. Every detail, from the fabric to the colors, was carefully chosen to reflect the light, views, and emotional resonance.” The new decor brings to life the encounter between Airelles art de vivre and Italian culture, through the savoir-faire of Venetian artisans.
The thoughtful interior design features French linens and fabrics that seamlessly blend with classical Italian stylings, incorporating decadent terrazzo and marble floors, custom Fortuny chandeliers, delicate Murano glass pieces and Rubelli wall-coverings. Inspired by the romantic Venetian backdrop, the colour palette features warm ambers, neutral tones, rich mahogany and deep blues. Within the rooms, handpicked antique furniture and historic artefacts, sourced from the most prestigious antique dealers, are complemented by subtle 21st-century luxuries and intuitive design elements.
The Airelles Spa
The Airelles Spa, the largest wellness space in Venice, debuts a partnership with the iconic French skincare house Guerlain, which has created a collection of exclusive treatments inspired by the city. Rituals such as Aqua Vinizia, Terra Vinizia, Gondola Sway and Crystal Glow draw on the serenity of Venice’s waterways and artistic heritage to restore balance and vitality. The spa also welcomes the renowned Italian haircare maison Rossano Ferretti, bringing its celebrated Ferretti Metodo Cut to the property. Overlooking Mediterranean gardens, the 1,700-square-metre wellness space features treatment rooms, a hammam, Finnish sauna, Japanese Iyashi Dôme infrared sauna, yoga and fitness studio, relaxation areas and an indoor swimming pool.
Preserving Four Centuries of History
In its peaceful lagoon-side setting, Airelles Palladio comprises three 16th-century buildings that have been carefully restored. The main part of the hotel is housed in the former Zitelle Institute, designed by architect Andrea Palladio, where young women with no dowry were taught to make lace. In the center stands the Santa Maria della Presentazione Church, completed by the same architect in 1588, which now exhibits artworks by great Venetian painters. Created as a vacation home for Venetian aristocracy, Villa Frollo later became an aristocratic academy and then a boarding house popular with artists in the early 20th century. Formerly an annex of the Zitelle Institute and later an educational center, Conventino now offers guest rooms as well as a private villa. By breathing new life into these emblematic Venetian buildings, Airelles weaves a new chapter into their fascinating history, celebrating and revitalizing the city’s precious cultural heritage.
"Along with all our teams at Airelles Palladio, I’m delighted to unveil this new address and share an authentic, refined vision of Venice. This beautiful story is just beginning, and we look forward to sharing it with guests who visit La Serenissima." Etienne Petitpez, Managing Director, Airelles Palladio, Venice.
Every detail invites guests to discover the Doges’ city in vibrant, unexpected ways. Through bespoke experiences, Airelles Palladio offers glimpses of Venice’s hidden essence, including private guided visits of St Mark’s Basilica at night. Airelles is deeply committed to ensuring a strong connection with the local community and preserving important Venetian landmarks, so the brand has also participated in the restoration of the Doge’s Palace in San Marco and the Giardini del Redentore.
