12 | LUXlife Magazine he origins of the Lido as a popular Venetian resort date back to the 19th century, and those in the know have been visiting this beautiful island ever since. Villa Contarini gives visitors from all over the world the chance to join this elite group, and whilst it is not the first B&B to set up shop on the island, it is certainly the one where the most possibilities are found. And this is what the magic of Venice is all about. Villa Contarini will not disappoint, with this fully renovated villa catering to all of the demands of the 21st-century traveller, without losing the look and early 20th-century feel people associate with Venice. Moving inside the property, every bedroom in this B&B is modern and refined, and all come complete with their own private bathroom. There are three rooms for guests to choose from: family, royale, and allegria. As it says on the tin, the family room is designed with families in mind, being bright, comfortable, and offering free Wi-Fi. For those after something bigger, royale is a more spacious paradise, complete with classic furnishings and a balcony overlooking the canal. Last but not least, allegria is really for the single traveller, offering one bed and an air of relaxation, topped off with views of the B&B’s internal garden. Each of these rooms also has a TV with Netflix, as well as offering access to the ironing and cleaning service, 24-hour reception, barbeque, garden deck chairs, and free parking that Villa Contarini is proud to provide to every guest. A buffet breakfast is also run daily, which is a great way for guests to start the day before they go off and explore everything that the Lido and Venice more broadly have to showcase. Sven Dewever, the entrepreneur who owns and operates Villa Contarini, knows more than most about what this area has to offer, given he is also a city guide. His tour business, Svenicetours, specialises in private tours, which can be carried out either on foot or using Sven’s own canal boat. The latter allows his guests to see the Murano and Burano Islands, as well as the Laguna, all of which make up Venice. On these tours, which Sven leads himself, the more overlooked areas of Venice are explored, which again goes back to this idea of offering something a lot quieter and more relaxing than people usually get out of a trip to the city. Sven will take people on a comprehensive journey of Venice and its history, from the early days on the Lido’s shores to how the city has continued to change and be influenced by diverse communities. The passion Sven has for Venice is seen through both Villa Contarini and Svenicetours, ventures which came about when he fell in love with the city upon his first visit a number of years ago. Sven had studied art Most Charming B&B 2026 – Venice Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it always feels crowded. Lido di Venezia, or ‘the Lido’, is much quieter, with this 7-mile-long barrier island separating the Venetian Lagoon from the encompassing Adriatic. This little island boasts a number of quaint hotels and many sandy beaches, and is the home of Villa Contarini, a charming B&B that serves as the best way to experience all Venice has to offer. We explore Villa Contarini following its recognition with this award. T
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