Cipriani Family Revamps Torcello's Locanda Cipriani Hotel

The Cipriani family has completed a sensitive expansion and renovation of the Locanda Cipriani on Torcello, a remote island in the Venetian Lagoon. Originally a wine shop acquired by Giuseppe Cipriani Sr. in 1936, the property was transformed after World War II into an inn known for its seclusion. The hotel has expanded from six to ten rooms, including four new suites with living areas and terraces overlooking gardens and the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. The refurbishment, led by Fabrizio Cocchi Studio, emphasizes preservation of the property's historic character, with design elements such as handblown glass light fixtures from Vetreria Venier in Murano and white-painted ceiling beams. New additions include a bar counter, refreshed gardens with roses and vegetable plots, and a vine-covered pergola with pink marble columns. The inn has hosted notable guests including Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, Nicole Kidman, Elton John, and Ernest Hemingway, who stayed while writing 'Across the River and Into the Trees.' Rates start at about $860.