“Venice isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a feeling. San Clemente lets you live that feeling in silence.”
— Sofiia, Travel Counselor at Baroque Travel
Mandarin Oriental, Venice
Just minutes from the hustle of San Marco, yet spiritually a world away, San Clemente Island has always been a Venetian paradox: both central and private, historic and evolving. Now, as the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group prepares to relaunch the landmark San Clemente Palace as its newest Italian flagship, the city’s most exclusive private island retreat is undergoing a transformation that merges 900 years of heritage with a global vision of wellness, longevity, and quiet luxury.
A Renaissance in the Lagoon
Scheduled to reopen as Mandarin Oriental, Venice in April 2026, the former San Clemente Palace Kempinski is being reimagined by the London-based design firm Albion Nord. The island, once a 12th-century monastery, will retain its sacred charm while embracing Mandarin Oriental’s global sophistication—blending lagoon-side privacy, wellness, and cultural immersion.
“We are delighted to bring Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service to Venice,” said Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. “This historic property, with its unique location and rich heritage, aligns perfectly with our vision to craft immersive experiences that allow guests to connect meaningfully with the destination.” Source
The Rise of Longevity-Driven Wellness
Just before its rebranding, the hotel unveiled The Longevity Spa in collaboration with The Longevity Suite, a leading European wellness brand. Drawing from the world’s “Blue Zones,” where people are known to live the longest, the spa incorporates cryotherapy, biohacking treatments, DNA diagnostics, and circadian rhythm therapies.
“It’s another step in our commitment to creating transformative guest experiences that are both luxurious and deeply restorative,” said Emir Uyar, Chairman of San Clemente Palace and Vice President of Permak Investment.
Signature therapies use Mediterranean salts, fermented rice water, Sardinian wine extracts, and volcanic mud—echoing longevity rituals from Ikaria, Okinawa, and Nicoya.
Guests can also enjoy Longevity Retreats or personalized programs supported by a wellness-focused culinary concept: The Longevity Kitchen, offering herbal infusions, nutrient-rich snacks, and antioxidant smoothies.
Dining and Design Without Excess
Mandarin Oriental will introduce four new dining concepts, respecting Venetian culinary roots while inviting global flair. The current Acquerello—known for its lagoon views and refined regional plates—is expected to be expanded, along with a new Mediterranean wellness kitchen, a casual marina lounge, and a potential fine dining flagship.
The interiors will follow Albion Nord’s restrained, textural style—where terracotta, aged oak, local marble, and monastery stonework remain visible and tactile, not covered in gloss.
Culture, Events & Glamorous Quiet
San Clemente has become a rising epicenter for discreet luxury events, including the amfAR Venice Gala, which attracts an international audience of philanthropists and creatives. With its historic chapel, garden lounges, and private marina, the island offers an ideal stage for weddings, art dinners, and corporate takeovers.
As Venice embraces a new era of thoughtful tourism—less cruise ship and more cultural circuit—San Clemente provides a refuge for clients who measure value by depth, not dazzle.
“It’s where I send clients who want access but no intrusion,” says Sofiia, a travel counselor with Baroque Travel. “It feels like Venice is leaning in to listen, not talk.”
E1 Championship & The New Jet Set
Venice’s recent hosting of the E1 Electric Powerboat Championship—the world’s first fully electric marine racing series—has connected San Clemente to a younger, greener global traveler. The marina welcomed sleek, sustainable vessels and their high-net-worth owners, many of whom stayed for extended weekends, using the hotel as a base for business and cultural events.
A Glimpse at 2026
The rebranded Mandarin Oriental, Venice will feature:
- 136 redesigned rooms and suites
- Private marina for guests
- The Longevity Spa
- Paddle and tennis courts
- Dedicated children’s area
- 4 new restaurants and bar concepts
- Signature Mandarin Oriental services with multilingual concierge support
Whether guests arrive for a three-day Biennale weekend or a month-long wellness sabbatical, the hotel is designed to shift with them—not dictate the pace.
Venice 2025: Context & Curation
As the city implements daily tourist caps and reclaims its identity from mass tourism, the emergence of properties like San Clemente points to a broader luxury trend: “editorialized destinations.” The hotel doesn’t sell rooms—it frames experiences.
Venice, in this sense, is not fading—it’s curating. And San Clemente is the new front page.
Referred Hyperlinks :
- Mandarin Oriental announcement: Travel and Tour World
- Spa feature inspiration: Travel + Leisure – Blue Zones Spa
- E1 Championship: E1 Series Official Site
- Chairman Emir Uyar: Permak Group
- Venice Biennale Info: La Biennale di Venezia
- amfAR Venice Gala: amfAR Events