Des Bains 1900, Lido di Venezia

Last summer it celebrated its first 125 years of activity, earning the title of Italy’s best heritage beach club. This is the beach of wealthy Venetians, more so than the Excelsior which in the collective imagination is the lido of international VIPs, especially during the film festival. It inspired Thomas Mann in writing one of his masterpieces, Death in Venice. It continued to operate even while the hotel, a Liberty style masterpiece, remained closed, as it still is today. Des Bains 1900 is a symbol of Venice and a reference point for those who want to experience one or more days at the sea in excellence. A structure that combines present and past, tradition and innovation, culture and glamour, cabanas and sun loungers. The beach stands out for its extraordinary width and the considerable space that separates the shoreline from the rows of umbrellas or tucul (original cabanas found only here). The lounge area near the beach bar is spacious, well-maintained, with discrete luxury and sits on a lawn: it features colorful seating and sofas where you can enjoy cocktails during aperitivo hour or a quick lunch with salads and simple dishes in self-service style. Going up a staircase you’ll find a splendid à la carte restaurant overlooking the beach with elegant furnishings. Among the dishes on the menu: Storo polenta with shrimp and creamed cod, gratinéed tagliolini Buranella style, risotto “our way” with Adriatic aromas, fish stew. There are also two children’s areas, babysitting services, beach volleyball, ping pong, yoga, pilates, aqua aerobics. A spa center and boutique complete the offering. Tradition also means respecting ancient rules, like the silence hours imposed from 1 PM to 4 PM. The collaboration for desserts with the historic Pasticceria Milady of Marghera will return in 2026, after last season’s success.