Escape the Crowds in Venice: Relax at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa with Your Family
Venice is a city that entertains families with its winding canals, historic architecture, and car-free squares. I’ve visited the city on four different occasions, in various seasons, and have realized the crowds never really cease to exist. On my latest visit, I quickly found myself yearning for an escape, not to a distant city, but to a peaceful retreat. Enter the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, my home away from home on my recent Italy vacation. The property is a luxurious escape offering the perfect balance between the excitement of Venice and a relaxing family vacation.
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**I was a guest of JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa for the purpose of this review.
Arrival at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
Located on the private island of Isola delle Rose, the resort is an easy 20-minute boat ride from the historic city center, but feels a world away from the crowds. The adventure begins with a private water taxi that picks you up just outside the Venice Train Station.
For families, this is priceless. It saves time trying to navigate the different vaporetto schedules and dragging luggage through the bustling streets of Venice.
I felt like a celebrity cruising past the city’s landscape before arriving at the hotel’s private entrance. This seamless transfer was a million times better than our last transfer experience in Venice. That time included hauling luggage on and off the water taxi and trying to avoid kids falling in the water.
Accommodations at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
I appreciate a property with a variety of accommodations for families. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa has traditional hotel rooms that would be the perfect choice for small families. Spacious villas are my favorite choice to accommodate larger or extended families. There’s truly something for everyone.
Guest rooms in the main building are spacious and elegant. Many feature panoramic views of the lagoon or the resort’s beautifully landscaped gardens.
For families seeking more space and privacy, I would recommend the residences. These standalone accommodations provide separate living areas, multiple bedrooms, and often include a private garden where children can play while parents relax. Some of them have a plunge pool, which is perfect for cooling off after a hot summer day.
I stayed in a La Maisonette Loft, which features a small private yard and pool, a spacious living room (with a sleeper sofa that can accommodate 2), a half bathroom (downstairs), and a master suite (with shower and tub) upstairs.
This is a quiet area of the resort, but it is close to the soccer field, padel courts, and spa. There are bikes available on the property if you would prefer to use them instead of walking between the residences and the main resort.
World-Class Amenities at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is different from a typical city hotel because it has a wealth of amenities that cater to both relaxation and recreation. After days of exploring Venice’s historical piazzas and alleyways, families will appreciate having so many options right on the property.
Outdoor Activities for Families
If you are looking for a resort where the family can burn off some energy, this is the place for you. There’s a well-equipped fitness center, two swimming pools (one is an adults-only rooftop infinity pool that looks out towards the city, and the other is a family-friendly outdoor pool), a soccer field, two padel courts, and trails throughout the property for running or cycling.
Families can also take a stroll through the olive grove or rose garden, or take a peek at the herb garden where chefs gather ingredients for the resort’s restaurants.
The Spa Experience
The resort’s world-class spa is stunning and offers a comprehensive menu of treatments. Facilities include treatment rooms, multiple saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, and a yoga space. If parents need a place to relax, this should be their first stop.
Where to Eat at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
There are a variety of dining options on the property, but know that some are seasonal. First up is Agli Amici Dopolavoro, a fine dining restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef. I did not have a chance to eat here, but it has a lovely location and the menu looks fabulous.
Perhaps the star restaurant of the property is Sagra Rooftop Restaurant, where diners have a spectacular view overlooking the Venetian lagoon with the city in the backdrop. I had two delicious meals here, and would highly recommend the burrata starter and gnocchi with seabass. This is also the location of the infinity pool and rooftop bar, and it offers beautiful views of Venice.
Other dining options include Cucina (this is where you’ll find the buffet breakfast), Dispensa Delicatessen (for snacks and coffee), Giardino Grill (next to the family pool, seasonal), and the Rose Bar Lounge (perfect for an evening cocktail).
Engaging Programs for Young Guests
One of the greatest challenges of family travel is keeping children entertained and engaged, especially after several days of adult-oriented cultural activities. The JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa addresses this with thoughtfully designed programs kids and parents are sure to appreciate.
Kids’ Club
The resort’s kids’ club offers a variety of supervised games and crafts as well as outdoor activities. When parents are ready to enjoy a spa treatment, have a romantic dinner, or simply read a book by the pool, the kids’ club provides a safe and engaging environment for kids.
Please note: parents need to remain on the property while children are in the kids’ club.
Cooking Classes
In a destination as food-focused as Italy, cooking classes are the perfect way to create lasting family memories. The resort offers culinary programs where families can learn to make traditional Italian dishes together.
These hands-on experiences take place in the on-site Sapori Cooking Academy, and we would recommend reserving your spot in advance.
What You Need to See in Venice with Kids
Assuming you came to see the city, there are some places we recommend visiting in Venice with kids. There’s a complimentary shuttle service between the resort and Piazza San Marco. It runs every half hour and takes about 20 minutes.
After you arrive, head straight to St. Mark’s Square, where kids will marvel at the buildings and, of course, the pigeons! Don’t miss an opportunity to step inside St. Mark’s Basilica (book your tickets in advance) to admire its glittering mosaics, and take the elevator to the top of the Campanile for breathtaking views across the city and lagoon. See if the kids can spot the resort in the distance!
From there, wander through the Doge’s Palace, either with a guided tour (this is the tour we recommend) or one of the provided audio devices. There is a fabulous history here, and you don’t want to miss it!
The next stop is the famous Rialto Bridge, and I would recommend grabbing a quick treat or hot chocolate before embarking on your journey. Shop or browse your way through the Rialto Market, and for the quintessential Venetian experience, hop on a gondola (or Vaporetto) to glide past the city’s palaces on the Grand Canal. After your ride, grab a gelato from Suso, because there’s always time for gelato when you’re on vacation.
Why This Resort Is Perfect for Families Visiting Venice
Venice is magical, but it’s also exhausting. The constant navigation of bridges and stairs with strollers (been there, done that), the challenge of finding child-friendly restaurants among the tourist traps, and the sheer volume of people can drain even the most patient families. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the perfect solution, providing a home base where everyone can recharge.
The private island setting provides a safe environment that families will appreciate. Parents can relax knowing their kids can move freely within the resort’s boundaries, and the traffic-free environment means not worrying about cars or scooters.
For families planning a trip to Venice, this resort transforms the experience from potentially stressful to genuinely restorative. Instead of cramming into small hotel rooms or dealing with the logistics of vacation rentals, you have access to a stunning property with luxurious accommodations, extensive culinary options, and exceptional service.
In my mind, the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the perfect place for a family vacation. This was my first visit to this tranquil retreat, but it certainly won’t be my last.
