JW Marriott Venice

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa — the island of roses, rooftops and lagoon views

Hidden in the southern lagoon, the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa was built on Sacca Sessola, one of Venice’s most surprising islands: an artificial islet with a layered past that today hosts the luxurious resort, a breath-taking rooftop restaurant and a green park that feels miles away from the busy streets of the city.  

A short history

Sacca Sessola is not an ancient island but a 19th-century creation — constructed between about 1860 and 1870 using material dredged during port works. Over the decades it has been a fuel depot, farmland, and—most notably—a pulmonary hospital and quarantine complex that served Venice for much of the 20th century. After periods of abandonment and reuse by research and institutional projects, the island was redeveloped in the 2010s and reopened as a luxury resort and spa: the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

That layering — industrial, medical, ecological and now hospitality — is part of Sacca Sessola’s charm: beneath the manicured lawns and architecture you can still sense the island’s practical origins and its evolving role inside the lagoon. 

The rooftop: 360° lagoon panoramas and elegant dining

On the fourth floor of the hotel complex is the island’s showpiece: a stunning rooftop terrace and restaurant that offers arguably the best panoramic view of Venice’s skyline — from the open lagoon to the domes of San Marco. The venue (called Sagra Rooftop Restaurant / Rooftop Bar) combines a lounge bar, dining areas and a poolside setting where cocktails and seasonal cuisine pair with extraordinary sunsets. It’s open to the public — but tables and access can be limited, so reservations are strongly recommended (especially for sunset). 

If you want the full experience, aim for an aperitivo there as the light, the skyline and the gentle sound of water make it a memorable place to pause and picture Venice from a new angle. 

Practical visitor notes

  • The island is sometimes called “Isola delle Rose” on hotel materials, but locals and maps most commonly use Sacca Sessola. 
  • The hotel complex includes facilities such as a spa, conference rooms, dock and marina infrastructure (and the property runs private-shuttle and transfer options). If you plan to visit the rooftop as a non-guest, call ahead and confirm public access and opening hours. 
  • Best times to visit: morning or late afternoon for the view and sunset aperitivo; or a relaxed lunch if you prefer daylight lagoon panoramas. Book the rooftop in advance to avoid disappointment. 

Visit Sacca Sessola with our boat tour: Discover the Southern Lagoon

The most authentic way to reach Sacca Sessola is by water — and even better, as part of a curated lagoon experience that reveals a quieter, more atmospheric Venice. Join our signature boat tour, “Discover the Southern Lagoon”, designed for travellers who want to escape the crowds and experience the lagoon like a local.

Why choose this tour?

Discover the Southern Lagoon is a curated experience that blends:

  • Refined elegance at Sacca Sessola

  • The mysterious charm of Poveglia

  • Authentic local life in Malamocco and Lido di Venezia

All aboard an intimate boat, away from crowded public transport and large tour groups.

Related articles: