Bethesda, Md., November 24, 2014 – JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, the distinctive sophisticated brand of Marriott International (NASDAQ:MAR), plans to open its first Italian hotel in Venice and first resort in Europe in March 2015. The 266-room property, created in collaboration with award-winning Italian architect firm Matteo Thun & Partners, has an exceptional lagoon location on its own island, with stunning views of St Mark’s Square and La Serenissima.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa will combine the very best in contemporary hotel design with the heritage and elegance of its location, bringing the historic buildings and parklands of Isola delle Rose (Rose Island) back to life as a world-class urban resort. The hotel buildings have been sensitively refurbished by Matteo Thun & Partners to incorporate sustainable, modern and elegant design within the historic building. Tranquil bedrooms and suites, some with private pools, are simply decorated with locally made bricks, glass and tiles to reflect the artisanal talent and styles of the region.

“The opening of our first property in Italy marks a time of great growth and development for the JW Marriott brand,” said Mitzi Gaskins, vice president and global brand manager for JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts. “The new JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa exemplifies the elegance and service that our guests have come to expect, incorporating modern design elements with authentic Venetian offerings to create a truly genuine experience in a culturally rich market.”

With over 16 acres to explore, guests will experience unparalleled levels of privacy and space. Among the numerous gardens and outdoor areas are landscaped spots for quiet contemplation, as well as fruit arbours, olive groves and cultivated plots to provide fresh ingredients for the property’s diverse food and drink offerings, including four restaurants and five bars and a cooking school and wine academy. Restored outbuildings scattered around the island house a range of facilities including a picturesque function space in an old church and the spa.

In keeping with JW Marriott’s refined but informal ethos and personal service, the 1,750-metre spa, operated by GOCO Hospitality, is the largest in Venice, offering both bespoke treatments and a range of classic spa rituals from product houses including !QMS Medicosmetics and Amala. It also has an indoor and outdoor aqua-tonic pool, a health club, eight treatment rooms, a hammam and luxury spa suite.

Additional hotel facilities will include a kid’s club and dedicated family pool, water sports such as canoeing and sailing, and a sensational rooftop pool offering dramatic views across the lagoon to St. Mark’s Square, which can be reached by private boat in just fifteen minutes. Guests will also be able to try authentic Murano Glass and Venetian Mask making with weekly workshops led by local artisans.

JW Marriott Venice is the brand’s sixth European hotel. Global openings planned include JW Marriott Cabo San Lucas Resort, Mexico; JW Marriott Austin, Texas; and JW Marriott Vancouver Place Stadium, British Columbia, Canada in 2015. Rooms at the JW Marriott Venice will start from €395 including breakfast. For more information, visit jwmarriott.com/vcejw.

All JW Marriott hotels and resorts participate in Marriott Rewards, Marriott International’s award-winning guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 4,000 hotels in over 70 countries.