Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is continuing its strategic global growth plan and will open its first property in Venice, Italy, in 2025.

Rosewood announced it has been selected to manage the Hotel Bauer in Venice, a property originally built in 1880 that’s situated in the city’s historic San Marco district, between the Grand Canal and Piazza San Marco, just a short distance from famous sites such as the Rialto Bridge.

Owned by real estate developer SIGNA Prime Selection, Hotel Bauer is set to undergo a multi-year renovation in November 2022, at which time the hotel will close as it prepares to reopen as Rosewood Hotel Bauer in 2025.

Led by Venice-based architect, Alberto Torsello, and interior design group, BAR Studio, the sensitive restoration of the existing building will preserve the hotel’s historic framework which will be repaired and integrated into the new design including the original façade, grand winding staircase and many interior elements.

As part of the project, the hotel will receive a luxurious new wellness facility. Roberto Cemin of Wellness and Spa Solutions revealed to Spa Business that he has been appointed as the spa consultant for the project.

Throughout the restoration, there will be an emphasis on sustainability, which will play a highly significant role in the plans for the hotel as the property aims to obtain three sustainability certificates: the Green Pass, Casa Klima and LEED Gold.

“We’re thrilled to be growing Rosewood’s presence in Europe with this pivotal addition in such a magnificent and beloved city like Venice,” said Radha Arora, president of Rosewood and co-chief development officer.

“Across our portfolio, we’ve been honoured with opportunities to restore and reimagine many historic spaces across the globe, and we’re incredibly thankful that Rosewood has been chosen to help breathe new life into Hotel Bauer.”

Rosewood Hotel Bauer will comprise approximately 110 rooms, with over half of the accommodations being suites, including several signature suites and a presidential suite.

The property’s food and beverage offerings will include a casual restaurant and wine bar on the ground floor and a refined Venetian restaurant and rooftop bar with a traditional Venetian Altana.

The property will also be home to an Italian rooftop garden with views of the city, and an outdoor pool with a bar located on the eighth floor.

A luxury retail space spanning around over 32,200sq ft will be integrated into the property experience and located at the rear of the building directly on the lively Campo San Moisé square, close to Piazza San Marco.

Rosewood Hotel Bauer is the third new addition to Rosewood's development pipeline announced this year alone, joining The Raleigh Miami Beach and Rosewood Red Sea in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, the hotel joins the brand’s growing Italian portfolio, including Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany and the upcoming Rosewood Rome, set to open in 2024.

It further marks the seventh property within Rosewood’s European collection which includes Rosewood London, Paris’ Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, the recently opened Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid, Spain and the upcoming Rosewood Vienna, opening in Summer 2022.