"Let the curtain rise and the spotlights turn on: it is Time for a New Renaissance!" -- Antonia Sautter
Imagine taking part in one of the most exclusive social appointments in the world, albeit a fantasy world where imagination takes over as you enter a sumptuous world resembling that of the Venetian aristocracy. If there is one certainty, this will be an evening that you will remember for the rest of your life, if not only for the fabulous costume that will gain you entry. In fact, Il Ballo del Doge has been described by Vanity Fair as "one of the most exclusive parties in the world."
For those who might not know, The Ballo del Doge is one of the most popular and well-known Venetian masquerade balls held during the carnival season with a guest list of around 400 participants, all dressed to the nines. The name of the event itself derives from the title of the elected heads (Doge, "Duke" in English) who ruled Venice up until the fall of the Venetian republic in the 18th century and the ball was first inaugurated in Venice in 1994. Every edition of Il Ballo has a different theme that takes inspiration from the childlike dreams of her inventor, Antonia Sautter, a fashion designer and luxury events manager in Venice and worldwide.
Antonia Sautter has long been celebrated for her artisan tailoring in the heart of Venice and her atelier is one of the most sought after in the city for true Venetian costumes. As a testament to her passion for true local craftsmanship and creative eye, it comes as no surprise that she has taken this art and invented a way to best express them, through a luxurious ball where participants can dress as the Venetian movers and shakers once did, albeit with Antonia's added flair!
A costume ball of the highest order, Il Ballo del Doge has allowed for these modern times to reflect the spirit of the festivities, dances, and banquets as they were organized in the past for the aristocracy of the Venetian Republic.
For those curious to know if the show will go on, the answer is yes! The XXIX edition of Il Ballo del Doge will throw open its doors on Saturday 26th February 2022 so we say let the curtain rise and the spotlights turn on as it is time for a new Renaissance. Are you ready to "see the stars again" at the most exclusive carnival in Venice?
Antonia Sautter invites you to take a seat in her world… a world that enhances art, beauty, and her love for her city, turning pure Venetian style and experience into a transformative act with the Renaissance as this year's protagonist.
After a year of lockdowns and curfews, the exclusive curtains will open on the exceptional stage of the majestic Renaissance building of the Scuola Grande della Misericordia ("Great Temple of Mercy")! Guests can enjoy two vast floors of historical splendor and elegance wrapped in magical new atmospheres and dreamlike settings.
Once arrived, they can immediately immerse themselves in otherworldy splendor in an ambiance made of luxurious decorations. Sautter's set designs are created specifically for every edition's theme and feature seamless artistic spectacles with over a hundred performers, refined cuisine and drinks, music, dances, and entertainment until late in the night.
Half the fun is choosing one of Sautter's incredible costumes. At her distinguished atelier, you can choose between more than 1200 creations—think period costumes that symbolize history from the middle ages to the 1920s. The outfits you see on stage at the event instead represent a dreamlike fantasy, specially created for the artists over a period spanning more than 20 editions of Il Ballo del Doge.
If your dream is to visit Venice during Carnival, start planning now since the rest of the world also wants to enjoy the decadent delights that can only be found in Venice during that time. Thanks to luxury trip concierges Luxo Italia, they can arrange your entire trip, Il Ballo del Doge included.
Here's what guests can expect
Trip Summary
7:30 PM February 25 – Friday
Private Transfer by Van and Taxi Boat to the Hotel
Check- in at St. Regis Venice – St. Regis Venice
VIP GUIDED EVENING VISIT TO ST. MARK'S BASILICA
February 26 – Saturday
Private visit to Antonia Sautter Atelier and dress pick up
Il Ballo del Doge®
February 27 – Sunday
The Islands of the Lagoon – Lunch included (Full Day)
February 28 – Monday
Check out at St. Regis Venice – St. Regis Venice
Private Transfer by Taxi Boat and Van to the airport
February 25 – Friday
Private Transfer by the Van and Taxi Boat to the Hotel
Pick up at the airport and drive to Piazzale Roma. From there, a private water taxi will be at your full disposal that will take you directly to your hotel in the most comfortable and fastest way.
More details are below
Check-in at St. Regis Venice
The ultimate sophisticate and arbiter, The St. Regis Venice combines historic legacy with modern luxury in a privileged location beside the Grand Canal surrounded by views across some of Venice's most iconic monuments. Avant-garde in outlook and revolutionary in design, the hotel is an expression of the cultural curiosity of Venice and the innovation of the modern-day against a pedigreed backdrop.
With more comfort than Deluxe rooms and presenting picturesque views over the stone-lined wall of the city or the hotel, Grand Deluxe rooms are an oasis of calm in which to unwind after a day exploring Venice. The interiors are characterized by a soothing color palette of dawn tones, thick wool carpet and exquisite layers of Venetian detailing. If desired, several of the rooms can connect with adjoining Grand Delux Rooms, a Luxury Grand Canal View Room, or a St. Regis Suite.
7:30 PM – Central European Standard Time
VIP GUIDED EVENING VISIT TO ST. MARK'S BASILICA
After closing time, when visitors have left, a guard unlocks the doors of St. Mark's Basilica for you to explore the city's most important building completely alone! St. Mark's Basilica is one of the most famous examples of Byzantine architecture in Italy and it is in this splendid setting that some of the most memorable events in the history of Venice, and the Western world, took place. Your guide will pick you up directly at your hotel at 19:30. The tour will end at a local restaurant close to San Marco (reservation only).
February 26 – Saturday
Private visit to Antonia Sautter Atelier and dress pick up. Today you will choose your costume for the night. There are 5 categories available:
• Elegant
• Luxury
• Super Luxury
• Over the Top
• Antonia Private Collection
Private transfer by water taxi to the venue of the event. Il Ballo del Doge® was born in Venice in 1994 and each year's edition has a different theme that is inspired by childhood dreams of its designer, Antonia Sautter, fashion stylist and world famous luxury event planner. It is an extraordinary, once in a lifetime masquerade ball that brings Venice literally to life.
February 27 – Sunday
The Islands of the Lagoon – Lunch included (Full Day)
The relationship between Venice and its lagoon is so profound and unusual: a private water-taxi excursion to discover all the secrets about it and have a wonderful time.
The Venetian lagoon is the largest lagoon in the Mediterranean and is dotted with dozens of islands: some are inhabited, some sparsely populated, while others are even disappearing. This private-boat tour is a journey to discover the origins of Venice and the main islands of the North Lagoon: Murano, Burano and Torcello. The lagoon boat tour is charming in all seasons, mysterious and suggestive in autumn and winter, bright and sparkling in spring and summer.
The water taxi is very comfortable and you can sit outside and inside. The private boat tour includes:
• Murano: So famous worldwide for its glass blowing, as well as the glass museum and the old church of San Donato, which houses some fantastic mosaics.
• Burano: Cheerful and picturesque with tiny brightly colored houses. An excellent place to spend your time along the narrow streets looking for typical biscuits called "bussola".
• Torcello: The jewel of the Venetian lagoon, where one can admire the oldest church of the whole area, the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, and the unique Byzantine mosaics found within. Santa Maria Assunta Basilica, the nearby Baptistry and the Romanesque church of Santa Fosca create the most impressive architectural complex among the buildings in the lagoon area.
February 28 – Monday
Check out at St. Regis Venice
The ultimate sophisticate and arbiter, The St. Regis Venice combines historic legacy with modern luxury in a privileged location beside the Grand Canal surrounded by views across some of Venice's most iconic monuments. Private Transfer by Taxi Boat & Van to the airport. Pick up at the hotel and private water taxi to Piazzale Roma. From there, private transfer by van to the airport.
Things you can expect with Luxo Italia
• VIP meet & greet at the gate
• Private transfers with personal assistance
• Hotel bookings with extra benefits
• Extraordinary dining experiences and private tours
• Concierge service 24/7. During the stay, a personal assistant is always available for the client to fulfill any requests, from new bookings to any problem that may come up
For those who are wondering, "should I book a trip in 2022, is my deposit safe?" The answer is YES. The Luxo Italia team offers a 100% flexible policy. With bookings, they are applying a fully-flexible policy to move dates free of charge in case of Covid issues. Contact Luxo to customize your next Italy adventure today.
