Gourmands and fans of Italy, take note: JW Marriott, part of Marriott International Inc., today announced that the luxury hospitality brand will return to the Veneto region for its second epicurean festival following the success of last year’s inaugural event.
Taking place at the award-winning JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, a private island retreat nestled on Isola delle Rose, Gather by JW will bring together an incredible roster of chefs, wine experts and other culinary talent and include a range of mindfulness experiences.
The immersive three-day event will celebrate the tantalizing flavors of Italian cuisine through interactive programming, giving guests exclusive access to food world luminaries with live cooking demonstrations, intimate wine tastings, hands-on culinary experiences, exclusive dinners and more. Gather by JW promises to expand on the success from last year by incorporating mindfulness experiences and touting a star-studded lineup featuring top culinary talent.
JW Marriott Venice’s award-winning chef and the mastermind behind Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia, Fabio Trabocchi, will lead the way with festival programming including ‘A Return to Roots,’ a dynamic dinner where guests will enjoy the nostalgic flavors of traditional Venetian cuisine prepared with a modern twist. Additional Gather by JW events include ‘Essentially Giada,’ a gastronomic cooking demonstration for festival attendees hosted by chef, author and television personality Giada De Laurentiis, ‘Simple Secrets to Perfect Pasta,’ an interactive demonstration hosted by Jonathan Waxman, cooking academies and more. In addition to the best of the culinary world, JW Marriott is working on soon to be announced collaborations with top well-being brands to add an element of wellness and mindfulness to the wining and dining. This will further elevate the Gather by JW programming to create a truly immersive and well-rounded festival experience for guests.
“Right after we concluded our JW culinary festival in Venice last year, one thing was abundantly clear to all of us: we are returning in 2019,” said Mitzi Gaskins, Global Brand Leader of JW Marriott. “The focus of this year’s festival truly connects to JW Marriott’s passion for nourishing the soul, togetherness and being mindful, and we are especially excited to continue our collaboration with FOOD & WINE and welcome internationally-acclaimed chefs and culinary personalities to join us in September.”
Members of Marriott Bonvoy, the company’s recently renamed loyalty program, replacing Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards, have the opportunity to bid loyalty points for a number of exclusive, VIP Gather by JW Marriott Venice Moments including preview experiences taking place in New York and London. Members can indulge in a celebratory dinner party full of surprise and delights in New York City with Fabio Trabocchi, the chef behind the soon-to-open Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia at JW Marriott Venice. In London, they can enjoy a hands-on Chef’s table experience and decadent dinner with Michelin Star Chef, Angela Hartnett at her restaurant Murano. These exclusive Moments are only available at Marriott Bonvoy Moments. Additional Gather by JW Moments will be available later this spring, including meet & greets, cooking schools with top chefs, and exclusive access to the coveted ‘Il Finale: All Star Feast’ dinner.
“Few things get me more excited than seeing so many talented chefs come together from around the globe to join forces and create an extraordinary culinary experience,” said Rainer Zinngrebe, Vice President, Global Luxury Culinary, Marriott International. “And no better place in my opinion than Venice, at the iconic JW Marriott on Isola delle Rose, to bring Gather by JW to life during the early fall season.”
About JW Marriott
JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio of brands and consists of beautiful properties and distinctive resort locations around the world. The impressive array of award-winning hotels cater to sophisticated, mindful travelers seeking The JW Treatment™ – the brand’s philosophy that true luxury is created by people who are passionate about what they do. These experiences help guests to be fully present, foster connections and feed the soul. Inspired by the principles of mindfulness, JW Marriott is a haven designed to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body, and revitalized in spirit – through programs and offerings that encourage them to come together, act with intention and experience every moment to the fullest. Today there are over 80 JW Marriott hotels in more than 25 countries and territories. Visit JW Marriott online, and on Instagram and Facebook. JW Marriott is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy™, the new name of Marriott’s travel program replacing Marriott Rewards®, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®(SPG). The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including earning points toward free hotel stays and nights toward Elite status recognition.
About JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa
Settled on its own private island in Venice, Isola delle Rose, just a quick ride to St. Mark’s Square by complimentary shuttle service, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the ultimate luxury experience for the most discerning traveler. The combination of wide and lush green areas, a refined restoration by award-winning architect Matteo Thun, together with an attentive service and the finest wellness and dining experiences makes Isola delle Rose a serene retreat from where you can easily explore the beauties of Venice and at the same time indulge in the luxury of a resort. Opened in 2015, the Resort features 266 rooms and refined suites, 4 restaurants – including the fine dining restaurant Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia, by Michelin-starred Chef Fabio Trabocchi – and 4 bars offering international and local cuisine, the largest Spa in Venice, a Church, kids club and family activities, water sports, a rooftop lounge area with pool and view over Venice, lush green areas, and Sapori Cooking Academy for gastronomes looking to experience the authentic Venetian lifestyle and atmosphere.