A new era is dawning on the sun-soaked shores of Venice’s Lido. Abu Dhabi’s Eagle Hills, one of the most dynamic real estate developers in the world, has stepped into a landmark $215 million renovation of the legendary Grand Hôtel des Bains. This move signals more than just another luxury development—it’s a symbol of cultural preservation, strategic international partnership, and the rebirth of a Venetian icon.
Eagle Hills’ involvement brings global attention back to the Lido, where the grand dame of Italian hospitality once reigned supreme. With this renovation, the Middle Eastern powerhouse is taking a bold step into Western Europe, joining forces with leading Italian real estate firm COIMA. Together, they aim to breathe new life into a site deeply woven into Venice’s glamorous past.
Reviving a Symbol of European Elegance
The Grand Hôtel des Bains was inaugurated in 1900 and quickly became a glittering jewel in Venice’s crown. For over a century, it welcomed royalty, artists, and film stars who lounged beneath striped beach umbrellas and sipped espresso in its marble salons. Its elegant Belle Époque design, sea-facing terraces, and timeless allure made it a symbol of the golden age of travel.
Beyond celebrity and splendor, the hotel held cultural weight. German author Thomas Mann famously used it as the backdrop for his classic novella Death in Venice, immortalizing its quiet opulence in world literature. The Venice Film Festival, held annually on the Lido, further anchored the hotel as a favorite of global elites.
But time took its toll. The hotel shuttered in 2010, and despite several attempts to revive it, the landmark stood dormant for over a decade—until now.
A High-Profile Comeback
Eagle Hills’ decision to join the renovation effort is part of a broader strategy to expand into Europe’s most valuable cultural and real estate markets. Known for delivering luxury developments across the Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe, Eagle Hills has a proven track record of revitalizing urban spaces while maintaining a deep respect for local history.
Their partnership with COIMA—a key Italian player in sustainable urban regeneration—has birthed a visionary plan to transform the Grand Hôtel des Bains back into a world-class hospitality destination. The renovation will restore the hotel’s original charm while introducing cutting-edge amenities designed for today’s luxury traveler.
With a total investment of around $215 million, this is no small undertaking. Yet it is exactly the kind of large-scale, high-impact project that defines Eagle Hills’ bold approach to global development.
Inside the Renovation Vision
The restoration of the Grand Hôtel des Bains is about more than simply reopening an old hotel. It’s about reinventing the guest experience while preserving the soul of a cultural monument.
The new vision includes:
- Restoring the historic exterior, grand lobby, and original architectural details that defined the hotel’s early 20th-century charm
- Reimagining interiors with high-end suites, private residences, and state-of-the-art wellness amenities
- Creating vibrant social spaces including a beach club, fine dining restaurants, and art-focused public areas
- Developing over 20,000 square meters of surrounding public space, including beachfront promenades and green areas for both locals and visitors
- Integrating sustainable materials, renewable energy solutions, and green building practices to meet ESG benchmarks
The revived hotel is expected to attract a new generation of travelers who seek history, luxury, and environmental consciousness—all wrapped into one destination.
A Strategic Move for Eagle Hills
For Eagle Hills, this project is a significant step in cementing its place on the European stage. It marks the company’s growing influence in markets beyond the Middle East and shows its capacity to contribute meaningfully to iconic global destinations.
This move also reflects a deepening partnership between the UAE and Italy. Following high-level diplomatic and economic engagements between the two nations, cross-border investments have increased—especially in sectors like real estate, hospitality, energy, and innovation. Eagle Hills’ involvement in Venice can be seen as a result of this warming relationship, as well as a strategic decision to invest in culturally rich, high-potential assets.
It’s also a signal of confidence in Italy’s long-term economic and tourism recovery post-pandemic. As luxury travel bounces back and international tourism regains momentum, high-end hospitality developments in heritage cities like Venice are regaining investor attention.
Venice’s Lido: A New Chapter
The Lido of Venice, long overshadowed by the city’s historic canals and piazzas, has been steadily carving out its own identity. Once the setting for Europe’s elite summer vacations, the Lido had faded into a quieter rhythm in recent decades. This renovation project could change that narrative.
The revitalization of the Grand Hôtel des Bains is likely to trigger a wider transformation of the Lido. As the hotel regains its place as a luxury anchor, nearby businesses, cultural initiatives, and hospitality offerings are expected to follow suit. From artisanal boutiques to fine dining and local arts festivals, the Lido could be poised for a renaissance of its own.
By investing not just in a building, but in the surrounding area’s infrastructure and community spaces, Eagle Hills and COIMA are catalyzing a ripple effect of regeneration—economic, social, and cultural.
Beyond Real Estate: A Legacy Project
What sets this project apart is its ambition to balance the past with the future. It’s not about building something new on top of the old—it’s about bringing the old back to life with a new purpose.
In many ways, this renovation is a legacy project. It’s a chance to preserve a piece of European history while making it relevant for future generations. It’s a declaration that luxury and heritage can go hand in hand, and that iconic places still have a vital role to play in today’s hospitality narrative.
It also speaks to the kind of developments Eagle Hills is interested in pursuing—those that tell a story, serve a community, and leave a lasting mark on both the skyline and the culture.
What’s Next?
Renovation plans are already moving forward, with work expected to begin in the near future. Upon completion, the Grand Hôtel des Bains will re-enter the global luxury scene as a renewed icon—ready to host film stars, artists, travelers, and visionaries once more.
For Eagle Hills, this project is both a milestone and a message: that transformative investments can honor the past, energize the present, and build for the future.
And for Venice, it marks the beginning of a new story—one where tradition and transformation walk hand in hand along the shores of the Lido.
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