I am just back from Venice and guess where my curiosity drove me to.
First, two gardens - one on the water and the other (very private and surrounded by old brick walls) on the back - is a feature which is exceptionally rare, even unique for this (fantastic) stretch of the Grand Canal.
Note that other resort-like properties in Venice are located on other islands in the lagoon (e.g. Cipriani or the San Clemente (the latter now closed)) nice views but not in the middle of the action and connected via boats.
So the Aman will be basically in an "urban" setting which, in my opinion is great because it is at a walking distance from many many attractions in Venice.
It is true that it is not far from the touristy Rialto Bridge, but in Venice if you skip the itinerary marked by the yellow signed (packed with hordes of tourists, souvenir shops and horrific restaurants with plastic menues) there are hundreds of peaceful and magical calli and campi (streets and squares). Campo san Polo is the closest square which is usually busy with locals.
In short, the property is amazing (grandioso!!) and so it is its location, very quiet on the back and with a jaw dropping view on the Grand Canal on the front (Rialto on the left, gorgeous Palazzo Grimani in the front and the Ca Foscari bow of the canal on the right).
It's too bad I am not working on this project!
For any question feel free to pvt me. (Note that I do NOT know anything which is not already in the public domain!).
I should be back early in March for another weekend and can't wait to see how works are progressing.
Ciao!