Hotel Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice, Venice

Hotel Cipriani sits on Giudecca Island with a 33-by-17-metre Olympic-sized saltwater pool, the largest in Venice, heated with seawater. The pool is open year-round and has a pool bar serving snacks and drinks. Surrounding the pool are immaculate gardens that include a historic vineyard, plus a tennis court where guests can book private lessons.

The Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant, led by Chef Vania, offers a lagoon-view menu that includes dishes by Massimo Bottura. Cip's Club sits directly on the Grand Canal and serves dinner with sunset views over Venice. Breakfast includes a buffet and à la carte options on the restaurant terrace, with a falconer present to keep pigeons away.

Rooms and suites are designed by Peter Marino and feature Venetian plaster walls, Murano glass chandeliers, and Aqua di Parma toiletries. Many rooms offer lagoon views, balconies, or terraces overlooking St Mark's Square or the gardens. The hotel has 74 rooms, including Junior Suites with separate sitting areas and Premium Rooms with direct St Mark's views.

A private motorboat shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes, 24 hours a day, from the hotel's own jetty to St Mark's Square, taking about 5 minutes. The hotel is 18 km from Venice Marco Polo Airport, and airport water transfers can be arranged through the concierge. Nearby attractions include Doge's Palace, Rialto Bridge, and the Basilica of San Giorgio Maggiore.

The Dior Spa offers treatments such as facials, body wraps, massages, and a thalassotherapy circuit with a steam room and sauna. Guests can join daily yoga classes, use the fitness centre with a personal trainer, or take tennis lessons on the hotel court. For children, there is a kids' pool, a playground, babysitting services, and a cooking class.

Pool: Venice's only Olympic-sized heated seawater pool

Dining: Michelin-starred Oro Restaurant

Location: Private motorboat shuttle to St Mark's Square

Wellness: Dior Spa with thalassotherapy circuit

Rooms: Peter Marino-designed suites with lagoon views

Activities: Tennis court, yoga, cooking classes for children