From its plum position lapped by the waters of the Grand Canal, Aman Venice has drawn in the gentry, from aristocracy to Hollywooders, for years. Housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Papadopoli, when the brand moved in they were set on retaining the majesty of its past; catching eyes with delicate ornaments and canal views, and revealing unique bedrooms featuring the likes of frescos (by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo no less) and silk wall hangings at the turn of any one of the 24 keys. For all its grandness, though, life within its walls is cosy and unhurried. With that signature Aman presence and contemporary creature comforts ready to calm and soothe, from the melt-upon-entry spa to one of the two private gardens – rare finds in this city.

Privacy in the heart of Venice is hard to find, so those who want to hide themselves away after a long day’s sightseeing are right at home, but it’s the art lovers and history buffs that truly thrive here. As well as being within strolling distance from the city’s main attractions, museum-worthy works adorn the hotel’s walls making every corner a stop-and-stare moment. And, exploring the library, an antique book collection lines the shelves. All prolonging the Renaissance romance just that little while longer.