Palazzina Grassi

A pristine 16th-century Grand Canal palace revamped into high-tech splendour by design guru Philippe Starck.

From rooms bouncing with light from back-lit mirrors and all-white fabrics to a cruise-cosy bar/restaurant – think cherrywood furniture, funky Murano chandeliers and leather upholstery.

It’s created with high design-conscious guests in mind, though loved-up couples will be thrilled by the views and the glamour, and gastronomes will drool over seeing the stellar chefs at work in the open kitchen.

It’s a stone’s throw from the art-stuffed Accademia gallery and 10 minutes’ walk from Piazza San Marco. An easy stroll across the Grand Canal is lively Campo Santa Margherita, a good stop-off for cappuccino, a light lunch or an evening Spritz.