The song may go “I left my heart in San Francisco…” but for me, I left my heart in Venice, Italy. I visited when I was a child and it remains one of the most magical places I’ve been.

For the most luxurious stay in the ‘The Floating City’, the iconic Hotel Cipriani wins. Perched on the tip of Giudecca Island with views across the water to St Mark’s Square, the lagoon and Doge’s Palace, Hotel Cipriani offers luxurious accommodation for the whole family.

Children are well looked after at the Smile Club. The Smile Club hosts a range of activities from Venetian mask-making, pastry lessons and pizza-making with the Hotel’s chef to drawing classes under the guidance of a famous artist, using pen, ink, pencil and watercolour – I think there would be a fair bit of playground kudos to be able to say “I first experimented with watercolour in Venice”!

In addition to the Smile Club, kids have their own private swimming pool, breakfast bar and day spa treatments, and the hotel boat is at your disposal. With San Marco is just four minutes away by boat, the wonders of Venice awaits.

Hotel Cipriani offers seventy-nine beautifully decorated suites and rooms, with magnificent views over the open lagoon and the gardens. Linked to the Hotel through the garden is the Palazzo Vendramin, a 15th-century residence housing sixteen suites and rooms with sweeping vistas over the gardens and across to St Mark’s Square. See the room rates for full details but rest assured the accommodation is nothing short of luxurious with details such as guest iPads, Bulgari toiletries and fresh flowers and fruit to delight.

Bookings can be made online directly through the Hotel Cipriani. Flights and accommodation for Italy can be booked online through Goldman Holidays.