The Italian city is famed for many things: its labyrinth of canals and drifting gondolas, exquisite architecture, the lively Carnival and — for being very, very busy. So, where to go to escape the hordes? Board a private boat and say goodbye to the crowds at St Mark’s as you glide through the lagoon and arrive 20 minutes later at Isola Delle Rose, a 40-acre island where the JW Marriott Venice resides. Already providing privacy, you can still take it up a notch and book the Villa Rose — the multilevel villa has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living room, dining room with separate kitchen, study and sitting room. Venture outside to admire the 4,520 sq ft of garden or take a dip in the swimming pool. While the villa is entirely self-contained, so you don’t really have to leave, the hotel offers a number of experiences from an open-air cinema to tours around the city.