Where is it? On the island of Torcello, northeast of the Venetian lagoon and a 45-minute boat ride from Venice. What's so special about it? The visitors' book is packed with personal scribbles from international stars and celebrities who have enjoyed their stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Created by Giuseppe Cipriani, the founder of the world-famous Harry's Bar in Venice, Locanda Cipriani (right) became fashionable after Ernest Hemingway wrote Across the River and Through the Trees during his stay there. It boasts a long list of celebrated visitors, from Charlie Chaplin to Winston Churchill, several kings and queens, and Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana. Sir Elton John and Nicole Kidman count among the current 'names'. What's the place like? The environment is rustic, with timber ceilings and lots of terracotta. Old copper pots and pitchers hang on the walls, adding to the ambience. At the entrance is a bar and a large country fireplace, a favourite spot in winter. The pace is slow and relaxed. What about the rooms? There are only six - three singles, two junior suites and one senior suite - all on the first floor. Each is individually decorated and furnished to capture the history of the building, with high-vaulted ceilings, period furniture, large beds and comfortable armchairs. Bathrooms are decorated with classical Venetian mosaic tiles and the rooms have modern conveniences such as telephones, safes and air conditioning. There are no televisions to be found anywhere on the property. According to Bonifacio Brass, manager and grandson of Giuseppe Cipriani, they were excluded to preserve the bucolic atmosphere. What's on the menu? Chef Renato Ceccato serves dishes invented by the Cipriani family. The restaurant is always booked out at weekends and is patronised by Venetians. The menu features home-style cooking that utilises the produce of the area - fresh fish, local vegetables, home-made pasta and rice. Cakes, biscuits and brioches are served fresh with breakfast each day. What is there to do? Locanda Cipriani is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the peace and rustic charm. If you're in the mood for exploring, there are lots of old buildings on the island, including the oldest building in the district, the cathedral of Santa Maria dell'Assunta (AD639). Tell us more Torcello is the perfect base from which to investigate the other outer islands of Venice, which include Burano and Murano. Christina Pfeiffer Locanda Cipriani, 13 Piazza Santa Fosca, 29 - 30012 Torcello, Venice, Italy, tel: 39 041 730150; www.locandacipriani.com . Prices start at Euro120 ($1,240) a person a night, including breakfast. The Venetian islands are linked by vaporetto (public water bus).