Posh Venice hotel Villa F ideal for celeb spotters and thrill seekers alike

To start with an atomic name drop, when Brangelina were desperate for some decent Venetian digs for themselves and their brood, during the filming of the Angelina Jolie-starring The Tourist (2010), it was Italian hotelier Francesca Bortolotto Possati - owner of Villa F - who came to their rescue. Bortolotto Possati later oversaw the 16th-century Villa F's renovation into a luxurious palazzo. The property, which opened in 2011, stands in extensive and exquisite gardens on Giudecca Island - known for its bohemian vibe - in sight of St Mark's Square.

There are 11 suites, each named for a semi-precious stone, except for Residenza F, which was the setting for the final scene of The Tourist. Guests are welcomed by their personal butlers. Much of the furniture is antique, original frescoes decorate the walls, while the floors - naturally - are Venetian terrazzo. The gardens are open to all guests, except for the meditation pool, which is restricted to over-18s.

Although there's a kitchenette in every suite, most guests sally outside to dine. Villa F is part of Bortolotto Possati's Bauer group, comprising three eateries and a brace of bars. De Pisis, helmed by chef Hiraki Masakazu, is right beside the Grand Canal and serves Mediterranean/Asian dishes. L'Ulivo - serving up a seasonal organic menu - provides seating by its open kitchen or on a patio in a secluded garden at the Palladio Hotel, another Bauer property a short hop away. Settimo Cielo is a rooftop lounge with breathtaking views of the city and lagoon, and the obvious choice for breakfast. For an aperitif, or indeed a drink at any time of day, Bar Canale lays on a non-stop spectacle, with the bartenders mixing bellinis as the adjacent waterway buzzes with craft of all descriptions. Come weekend, rumour has it that B Bar draws celebs such as Daniel Craig, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons and Sting. Villa F's solar-powered shuttle boat is on call at all hours of the day and night.