Aman Venice, Italy

Aman Venice occupies Palazzo Papadopoli, a 16th-century Grand Canal palace once owned by Napoleon's stepdaughter, with just 24 suites across three linked buildings. Opened in 2013, it provides direct private boat access to Venice's major cultural institutions including La Fenice opera house -- 300 metres away -- and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, along with exclusive after-hours access to the Doge's Palace that cannot be bought separately at any price.