Perfumer Jo Malone Shares Her Family-friendly Venice Itinerary — and Her Best Tips for Finding Cheap Eats

A Room with a View

My husband, Gary, and I have been to Venice many times and have stayed in properties all over the city, from cheap B&Bs to high-end properties like Belmond Hotel Cipriani (doubles from $786). This time around, I’m tempted to spend a few days at Hotel Danieli (doubles from $503), which is steeped in old-world elegance and makes you feel like you’re in an Agatha Christie novel. The rooms have these stunning balconies that overlook the lagoon.

Study Abroad

One of my new goals in life is to take four educational vacations a year. As a fragrance maker, I like adventures that activate my senses and spark my creativity. But the trip to Venice is actually my teenage son’s idea. He loves art and wants to explore museums like the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and the Doge’s Palace.

Through the Looking Glass

I’m fascinated by other people and what they put in bottles, whether it’s perfume, olive oil, or wine. That’s why our holiday will include not one, but two glass-centered side adventures. First, we’ll drive to Bibano, a small village an hour north of Venice, to visit the Bottega Spa winery and learn how they make their world-famous Prosecco. Our second excursion will be to the island of Murano, where we’ll watch the glassblowers and dine at the hole-in-the-wall trattorias.

Local Flavor

I’m not interested in checking out the newest restaurants. I like to find out where the Venetians eat and drink. One of my best tips for dining out in Venice is to order an aperitivo at the bar rather than at a table. It’ll be a third of the price. That said, I’m definitely splurging on a meal at Belmond Hotel Cipriani’s Giudecca 10 (entrées $32–$44). They have the best pizzas and Bellinis.

Inspired by Malone’s travels to Italy and Portugal, Jo by Jo Loves ($105) combines citrusy notes of grapefruit and bitter orange.