One of Florence’s most iconic hilltop hotels is back. After an 18-month overhaul, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, has reopened above the city with revamped rooms, updated gardens and a new spa – building on its long-standing appeal rather than trying to reinvent it.
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High in the Fiesole hills, the ultra-luxury property, situated in a former Renaissance convent, is welcoming guests to its 39 reimagined rooms and suites, alongside a new spa by French luxury brand Guerlain, a revamped culinary offering, as well as revitalised gardens and woodlands.
There’s also a brand-new, carefully curated programme of energy-raising experiences in collaboration with Milanese brand La DoubleJ, all of which, Belmond hopes, will allow guests to experience the essence of slow luxury.
Revamped, Tuscan-inspired accommodation
Designed by the prestigious Luigi Fragola Architects, the Villa’s 27 new suites and 12 rooms offer stunning views across Florence and the Tuscan countryside beyond and pay tribute to local craftsmanship.
Original features have been restored throughout, from stone fireplaces to frescoed walls.
Accommodation inside the main building echoes its rich history, while those in the gardens take inspiration from the exquisite outside space.
Italian craftsmanship is everywhere here, with floors crafted from Impruneta terracotta and bathrooms elevated by green Cipollino marble from Carrara.
The suites are particularly special, with one, Limonaia, offering a private plunge pool.
In public spaces, the Villa’s Renaissance heritage is obvious, with hand-painted murals by local painter Francesca Guicciardini and works from artists Cristina Corvino, Maria Rita Stirpe and Mirco Marchelli for guests to delight in.
Refreshed gardens encourage a slower pace of life
The Villa’s gardens have had a major refresh, too, covering more than 10,000 square metres of terraced hillside with views over Florence.
Guests can expect restored fountains, quieter corners and clearer viewpoints, with classic Mediterranean planting – white citrus trees, lavender, rosemary and iris – running throughout.
Other new additions include an expanded kitchen garden, an iris garden – honouring Florence’s emblem – and a long rose-lined path designed for slow walks with a view.
A weekly programme brings in live music, including classical and jazz performances by the Fiesole School of Music, and creative workshops, like calligraphy and watercolour painting, while the surrounding woodland has been opened up with new walking trails and restored ancient stone benches and lookout points.
Spas and wellness as a priority
For the reopening, Villa San Michele has teamed up with French luxury house Guerlain for a new, ultra-chic spa.
Housed in the historic Franciscan convent, bespoke treatments offered reflected Guerlain’s holistic philosophy, melding together beauty, preventive health and longevity.
Guests can sample a wide selection of experiences, including “The Art of Renaissance”, an exclusive face and body treatment, which focuses on deep-sculpting massage using stone tools to relax muscles.
They can then recharge at the 17-metre-long pool, peacefully surrounded by olive trees.
For those into spirituality and energy healing, Milanese lifestyle brand La DoubleJ and the Villa have teamed up to create an “Energy Raising Programme”.
In the property’s woodland, La DoubleJ designed three immersive spaces with a focus on promoting energetic reawakening and contemplative practice.
The Energy Chapel invites deep stillness and inner connection, the Sungazing Lounge encourages sunset gazing rituals over the Florentine hills, and an open-air Yoga Deck welcomes guests to take part in a guided practice or exercise solo.
Gastronomy inspired by the region – and the seasons
Throughout the hotel’s three dining areas, local flavours are very much at the forefront.
Each offers views across Florence below from San Michele Restaurant, with its refined Italian cuisine offering to San Michele Grill, which boasts relaxed poolside dining.
New for this year is Antesi, Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino’s jewel in the crown. Expect dishes inspired by the land and by each season of the year.
Tasting menus include dishes featuring the freshest ingredients, including Grosseto cuttlefish, panzanella, plum colatura, homemade pasta and raw milk pecorino.
At the newly renovated Bar Doccia Villa San Michele, set between the gardens and the historic cloister, guests can sample a classic aperitivo or digestif, or a special aromatic cocktail including Woodland, made with gin, lemon verbena, lavender cordial, and mountain pine liquor.