Nestled high in the Fiesole hills with breathtaking views over Florence’s iconic domes and the rolling Tuscan countryside, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, has gracefully reopened its doors. Following an extensive 18-month transformation, this legendary hilltop retreat—housed within a former Renaissance convent—has not reinvented itself but has instead deepened its timeless appeal. With 39 meticulously reimagined rooms and suites, a new Guerlain spa, revitalized gardens, and a thoughtfully curated programme of experiences, the hotel reaffirms its status as one of Florence’s most iconic addresses. The guiding vision for the renewal was to enhance the property’s historic charm while introducing elements of “slow luxury,” inviting guests to step away from the frenetic pace of modern life and immerse themselves in beauty, tranquility, and la dolce vita.
The heart of the Villa’s renewal lies in its accommodations, where centuries of history seamlessly blend with contemporary Tuscan elegance. Designed by the esteemed Luigi Fragola Architects, the 27 suites and 12 rooms pay profound homage to local craftsmanship and the building’s storied past. Original features, from ancient stone fireplaces to delicate frescoed walls, have been lovingly restored. The spaces within the main convent building resonate with its rich monastic heritage, while the garden accommodations draw inspiration from the lush, serene landscapes outside. Impruneta terracotta floors and bathrooms adorned with green Cipollino marble from Carrara speak to the excellence of Italian artisanship. Among the standout suites is the Limonaia, which offers the ultimate indulgence: a private plunge pool. Throughout the Villa’s public areas, the Renaissance spirit is alive, celebrated through hand-painted murals by Florentine artist Francesca Guicciardini and captivating works from contemporary artists, ensuring every corner is a feast for the senses.
Beyond its walls, the Villa’s magnificent gardens have undergone a profound revival, transforming over 10,000 square metres of terraced hillside into a sanctuary for contemplation and leisurely strolls. The redesign has restored historic fountains, created quieter, intimate corners, and opened up stunning, unobstructed viewpoints over Florence. The planting is classically Mediterranean, with fragrant avenues of white citrus trees, lavender, rosemary, and iris—the latter paying homage to Florence’s symbol. New additions invite exploration: an expanded kitchen garden, a dedicated iris garden, and a long, rose-lined path designed expressly for slow, reflective walks. The surrounding woodland, too, has been opened with new trails, inviting guests to discover restored ancient stone benches and peaceful lookout points. A weekly programme further animates the grounds with live classical and jazz music from the Fiesole School of Music, alongside creative workshops in calligraphy and watercolour, perfectly encapsulating the hotel’s commitment to cultivated leisure.
Wellness is redefined at the new Guerlain Spa, a temple of holistic rejuvenation housed within the historic Franciscan convent. This partnership with the legendary French luxury house brings a philosophy that beautifully intertwines beauty, preventive health, and longevity. Guests can indulge in bespoke treatments like “The Art of Renaissance,” an exclusive face and body ritual that employs deep-sculpting massage with stone tools to release tension. Afterwards, relaxation continues at the serene 17-metre outdoor pool, nestled peacefully among ancient olive trees. Complementing this is a unique “Energy Raising Programme” created in collaboration with the vibrant Milanese lifestyle brand La DoubleJ. Within the hotel’s woodland, three immersive spaces are designed for energetic reawakening: the Energy Chapel for deep stillness, the Sungaking Lounge for sunset gazing rituals, and an open-air Yoga Deck for guided or solo practice, offering a truly holistic path to well-being that nourishes both body and spirit.
The culinary journey at Villa San Michele is a celebration of Tuscany itself, where local flavours and seasonal rhythms take centre stage across three distinct dining venues. Each offers those unparalleled views over Florence, from the refined Italian cuisine of the San Michele Restaurant to the relaxed, poolside ambiance of the San Michele Grill. The crown jewel is the new Antesi, led by Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino. Here, tasting menus are poetic love letters to the land and the turning seasons, featuring exquisite dishes such as Grosseto cuttlefish, panzanella, homemade pasta, and raw milk pecorino. For a quintessentially Italian moment, the newly renovated Bar Doccia, set between the gardens and the historic cloister, is the perfect spot. Guests can enjoy a classic aperitivo or a signature aromatic cocktail like the “Woodland,” crafted with gin, lemon verbena, lavender cordial, and mountain pine liqueur, as the golden hour washes over the hills.
In reopening, Villa San Michele has masterfully achieved a delicate balance, honoring its profound historical and artistic legacy while introducing contemporary layers of luxury and wellness. It stands not as a mere hotel, but as a serene, hilltop sanctuary where every detail—from the hand-restored frescoes and the scent of citrus in the gardens to the holistic spa treatments and farm-to-table cuisine—invites a deeper, more meaningful connection to place. It is a destination that encourages guests to slow down, to wander, to create, and to simply be, offering an immersive experience of Tuscan beauty that is both timeless and thoughtfully renewed for the modern discerning traveler.
