Belmond Villa San Michele

After an 18-month restoration, this 15th-century former monastery emerges not merely renewed, but reimagined – a sanctuary where Tuscan heritage meets contemporary savoir-vivre. Across the 39 rooms and suites there are neutral tones and warm pastels, King beds and marble bathrooms with views of the internal cloister, courtyard, or gardens. Junior Suites are carefully spread out to offer private terraces or gardens and some can connect to accommodate small groups and families. The Signature Suites are vast, each accommodating four people. Those in search of total seclusion will love the Signature Limonaia Suite, formerly the orangery and has a private garden, waterfall and plunge pool, and which can be connected to a Garden Junior Suite to create an idyllic private residence.

Highly recommended is the fine dining menu at the hotel’s Antesi Restaurant. The Bar Doccia Villa San Michele is the ideal meeting place in the former cloisters for cocktails in the garden – Negroni anyone? Graze all day at the San Michele Grill by the pool with wood-fired pizzas and an unbeatable view of Florence.

New for 2026 is the addition of the Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain and meditation sessions provided by La DoubleJ.

SUITABLE FOR:

• Families, both young and old
• Couples in search of Italian glamour
• Art lovers

THINGS TO DO AT THE HOTEL:

• Delve into the wine cellar, well-stocked with the best Italian labels
• Work off the excess calories in the panoramic gym
• Walk through the terraced gardens to the hilltop swimming pool
• Try local specialities at the hotel’s Ristorante San Michele
• Enjoy a concert in the gardens courtesy of the School of Music of Fiesole

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

• Browse the many jewellery and leather boutiques on the Ponte Vecchio
• Kayak beneath the ancient bridge on the River Arno
• View the Renaissance masterpieces in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery and stroll around the Duomo
• Hike through Monte Ceceri Park where Leonardo da Vinci tested his flying machine
• Take the shuttle into central Florence for a spot of retail therapy