Florence’s iconic Villa San Michele hotel reopens with revamped spa, rooms and gardens
A New Chapter for Florence’s Historic Villa San Michele
Florence s iconic Villa San Michele – After a meticulous 18-month transformation, Florence’s beloved hilltop retreat, Villa San Michele, has made its triumphant return as a Belmond property. The iconic landmark, nestled atop the Fiesole hills, now invites guests to experience its renewed elegance, blending timeless charm with modern refinements. While the hotel has retained its core identity, subtle enhancements to its interiors, gardens, and spa facilities aim to deepen the visitor experience rather than disrupt its storied legacy.
Aesthetic and Structural Revival
Located within a 16th-century Renaissance convent, the hotel’s architectural transformation was led by the esteemed Luigi Fragola Architects. The design harmonizes the building’s historical roots with contemporary sophistication, resulting in 39 newly reimagined accommodations—27 suites and 12 rooms—that offer panoramic vistas of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. Each space honors local craftsmanship, from the textured Impruneta terracotta floors to the serene bathrooms adorned with green Cipollino marble sourced from Carrara. Notably, the Limonaia suite stands out with its private plunge pool, providing a tranquil oasis for discerning guests.
The public areas of the hotel reflect its Renaissance heritage, with hand-painted murals by local artist Francesca Guicciardini and sculptures from Cristina Corvino, Maria Rita Stirpe, and Mirco Marchelli. These elements invite guests to linger in a space that feels both timeless and alive. The original features, such as stone fireplaces and frescoed walls, have been painstakingly restored, ensuring that the property’s rich history remains palpable in every corner.
Revamped Wellness and Nature
The spa has undergone a significant upgrade, collaborating with the renowned French brand Guerlain to create an ultra-chic sanctuary for holistic well-being. The new facility embodies Guerlain’s philosophy, integrating beauty, preventive health, and longevity into bespoke treatments. One standout offering is “The Art of Renaissance,” a face and body ritual that combines deep-sculpting massage with stone tools to invigorate muscles and soothe the senses. Guests can unwind in the 17-metre-long pool, surrounded by olive trees that frame the view of the city below.
Outside, the revitalized gardens and terraced hillside have been reimagined to enhance both beauty and functionality. Spanning over 10,000 square metres, the landscaped area now features classic Mediterranean flora—white citrus trees, lavender, rosemary, and iris—alongside new additions such as an expanded kitchen garden and a dedicated iris garden. This design choice nods to Florence’s emblematic symbol, celebrating the city’s cultural identity. A rose-lined path, meticulously crafted for leisurely strolls, weaves through the greenery, encouraging guests to embrace the concept of slow living.
Experiential Offerings and Collaborations
Belmond has also introduced a curated programme of immersive experiences, designed to connect visitors with the essence of slow luxury. Partnering with Milanese brand La DoubleJ, the hotel has created three unique spaces within its woodland surroundings to foster energy-raising activities. The Energy Chapel offers a serene environment for contemplation, while the Sungazing Lounge invites guests to participate in sunset rituals that harmonize with the natural rhythm of the hills. Meanwhile, the open-air Yoga Deck provides a peaceful setting for guided sessions or solo practice, reflecting the brand’s commitment to wellness and mindfulness.
These experiential additions complement the hotel’s existing amenities, such as the weekly programme featuring live music and creative workshops. The Fiesole School of Music contributes classical and jazz performances that echo the cultural vibrancy of the region, while activities like calligraphy and watercolour painting allow guests to engage with artistic traditions. The surrounding forest, now enhanced with new walking trails and restored stone benches, serves as a backdrop for both casual exploration and reflective moments.
Dining with Local Flavours
For food enthusiasts, the hotel’s three dining areas now showcase a deeper appreciation for Tuscan cuisine. San Michele Restaurant, situated within the main building, presents refined Italian dishes that highlight regional ingredients. Its counterpart, San Michele Grill, offers a relaxed poolside experience with a menu that balances sophistication and comfort. The most anticipated addition is Antesi, a culinary creation by Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino. This new venture emphasizes seasonal inspiration, with tasting menus featuring delicacies like Grosseto cuttlefish, panzanella, plum colatura, homemade pasta, and raw milk pecorino. Each dish is a tribute to the land, crafted to evoke the natural abundance of the area.
At the newly renovated Bar Doccia, located between the gardens and historic cloister, guests can enjoy a selection of classic aperitivos and digestifs, paired with aromatic cocktails. One standout drink, the Woodland cocktail, is a blend of gin, lemon verbena, lavender cordial, and mountain pine liquor, offering a sensory journey that mirrors the hotel’s serene ambiance.
The redevelopment of Villa San Michele is not merely about aesthetics but also about redefining how visitors interact with the space. By preserving original elements while introducing modern comforts, the hotel maintains its status as a symbol of Florence’s architectural and cultural heritage. The emphasis on slow luxury—a philosophy that encourages mindful experiences and a deeper connection to the surroundings—positions the property as a haven for those seeking both comfort and authenticity.
“Our goal was to create an environment where history and modernity coexist, allowing guests to savor the timeless allure of the Renaissance while enjoying contemporary indulgences,” said a Belmond representative, underscoring the hotel’s commitment to balancing tradition with innovation.
As the sun sets over the city, the new dining and leisure options invite guests to partake in a curated blend of art, nature, and local heritage. The renovation of Villa San Michele not only restores a landmark but also reimagines it as a living testament to Florence’s enduring charm and the evolving tastes of discerning travelers.
