A Florentine Masterpiece
It’s rare, especially in a city as magnetic as Florence, for a hotel to be a destination in itself. Yet marrying Renaissance splendour with contemporary luxury, this former medieval monastery captures the imagination.
NESTLED ON THE VERDANT Fiesole hills, Belmond Villa San Michele echoes Florence as a whole. Blending 14th century artistic flair with the region’s ethereal beauty, the hotel is as inspiring as the city’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. Our facade, attributed to Michelangelo, is hugged by lush woodland and terraced gardens. From here, visitors enjoy an unparalleled panorama over Florence and the Chianti hills beyond.
Little wonder then that Hollywood elite and British royalty have flocked to us. Julia Roberts, Vivienne Westwood, The Prince of Wales and John F. Kennedy rank among our illustrious former guests. Indeed, Fiesole itself has historically drawn the richest and brightest Florentines.
The Medicis built their villas here, and Renaissance artist and Dominican friar Fra Angelico took his vows among these hills. In 1506 Leonardo da Vinci first demonstrated his flying machine from Montececeri Park, a short journey from our front door.
It was about this time that a community of Franciscan monks first laid the foundations for what would later become Belmond Villa San Michele. Today, within its warren of rooms and corridors, vaulted ceilings and worn terracotta floors count among its charming original features. The hotel’s 46 guestrooms and suites—including the private 3-bedroom Limonaia Villa—have a fittingly serene feel with antique furnishings and old master paintings. The villa's former monastic residents may have been surprised to see our Carrara marble bathrooms and modern luxuries, however.
Step outside and relax in our Italian gardens, tinged with the scent of orange blossom and rose. One of our expert gardeners will show you around. Spot our 300-year old wisteria which, come spring, swathes our lawn-facing facade in purple. Take a dip in our pool perched on the hillside while taking in breathtaking views of the Arno Valley.
Should you wish to get creative, Belmond Villa San Michele offers a range of activities. Unleash your inner chef at our world-renowned cooking school with executive chef Alessandro Cozzolino. Alternatively, shake things up at our head barman’s cocktail masterclass.
The elegantly rustic La Loggia restaurant inspires the eyes and palate. Sample seasonal Tuscan dishes at sunset. Watch as the skyline transforms from a tapestry of domes and turrets into a soft sea, punctuated by twinkling lights. Few restaurants and, indeed, few destinations in the world can match this for romantic bliss.
