Villa San Michele reawakens as a symbol of ever-reimagined Renaissance - read more
An emblem of Renaissance architecture and a peaceful sanctuary with the most iconic view of Florence unfurling beneath, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel reopens on 28 April 2026 following a meticulous 18-month renovation.
Inspired by its storied heritage and idyllic hillside setting framing a picturesque vista, the hotel’s reimagination sees an emphasis on Tuscan craftsmanship, refined cultural curation and a harmonious connection to nature. The former 15th century monastery with its beloved cascading gardens, reveals 39 completely redesigned suites and rooms exuding indulgence and grandeur.
Marking this new chapter of wellbeing, the hotel will extend its season, open from spring through winter, inviting guests to embrace slow luxury year-round – disconnecting from the everyday and rediscovering the joy of savouring time.
From Monastery to Masterpiece
Reflecting its commitment to preserving heritage, Belmond has restored the existing structure whilst reimagining the hotel’s interiors, all within an inspiring location steeped in history and culture.
Originally a 600-year Franciscan monastery and a true embodiment of the Italian Renaissance, it remains celebrated for its Michelangelo-inspired façade, arched terrace overlooking Florence, and its original chapel, frescoes, loggias, cloister and meticulously maintained terraced gardens.
A serene destination long favoured by aristocratic international travellers and notable artists during the Grand Tour, the Villa – epitomising artistry, imagination and contemplation – now embarks on a new chapter.
Reimagined Suites & Rooms
The interiors of Villa San Michele’s 27 suites and 12 rooms have been reimagined under the creative direction of Luigi Fragola Architects, a Florence-based interior design and architecture firm renowned internationally for luxury hospitality and exclusive private residences, in close collaboration with Belmond’s design team.
The Villa reopens with three new signature suites:
Limonaia, located in the former orangery nestled deep in nature, conjures the air of a one-of-a-kind Fiesolan villa complete with personal library, curios and artwork. Enhanced by an eclectic collection of art and crafts imaginatively designed to evoke the atmosphere of a collector’s house, it features a private garden and a heated plunge pool and offers sweeping vistas of both the garden and city beyond.
The Grand Tour, once a private residence of Napoleon Bonaparte, occupies the entire length of the Villa’s first floor, featuring the same impressive city views that beguiled eighteenth-century aristocratic travellers. Tuscan marble, neoclassical tapestries and antique pieces that lend a residential flavour, combined with a soft, chalky colour palette and an open-plan layout create a harmonious bridge between past and present.
Botanica is a celebration of the Villa’s historical gardens, lush vegetation and surrounding woodland. Its playful scheme riffs on the relationship between art and nature, seen via craft finishes such as frescoed boiserie as well as scagliola tables hand-made by Florentine masters of this art Bianco Bianchi. Natural textiles, botanical works and herbarium-themed collections emphasise the connection to the outside world.
Additional accommodations, from Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites to standalone retreats including the Monastery Suite and Chapel Room, have been thoughtfully expanded and reimagined to cultivate a timeless, meditative ambiance.