At Villa San Michele, luxury is no longer about excess. It’s about beauty, stillness, and connection - read more
Perched high above Florence in the serene hills of Fiesole, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, has reopened following an extensive 18-month transformation—ushering in a new era of slow luxury, mindful living, and immersive Italian elegance.
Originally a 15th-century Renaissance convent, the legendary property has long been celebrated for its Michelangelo-inspired façade, terraced gardens, and sweeping panoramic views over Florence. Now, with a renewed vision focused on wellbeing, artistry, and reconnection, Villa San Michele returns as one of Italy’s most enchanting luxury retreats.
A Renaissance Sanctuary Reimagined
The reimagined Villa introduces 39 redesigned rooms and suites, a new Spa by Guerlain, revitalised gardens and woodland experiences, as well as a refreshed culinary concept rooted in seasonal Tuscan living.
Despite the extensive renovation, the soul of the property remains intact. The atmosphere still feels deeply intimate—more like a grand private residence than a hotel—while embracing a refined contemporary sensibility.
Designed by Luigi Fragola Architects, the rooms and suites pay tribute to Tuscan craftsmanship through hand-selected antiques, bespoke furnishings, frescoes, and artisanal details. Original stone fireplaces, restored walls, terracotta flooring, and Cipollino marble bathrooms evoke the romance of old-world Italy while maintaining understated modern comfort.
Among the standout accommodations are the two-storey Limonaia Suite, complete with a private plunge pool immersed in nature, and The Grand Tour Suite, once the headquarters of Napoleon Bonaparte, now transformed into a travel-inspired residence filled with curated artefacts and timeless elegance.
Where Art and Nature Exist in Harmony
Art plays a central role throughout the renewed Villa. Hand-painted murals, contemporary installations, botanical watercolours, and poetic mixed-media works are thoughtfully woven into the property, creating an atmosphere where culture and contemplation coexist naturally.
Beyond the interiors, the estate’s famed terraced gardens—spanning over 10,000 square metres—have also been meticulously restored. Redesigned by Luca Ghezzi Garden Design, the gardens bloom with citrus trees, lavender, rosemary, iris, hydrangeas, and roses, echoing the harmony of a classic Renaissance retreat.
Guests are encouraged to wander slowly through hidden pathways, restored fountains, and panoramic terraces overlooking Florence. A newly added 42-metre rose pathway invites reflective walks at sunset, while the surrounding Monte Ceceri woodland now features tranquil hiking trails designed to reconnect visitors with nature and stillness.
A New Wellness Chapter with Guerlain
At the heart of Villa San Michele’s rebirth is its new wellness destination: Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain.
Located within the historic Franciscan convent, the intimate spa blends Florence’s spiritual heritage with Guerlain’s holistic philosophy of beauty, longevity, and emotional balance.
The spa offers bespoke rituals inspired by Tuscany, including Floral Delight in Tuscany, a sensory face-and-body treatment infused with floral notes, and The Art of Renaissance, an exclusive sculpting ritual using stone massage tools to restore both body and mind.
Every detail—from earthy textures to hand-painted frescoes—has been designed to create a deeply restorative atmosphere where guests can slow down and reconnect with themselves.
The Rise of “Energy Raising” Travel
One of the Villa’s most intriguing new offerings is its collaboration with Milanese lifestyle brand La DoubleJ, founded by JJ Martin. Together, they introduce the Energy Raising Programme, a unique concept combining spirituality, design, and mindful practices.
Hidden within the Villa’s woodland are immersive wellness spaces including the Energy Chapel, featuring meditation cushions, sound healing experiences, and light installations; the Sungazing Lounge overlooking the Florentine hills; and an open-air Yoga Deck dedicated to breathwork and movement rituals.
The year-round programme includes Kundalini yoga, sound healing, meditation sessions, and seasonal retreats designed to encourage energetic renewal and emotional wellbeing.
Dining Rooted in the Seasons
Food at Villa San Michele reflects the same philosophy of slowness and intentional living. Across its dining venues, menus celebrate Tuscany’s seasonal ingredients and regional traditions.
The newest addition, Antesi, led by Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino, offers an elevated gastronomic experience inspired by nature’s rhythms. Named after the Greek word anthesis—meaning “blossoming”—the restaurant focuses on ingredients used precisely at their peak.
Signature dishes include amberjack panzanella with plum colatura and handmade pasta with tomato, pecorino, and lemon, served within an intimate Renaissance loggia overlooking Florence.
Meanwhile, Bar Doccia Villa San Michele provides a romantic setting for sunset aperitivos, with cocktails ranging from aromatic signatures to refined takes on the classic Negroni.
Slow Luxury Above Florence
More than a hotel reopening, Villa San Michele’s transformation reflects the growing desire for slower, more meaningful travel experiences—where luxury is measured not by excess, but by beauty, stillness, craftsmanship, and emotional connection.
With its blend of Renaissance history, contemporary wellness, art, and Tuscan nature, Villa San Michele re-emerges not simply as a place to stay, but as a destination designed to be deeply felt.
By: Kazuri Team
Photo: Courtesy of Villa San Michele
2026-05-11