Belmond Villa San Michele

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence, a 5-star sanctuary perched on a hilltop in Fiesole, transforms a 15th-century monastery, with a façade attributed to Michelangelo, into a haven of Renaissance splendour overlooking Florence's timeless skyline.

The 45 rooms and suites radiate Florentine elegance, blending terracotta floors, Carrara-marble bathrooms with Ortigia toiletries, and antique furnishings with modern luxuries like air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with CD/DVD players, Nespresso machines, and minibars. Many open to private terraces or balconies, revealing sweeping vistas of Florence's Duomo, Arno River, or the hotel's terraced gardens lush with cypress trees and fragrant roses, weaving the Tuscan landscape into every stay. An American breakfast buffet, brimming with fresh pastries, local cheeses, and seasonal fruits, is served daily in the sun-dappled Loggia or in-room for intimate mornings.

Culinary artistry unfolds at La Loggia Restaurant, where Chef Alessandro Cozzolino crafts Tuscan-inspired dishes—think pappardelle with wild boar ragù or bistecca alla Fiorentina—using ingredients from local markets, paired with Chianti Classico wines or artisanal cocktails from the cloister bar. The open-air Cloister Bar offers light bites and aperitivi under starlit skies, with panoramic Florence views enhancing the enchanting ambiance.

The hotel's serene grounds feature an outdoor pool nestled amid olive groves, perfect for tranquil swims, while a state-of-the-art fitness centre and curated yoga sessions energize guests. A wellness spa offers bespoke massages in a former monk's cell, harmonising body and mind. Families delight in tailored kids' activities, from pizza-making classes to treasure hunts in the gardens, while adults explore Florence via a complimentary shuttle to Piazza della Repubblica or curated tours to the Uffizi or nearby Chianti vineyards.

A 24-hour concierge arranges private airport transfers to Florence Airport, 12 km away, or bespoke experiences like truffle hunting or Vespa tours through Tuscan hills. With free parking and Wi-Fi, this Belmond retreat melds monastic serenity with Florence's vibrant cultural pulse, crafting an unforgettable escape.