Villa San Michele Reimagined: A Renaissance Retreat Above Florence
Images courtesy of Belmond
Perched in the hills of Fiesole, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, A Belmond Hotel in Florence, feels like a storybook brought to life. Originally a 15th-century monastery, this iconic villa has long been a sanctuary for beauty, reflection, and artistic inspiration. Following a thoughtful renovation in 2025, the hotel reopens on April 28, 2026, as what Belmond calls The Ever-Evolving Masterpiece of the Florentine Renaissance.
Blending history, luxury, and serenity, Villa San Michele is both a tribute to Florence’s rich artistic legacy and a refined escape for modern travelers. Its façade – believed to be inspired by Michelangelo – hints at the splendor within: vaulted corridors, peaceful cloisters, and suites that pair Renaissance charm with contemporary ease.
Surrounded by cypress trees and terraced gardens overlooking the Arno Valley, the villa offers a rare tranquility just 20 minutes from Florence’s city center. It's also near the very spot where Leonardo da Vinci tested his flying machines – adding yet another layer of historical resonance to the experience.
With just 38 rooms and suites, the property feels intimate and personal. Many accommodations feature private terraces or balconies, framing uninterrupted views of Florence from above – a perspective that feels both connected and secluded.
Life at the villa unfolds at a gentler rhythm. Mornings begin with garden yoga or a swim in the panoramic hillside pool. Days invite guests into calligraphy workshops, walks through centuries-old gardens, or moments of stillness at the Guerlain wellness sanctuary. As dusk falls, music drifts across the estate, aperitifs are poured, and the golden light stretches across the city below.
Dining at Villa San Michele is a highlight. At La Loggia, gourmet cuisine meets sweeping Renaissance views. Ristorante San Michele and the San Michele Grill offer relaxed seasonal fare, while the garden-set Bar San Michele is perfect for cocktails as twilight falls over Tuscany.
For those eager to explore, a courtesy shuttle delivers guests to the heart of Florence in just 20 minutes – providing the perfect balance between immersion and retreat.
As the sky turns violet over the Arno Valley, Villa San Michele reveals itself as more than a luxury hotel. It is a living masterpiece of the Renaissance, thoughtfully restored and ready to welcome a new chapter of discerning travelers.
Guests of Huffman Travel enjoy extra VIP amenities when staying at Belmond properties, including:
Complimentary daily breakfast
$100 Resort Credit
Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
Flexible check in/out times (subject to availability)
Complimentary internet