Belmond Villa San Michele

A converted monastery located in the hills 20 minutes above Florence, Villa San Michele is a beautiful oasis with a façade by Michelangelo.

• A centuries-old fresco spanning the entire dining room wall
• The Limonaia suite, which can be converted into a three-bedroom villa with private garden and pool
• The "fragrance butler" service, where guests can choose their favorite Dr. Vranjes scent for their room

With just 45 rooms and suites, the Villa San Michele is a retreat perched in the hills of Fiesole, a ten-minute drive from the center of Florence. The rooms and suites are scattered throughout the outer buildings and main structure – a converted 15th century monastery with a façade by Michelangelo – and are traditionally decorated with rich dark woods, subtle floral patterns and antique furniture. The expansive specialty suites in the main building have beautiful views over the city (Napoleon stayed in one during a trip to Italy). Limonaia, built as the villa’s orangery in the 17th century, can be turned into a three-bedroom villa with private gardens and plunge pool for a larger family. The heated pool and large open garden are perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing, made easy by the private shuttles that run from the property into the city every half hour.

La Loggia, Villa San Michele’s renowned al fresco restaurant, has one of the most romantic views of Florence. Guests can enjoy meals on the terrace or try their hand at Tuscan cuisine in one of Villa San Michele’s famed cooking classes, and wonderful kid’s amenities make the property family-friendly. But the best way to spend one’s time is lounging in the pristine tiered gardens, sprinkled with lemon trees and white loungers

The property is straight out of a fairy-tale, but its location can be a plus or minus for visitors. Easily accessible from the city by a ten-minute car ride, the Villa San Michele is perfect for couples looking for a romantic retreat and families who’d like to escape to the property’s pool and gardens after sight-seeing in the city. Those who’d rather be within walking-distance of the major sights and restaurants should stay in the city center.

Alternatively, split your time between one of the city hotels and Villa San Michele, with a few nights at each property. From Villa San Michele, you can easily access the Tuscan countryside for day excursions.