Nestled on the verdant Fiesole hills, Belmond Villa San Michele echoes Florence as a whole. Blending 14th-century artistic flair with the region’s ethereal beauty, the hotel is as inspiring as the city’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. Our facade, attributed to Michelangelo, is hugged by lush woodland and terraced gardens. From here, visitors enjoy an unparalleled panorama over Florence and the Chianti hills beyond.

Little wonder then that Hollywood elite and British royalty have flocked to us. Julia Roberts, Vivienne Westwood, The Prince of Wales, and John F. Kennedy rank among our illustrious former guests. Indeed, Fiesole itself has historically drawn the richest and brightest Florentines. The Medicis built their villas here, and Renaissance artist and Dominican friar Fra Angelico took his vows among these hills. In 1506 Leonardo da Vinci first demonstrated his flying machine from Montececeri Park, a short journey from our front door.

It was about this time that a community of Franciscan monks first laid the foundations for what would later become Belmond Villa San Michele. Today, within its warren of rooms and corridors, vaulted ceilings and worn terracotta floors count among its charming original features. The hotel’s 46 guestrooms and suites—including the private 3-bedroom Limonaia Villa—have a fittingly serene feel with antique furnishings and old master paintings. The villa’s former monastic residents may have been surprised to see our Carrara marble bathrooms and modern luxuries, however.

Step outside and relax in our Italian gardens, tinged with the scent of orange blossom and rose. One of our expert gardeners will show you around. Spot our 300-year old wisteria which, come spring, swathes our lawn-facing facade in purple. Take a dip in our pool perched on the hillside or enjoy an al fresco massage, each while taking in breathtaking views of the Arno Valley.

Should you wish to get creative, Belmond Villa San Michele offers a range of activities. Unleash your inner chef at our world-renowned cooking school with executive chef Attilio Di Fabrizio. Alternatively, shake things up at our head barman’s cocktail masterclass.

The elegantly rustic La Loggia restaurant inspires the eyes and palate. Sample seasonal Tuscan dishes at sunset. Watch as the skyline transforms from a tapestry of domes and turrets into a soft sea, punctuated by twinkling lights. Few restaurants and, indeed, few destinations in the world can match this for romantic bliss.

ACCOMMODATION

JUNIOR SUITE SUPERIOR – Private, secluded gardens and views over the Arno Valley distinguish these junior suites. The lawn garden and paved terrace are comfortably equipped with armchairs, elbow-rest chairs, and a slate-covered table. Located in the Italian gardens and in the monastery building, the suites feature a king-size or twin beds and bathrooms with Carrara marble, Cotto flooring, double vanities, walk-in shower and separate bathtub. Two rooms are connecting.

JUNIOR SUITE DELUXE – Set in the gardens, surrounded by flowers and enjoying views of the Villa building, these suites feature a private terrace with sunbeds, chairs, and a table. Access is through a wall-to-wall glass door. King-size or twin beds are available and the bathroom has both a walk-in shower and separate bathtub. Six rooms are connecting.

JUNIOR SUITE EXECUTIVE – Also in the Italian Gardens, these generous suites enjoy an intimate terrace furnished with sunbeds, chairs, and a table boasting astonishing views over Florence. Bathrooms offer a walk-in shower, separate bathtub, and double marble vanities. A king-size or twin beds are available. Eight rooms are connecting.

GARDEN SUITE – Tucked away in an intimate corner of the Italian gardens, these spacious suites boast their own private gardens complete with fantastic views over Florence. Each offers a separate living room, a bedroom with king-size or twin beds and a marble bathroom with walk-in shower and bathtub

DONATELLO SUITE – Once the Prior’s quarters, the Donatello Suite occupies a whole corner of the monastery, with windows overlooking the Italian gardens, Florence and the Arno Valley. The sitting room features a fireplace of exquisite craftsmanship and leads into the bedroom, where there is a king-size bed (twin beds are also available). The marble bathroom features a bathtub and a separate shower. On request, the suite can be connected with a Double Deluxe room.

MICHELANGELO SUITE – This magnificent suite extends the entire length of the monastery’s façade. Originally the monks’ library, it later served as Napoleon Bonaparte’s Florentine headquarters. Today the canopied king-size bed (twin beds are also available), opulent decor, and expansive fireplace remain fit for an emperor. Sleeping and sitting areas are open-plan and the windows frame stunning views of Florence and the Arno Valley. The bathroom features a generous bathtub and a separate shower. Upon request, the suite can be connected with a Double Deluxe room or with two Double Classic rooms creating a private apartment.

LIMONAIA SUITE AND VILLA TERRACE OVER TWO FLOORS – Located in the former Orangerie in the Italian gardens, the 65 sq m (213 sq ft) Limonaia Suite enjoys an intimate location with views over Florence and the surrounding hills. It has a private garden with a heated, stone plunge pool. The panoramic bedroom is equipped with king-size or twin beds and the marble bathroom has both a walk-in shower and separate bathtub. This suite can be connected on request to a Garden Suite, linked by a staircase, complete with spacious bathrooms and wardrobes. These in turn are connected to a third suite through the garden, which creates a one-of-a-kind private villa. This is ideal for families, groups of friends, or for special occasions, such as weddings or exclusive parties. In total, the Limonaia Villa comprises three bedrooms with king-size or twin beds, three living rooms, three bathrooms with separate bathtubs and shower plus a courtesy bathroom, and a private plunge pool in the top-floor garden.

DINING

LOGGIA RESTAURANT – Soak up the rare ambiance of our restaurant framed by the monastery’s ancient arches and savor fantastic views over Florence from the terrace. Dive into a sensational culinary experience inspired by Florentine tradition with a modern twist.

POOL RESTAURANT – Linger beside our hilltop swimming pool enjoying morning coffee, lazy lunches or delicious wood-fired oven pizza.

CLOISTER BAR – Besides the Loggia Restaurant, our light-filled Cloister Bar is a relaxing space for hot and cold drinks throughout the day, or you can sit in the gardens to sip a cocktail among the blooms. Each evening, enjoy piano music until late.

EXPERIENCES

DINING WITH LEONARDO – It is said that Leonardo da Vinci tested his flying machine on the hills above the hotel, in Monte Ceceri Park. To celebrate this connection with the Renaissance genius, take a sit under our pergola and explore one of his lesser-known interests: food and nutrition. An ingenious menu influenced by his food predilections awaits, as well as an engaging performance.

COOKING CLASS – Food lovers will have the time of their lives as they explore the world of Italian cuisine with our Executive Chef, Alessandro Cozzolino. After a hands-on lesson, you’ll take home your personal portfolio of recipes as well as a professional apron. But not before having a delicious lunch based on your creations at La Loggia Restaurant.