Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, has reopened in the Fiesole hills above Florence following an 18-month renovation. A former Renaissance convent known for its Michelangelo-inspired façade, terraced gardens and views over the city, the hotel returns with 39 reimagined rooms and suites, a Spa by Guerlain, redeveloped gardens, new dining and three woodland wellness spaces designed with lifestyle brand La DoubleJ. The property operates seasonally from spring through winter.
The 27 suites and 12 rooms were designed by Luigi Fragola Architects, layered with antiques, bespoke furnishings and commissioned art, including scagliola furniture by Bianco Bianchi and tapestries by Elena Carozzi. Original features have been restored, among them stone fireplaces and frescoed walls, with floors in Impruneta terracotta and bathrooms clad in green-veined Cipollino marble from Carrara. Three new signature suites anchor the redesign, among them The Grand Tour, once the Florence residence of Napoleon Bonaparte, which runs along the first floor of the façade.
The Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain is the hotel's first spa in its history, set on the first floor of the former convent with three treatment rooms, including a double suite. Its bespoke treatments, crafted by Guerlain, include rituals created exclusively for the Villa, among them Floral Delight in Tuscany and the Iris di Grazia anti-aging facial, a nod to Florence's emblematic flower.
The terraced gardens, redeveloped by Luca Ghezzi Garden Design, have been replanted with citrus, lavender, rosemary and iris, with new additions including an expanded kitchen herb garden, an iris garden and a rose path overlooking the city. The gardens host a weekly program of classical and jazz performances by the Fiesole School of Music and workshops in calligraphy and watercolor, while the surrounding Parco Monumentale di Monte Ceceri woodland has gained new hiking trails and restored viewpoints.
The Villa has also introduced the Energy Raising Program, set in three woodland spaces designed with the Milanese lifestyle brand La DoubleJ. The Energy Chapel, a former place of worship, has been reimagined with a gong and a light-and-sound installation. The Sungazing Lounge is built for sunset rituals, and an open-air Yoga Deck rounds out the trio. Within them, the Villa runs a year-round program of weekly classes, monthly residencies and seasonal retreats, co-hosted by La DoubleJ founder JJ Martin.
Dining spans four venues. Antesi, the new restaurant, is led by Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino in an intimate eight-table setting, with three tasting menus and à la carte, open to outside guests Tuesday to Sunday. The San Michele Restaurant offers refined Italian cuisine and the poolside San Michele Grill serves relaxed dining, while the renovated Bar Doccia, set between the historic cloister and the gardens, serves cocktails and elevated light-bites.