Perched on the Fiesole hillside with Florence spread out below, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, will reopen on April 28, 2026, following an 18-month restoration that redefines Tuscan luxury while honoring centuries of history. Once a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, the property has been reimagined as a sanctuary of serenity and artistry, blending Renaissance heritage, local craftsmanship, and connection to nature.
From Monastery to Modern Masterpiece
Originally built over 600 years ago and famously attributed to Michelangelo’s influence, the villa remains one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Tuscany. Its frescoes, cloisters, and terraced gardens have been meticulously preserved and enhanced. The renovation, led by Luigi Fragola Architects, reinterprets the building’s artistic spirit through authentic Tuscan materials – marble, terracotta, wood, and handwoven textiles — creating interiors that are simultaneously historical and contemporary.
Reimagined Suites and Timeless Craft
The reborn villa will feature 39 redesigned accommodations, including three new signature suites that express different facets of Florentine life:
Limonaia Suite – Hidden among the gardens with a private plunge pool and library, designed as a collector’s home filled with art and curiosities.
The Grand Tour Suite – Once a residence of Napoleon Bonaparte, this grand apartment features neoclassical tapestries, Tuscan marble, and sweeping views of Florence.
Botanica Suite – A celebration of nature, with frescoed woodwork, botanical art, and handcrafted scagliola tables made by Florentine artisans.
Each room and suite embodies Belmond’s philosophy of slow luxury – spaces that invite reflection, appreciation, and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.
Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain
For the first time in its history, the villa will unveil a Guerlain-branded spa, an elegant retreat designed for rejuvenation and sensory indulgence. Set behind a “Secret Garden” entrance, the spa features hand-painted murals by Elena Carozzi, natural stone, and glowing onyx details. Treatments, inspired by the monks who once lived here, draw on Tuscan botanicals and Guerlain’s two centuries of wellness expertise, offering guests a poetic journey through scent, touch, and tranquility.
Gardens Reborn and Inspired by Leonardo
The villa’s 9,700-square-meter gardens, re-envisioned by Luca Ghezzi Garden Design, celebrate the botanical elegance of Renaissance Florence. New pathways reveal hidden corners and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Arno Valley, while citrus trees, irises, and climbing roses restore the vibrant beauty of Medici-era horticulture. The surrounding Leonardo woodlands, named after Leonardo da Vinci, who tested his flying machine nearby in 1506, will host new nature-focused experiences including outdoor yoga, art workshops, and guided garden walks.
A Collaboration with La DoubleJ
In partnership with Italian lifestyle brand La DoubleJ, Villa San Michele will introduce color-rich wellness and cultural experiences. Founder JJ Martin will curate a calendar of breathwork, yoga, and sound-healing sessions, infusing the monastery’s tranquil atmosphere with her signature joyful energy.
A New Culinary Chapter
Under Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino, the villa’s gastronomic restaurant will present a new Tuscany-to-table concept – refined tasting menus inspired by regional ingredients and Renaissance traditions, paired with Italian and international wines. Guests can dine against one of the most coveted panoramas in Europe, the city of Florence shimmering below the monastery terrace.
Preserving Heritage, Redefining Luxury
The rebirth of Villa San Michele reflects Belmond’s ongoing mission to preserve cultural landmarks while reimagining them for a new generation of travelers. Following recent transformations at Splendido in Portofino and Maroma in Mexico, this Florentine icon now joins the collection’s global renaissance of art, architecture, and soulful design.
With its reopening in 2026, Villa San Michele once again becomes a living masterpiece – a place where history, beauty, and stillness converge above Florence, offering guests the chance to experience their own “halcyon days” in timeless Italian style.
