Renaissance Grandeur in the Hills of Fiesole
High in the olive groves and cypress hills of Fiesole, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence commands what is arguably the most breathtaking panoramic perspective in all of Italy. Set in a former 15th-century Franciscan monastery whose grand stone façade is attributed to the School of Michelangelo, this historic sanctuary captures the sublime essence of Renaissance artistry while cocooning guests in contemporary luxury.
Originally consecrated in the early 1400s, the monastery intrigued visionary thinkers for centuries—the woodlands on Monte Ceceri immediately behind the estate mark the exact grounds where Leonardo da Vinci conducted his historic experiments in human flight. Today, following a comprehensive 18-month master transformation completed in 2026, the hotel unveils 39 individually reimagined guest rooms and suites across the original cloister and terraced hillside gardens.
Guests discover serene courtyard walkways, terraced botanical gardens fragrant with wisteria and lemon groves, and an extraordinary heated panoramic swimming pool carved directly into the cliffside offering bird’s-eye views of Brunelleschi’s Duomo. With the newly introduced Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain and a complimentary private chauffeured shuttle connecting guests to central Florence in just 20 minutes, this historic retreat offers the consummate Tuscan sanctuary.
Reimagined Accommodations & Signature Suites
Following an extensive 18-month renovation, Villa San Michele presents 39 individually styled rooms and suites combining antique Renaissance frescoes, hand-loomed Tuscan silks, and state-of-the-art marble baths.
Limonaia Suite with Private Plunge Pool
Set in the monastery’s former 17th-century orangery surrounded by private enclosed gardens, this 950 sq. ft. suite features antique terracotta floors, a custom four-poster king bed, expansive living salon, and a private heated stone plunge pool with vistas of Florence.
Botanica Suite
Inspired by the lush Tuscan flora, featuring bespoke silk wall coverings, airy salon with antique fireplace, king bed dressed in fine Italian linens, and floor-to-ceiling French doors opening to fragrant rose terraces.
Grand Tour Suite
A lavish sanctuary celebrating the European Grand Tour, adorned with rare Renaissance artwork, historic frescoes, bespoke velvet upholstery, and sweeping panoramic views across the Arno Valley and Brunelleschi's Duomo.
Greenhouse Junior Suite with Terrace
Surrounded by botanical gardens on a quiet garden tier, this charming light-filled junior suite boasts a private sun terrace with loungers, king bedroom, and Carrara marble bathroom with rain shower.
Florentine Gastronomy with Panoramic Duomo Views
Culinary artistry takes center stage at Villa San Michele, where Renaissance archways frame sunset panoramas of Florence accompanied by Michelin-caliber Tuscan dining and botanical cocktails.
Ristorante San Michele
Occupying the 15th-century arched monastery loggia high above Florence. Executive Chef crafts visionary Tuscan cuisine celebrating local truffles, handmade pastas, and regional produce, accompanied by a world-class Tuscan wine cellar.
Bar San Michele
Situated in the central monastery cloister beneath a soaring glass skylight. Expert mixologists serve bespoke botanical cocktails infused with herbs from the monastery gardens, regional amari, and Tuscan vintages paired with artisanal antipasti.
San Michele Grill & Poolside Bar
Perched alongside the heated cliffside swimming pool, offering authentic artisanal pizzas baked in a traditional wood-fired oven, fresh seafood grills, vibrant salads, and crisp Italian prosecco under the Tuscan sun.
Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain & Cliffside Pool
Set amidst the monastery’s terraced lemon groves and historic herb gardens, the newly unveiled Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain offers an exceptional sanctuary of calm and sensory rejuvenation. Guests indulge in bespoke facial therapies and body treatments infused with Guerlain's legendary botanical elixirs, tailored to restore harmony after a day exploring Florence.
High on the upper terrace, the hotel’s 25-meter heated swimming pool is carved directly into the cliff edge, providing swimmers with unobstructed, panoramic views of the entire Florentine basin and the Arno River. The wellness pavilion includes state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, outdoor yoga pavilions nestled among ancient wisteria, and private guided walks along Leonardo da Vinci's flight trails on Monte Ceceri.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guests booking Villa San Michele through Vincent Vacations receive daily full American buffet breakfast for two, a $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit per room per stay, fresh flowers and welcome fruit in room upon arrival, room category upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability), and complimentary broadband Wi-Fi.
Villa San Michele is nestled on the panoramic hillside of Fiesole, approximately 5 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the historical center of Florence. The hotel provides a complimentary scheduled chauffeured shuttle service running throughout the day and evening, dropping guests off near Piazza della Repubblica in central Florence.
Villa San Michele is a consecrated 15th-century Franciscan monastery whose magnificent exterior façade is attributed to the School of Michelangelo. Leonardo da Vinci tested his flying apparatus on Monte Ceceri just behind the property. Following a meticulous 18-month restoration reopening in 2026, the monastery features 39 reimagined suites with original cloisters and frescoes preserved.
The retreat features the newly unveiled Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain, offering bespoke facials and restorative body treatments using Guerlain botanical elixirs. In addition, guests enjoy a 25-meter heated panoramic cliffside pool with views of the Florence Duomo, an open-air fitness pavilion, and private yoga sessions in the terraced gardens.
Villa San Michele completed a comprehensive 18-month renovation spanning 2024 to 2026. The property reopens for the season on 28th April 2026, welcoming guests through late autumn with fully reimagined accommodations, dining venues, and Guerlain wellness facilities.