The Return of Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, reopens on 28 April 2026, and we’re now accepting reservations. For anyone unfamiliar, the villa sits on a hillside in Fiesole, just a short drive from the heart of Florence. Originally a 15th-century monastery, it’s long been admired for its Renaissance façade, terraced gardens, and sweeping views over the city – red rooftops, the Duomo, and the Arno River below. It’s the kind of spot that offers a quiet retreat without feeling disconnected from the culture and energy of Florence itself.

After 18 months of renovation, the villa has refreshed its rooms, added its first-ever spa, and redesigned the gardens. The aim wasn’t to completely reinvent the property, but to make the experience of staying there smoother, lighter, and more liveable – without losing the sense of place that has made it a classic for centuries. At RASK, we value hotels that get this balance right: spaces that feel lived-in, well thought-out, and uniquely tied to their surroundings.

For a stay here, we’re already imagining mornings wandering the gardens, lunch on the terrace with views across Florence, and a few hours in the Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain.

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, now has 39 rooms and suites (including three brand-new signature suites), each designed to connect with the villa’s hillside location, Tuscan craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. For someone visiting for the first time, this means natural materials, antiques, hand-crafted details, and light-filled rooms that feel both modern and timeless.

Among the new signature suites:

• Limonaia: Set in the former orangery, this suite comes with a private garden and heated plunge pool. It’s ideal for those who want space and calm without losing a connection to the villa’s gardens.
• The Grand Tour: Occupying the villa’s entire first floor, this suite has sweeping views over Florence. It feels residential, open, and steeped in history – perfect for anyone who enjoys scale and context.
• Botanica: Inspired by the gardens and woodland around the villa, this suite is lighter, playful, and full of natural materials. Great for anyone who wants to wake up surrounded by greenery.

Even the smaller rooms retain this attention to detail, with curated antiques and fabrics that give a strong sense of place.

The 9700 sqm gardens have been redesigned to highlight the traditional Fiesole hillside style while making the space easier to explore. Citrus trees, herbs, roses, and hidden benches invite slow walks or quiet moments with a coffee. The gardens also frame Florence below, creating a view that’s both intimate and ridiculously iconic.

The villa’s first-ever spa, created with Guerlain, has three treatment rooms, including a double suite for couples or friends. Its design is understated: natural stone, soft light, and touches inspired by the villa’s monastic history. Treatments are set to be completely personalised and feel rooted in the local context.

Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino’s menus highlight Tuscan produce and heritage without feeling heavy or formal. For someone unfamiliar with the villa, it’s worth noting that all three dining spaces share the same panoramic view over Florence. Lunch on the terrace allows the changing light over the city to become part of the meal. Evening meals unfold naturally; the pace here matches the villa’s rhythm.

Making the Journey Part of the Experience

Villa San Michele works beautifully as the culmination of a considered journey – a way to ease into Florence while experiencing travel as it once felt: deliberate, luxurious, and full of theatre. For many of our VIPs, this begins with the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, whether on a one- or three-night journey from Paris. Journeys start from 19-22 September 2026, and spaces are extremely limited, so early booking is essential.

Step aboard in the City of Light and glide through some of Europe’s most stunning landscapes. Cabins are private, the service is meticulous, and every detail – from sommelier-selected wines to onboard dining and the carefully considered dress code – adds to the sense of occasion. It’s not just transport; it’s an indulgent, contemporary take on nostalgia. At RASK, we think everyone should experience it at least once.

From Florence, we arrange private transfers up to Fiesole and Villa San Michele. Three nights at the villa allow you to settle in fully (but expect to want to stay for longer): explore Florence with a private guide, wander the gardens, enjoy an array of spa treatments, or simply spend time on your terrace soaking in the Tuscan sun.

RASK + Bellini Club Perks

Because we’re part of the Belmond Bellini Club, our VIPs (aka all our clients) get access to benefits that elevate the stay without adding stress:

• Complimentary breakfast each morning
• Room upgrades, where available
• Priority for early check-in and late check-out
• Resort credit, spa credit, etc (depending on destination)
• Additional bespoke touches arranged directly with the hotel

During the reopening season, these advantages matter. We can secure the best rooms, ensure privacy, and coordinate personal touches that simply aren’t possible when booking directly online.

If you’d like us to arrange a stay at Villa San Michele or secure your place on the Paris-to-Florence Venice Simplon-Orient-Express journey, get in touch, and we’ll handle every detail for you.