Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel in Florence, will reopen on April 2026 following an 18-month renovation. Originally a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, the property has been reimagined to preserve its heritage while enhancing its architecture, interiors and gardens. The redesign emphasizes Tuscan craftsmanship, cultural curation and connection to nature, as well as introducing 39 redesigned suites and rooms.
“For us, hospitality is deeply intertwined with cultural immersion. Guests can embark on a journey that weaves together food, art, history, architecture and nature–a true fusion of body, mind and soul and a modern-day echo of the Renaissance principles that have so shaped our history,” said Sofia Peluso, general manager.
The interiors of 27 suites and 12 rooms were redesigned by Luigi Fragola Architects in collaboration with Belmond’s design team. The property will reopen with three signature suites: Limonaia, The Grand Tour and Botanica. Limonaia occupies the former orangery and includes a private garden and heated plunge pool. The Grand Tour spans the first floor and features Tuscan marble, antique pieces and neoclassical tapestries. Botanica highlights the Villa’s gardens with botanical-themed design and artisan craftsmanship.
“Each project is conceived with its own identity—in colour, composition and proportion—yet all share a common narrative: a continuous dialogue with nature, curiosity, memory and imagination. These interiors do not merely evoke the Villa’s history; they interpret it, renew it and project it into the restless dynamism of Florence. Authentic materials—Tuscan textiles, artisanal ceramics, marble, terracotta and wood—become the vocabulary of a contemporary language that reimagines the Renaissance ideals of beauty, rebirth and discovery,” said Luigi Fragola, Luigi Fragola Architects.
Additional accommodations, including deluxe rooms, junior suites and standalone retreats such as the Monastery Suite and Chapel Room, have been expanded and restored with natural textures, antique pieces and handmade tapestries.
In addition, Villa San Michele will introduce its first spa, the Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain, offering three treatment rooms, including a double suite. The spa features a ‘Secret Garden’ entrance, hand-painted murals, natural stone, onyx, straw marquetry and polished marble. Guerlain has designed exclusive treatments inspired by the Villa’s history and Renaissance wellness traditions.
The property’s 9700 square meters of gardens were redeveloped by Luca Ghezzi Garden Design to maintain traditional Fiesole hillside aesthetics while introducing new viewpoints, garden nooks and Renaissance-style plantings. Citrus trees, iris, roses and herb gardens complement the surrounding Leonardo woodlands.
Villa San Michele has also partnered with La DoubleJ to create bespoke spaces and a curated program of wellness activities, including yoga, breathwork and sound healing, alongside cultural offerings such as music concerts, art talks and mixology evenings.
Dining at the property will be led by executive chef Alessandro Cozzolino, featuring new tasting menus inspired by Tuscan heritage and produce, supported by a selection of Italian and international wines.
