Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel

About Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel

Nestled in the Fiesole hills, this former medieval monastery perfectly captures the romance of Florence.
Blending 14th-century artistry with the region’s ethereal beauty, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, is as inspiring as the city’s greatest cathedrals and galleries. The facade, attributed to Michelangelo, is hugged by lush woodland and flowered terraced gardens. Step outside on your private terrace and gaze down across the Renaissance city below. For dining beyond compare, Ristorante La Loggia promises exceptional views, an historic setting and creative Tuscan culinary masterpieces.

Behind The Brand

What rooms/spaces do you have available for a wedding?

At Villa San Michele, A Bemond Hotel, couples will seal their love beneath soft pink skies, overlooking the maze of Florentine streets below. Our idyllic hilltop setting provides a rich choice of venues for unforgettable wedding celebrations, both indoor and outdoor. Couples can exchange vows in the former church of the monastery or toast to a new life in front of the incredible Michelangelo façade (only in case of exclusive use). They can say “I do” in our rose-filled gardens or in the historic Roman gardens. The Cenacolo Room, which takes its name from the stunning fresco that decorates its wall, or the Davanzati Room, with its private garden overlooking Florence, are ideal for an indoor wedding banquet. Our Pool Grill Restaurant by the pool can also be transformed into an incredible banqueting venue. Our location couldn’t be more picturesque, our venues more drenched in atmosphere.

How many people can each of these cater for?

The Church can host up to 80 people. In the Davanzati Room, we can organize cocktails for up to 150 people and banquets for up to 100 guests. The historic Cenacolo Room is more intimate and allows for cocktails and banquets for up to 50 people. The Rose garden can host up to 80 people, while the Roman gardens can cater for up to 100. The Italian Gardens allow for bigger parties for up to 300 guests. At Pool Grill Restaurant we can host cocktails for up to 80 people and banquets for up to 50 people.

What additional features and facilities does your property offer that couples may find useful?

For the utmost celebration, couples can choose to reserve the whole hotel for exclusive use and enjoy private access to all their favourite areas of our 15th-century monastery.

We can cater for different types of ceremonies, including blessings and civil weddings. Religious weddings can be celebrated in the majestic churches of Florence.

For the days before and after the wedding, we can help in organizing a memorable programme to uncover the most hidden gems of Florence which include visits to the best artisan workshops of the city, experiences in the footsteps of great Florentine personalities such as Leonardo or Dante or fun rides on an Ape Calessino.

Finally, we would recommend the Limonaia Villa as the best accommodation for couples. Located in the former orangerie of the convent in a secluded corner of the gardens, it is a villa with private gardens on two levels and a plunge pool with a view. It provides all the privacy and space couples will need before their wedding.

What type of couple would fall in love with your property and why?

Villa San Michele is perfect for those who appreciate history and art. Every step you’ll take in our historic monastery will be rich in history. You can imagine Michelangelo designing our façade, picture Leonardo testing his flying machine or even sleeping in the exact same room that used to be Napoleon headquarter in Florence. In contrast with that, the walls of the hotel brim with modern art with exhibitions of local artists that change every year.

Your best advice for honeymoon/vacation planning?

Make sure to indulge in some precious moments for two. Our lover’s corner is the ideal place for a romantic dinner beyond compare. Just imagine you and your special someone in a private and secluded area of our gardens with the city of Florence shimmering below your feet. It’s pure magic.

Not to be missed is also a visit to Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. It’s a 10th-century castle surrounded by one of the largest private estates in Italy, rich in vineyards, olive groves, woods and rich wildlife.

Describe a perfect day when staying at Villa San Michele?

Days at Villa San Michele are worth starting early, as the sun slowly rises over the stunning city of Florence below. Head out to your private terrace and indulge in a private breakfast in total tranquillity as the birds welcome the day. If you fancy some morning exercise, follow the steps of Leonardo in the woods of Monte Ceceri. The famed Tuscan genius first tested his flying machine right from the hill above our hotel. You can reach that exact same spot and be captivated by the enchanting view.

For lunch, head back to the hotel and take your seat at our Pool Grill Restaurant right by the pool for some tasty Tuscan flavours.

Afternoons call for explorations. Jump on our vintage Fiat 1100 Musone and in 15 minutes, you’ll be in the heart of the cradle of Renaissance. Not to be missed is our The Art of Making experience, an exclusive journey among the best artisan workshops of the city, to step behind the scenes and see how artists are preserving manual traditions with new materials and contemporary style. From jewelry to shoes, crystalware to perfumery, you’ll listen to each artisan talk passionately about their art’s heritage and style.

End the afternoon with some relaxing time by the pool, taking in the incredible view which stretches as far as the famed dome from Brunelleschi, then linger over a tasty Tuscan aperitivo. Try Il Sommo, our signature cocktail dedicated to Dante, Il Sommo Poeta – it is prepared with Vernaccia, the only wine mentioned in the Divina Commedia, alchermes and soda and paired with a platter of local cold cuts and cheese.

As the sun sets, head to our 15th-century loggiato for the most delicious dinner at La Loggia. Chef Alessandro Cozzolino is sure to surprise your taste buds with his creative specialities inspired by Tuscan cuisine, your dinner will transform into an authentic journey. For those preferring more intimate dining, we can organize a fun picnic in your favourite corner of the gardens.

Editor’s Notes

Why we love it…

The sweeping, inimitable views across Florence. We’re enraptured by the villa’s truly incredible location, and how at every window, every corner of the property, you’ll glimpse a vista over the gardens and city beyond that will stop you in your tracks. Once a medieval monastery, we’re also enchanted by the rich history imbued within the villa’s walls and how iconic artists have made their mark upon them.

For the couple…

For couples looking for a luxurious, idyllic and picturesque property to host their nuptials or relax in style on their honeymoon. For art and culture lovers seeking an experience laced with history and phenomenal food and wine.

Editor’s tips…

This property is the epitome of romance, so keep this in mind for your wedding wardrobe. Consider feminine and/or vintage-inspired silhouettes handcrafted with lace or delicate embroidery. For honeymoon styling, pack a chic floral sundress and straw hat for daytime explorations, an elegant one-piece swimsuit for lazing by the pool, and a simple black silk slip dress to pair with a red lip for evening dining.