Surrounded by lush trees and terraced gardens with breathtaking views of Florence, VILLA SAN MICHELE A Belmond Hotel Florence, recognized as one of the most charming boutique hotels in Europe, invites you to enjoy a luxurious retreat in the Florentine countryside, strolling through the picturesque Fiesole with its olive groves and shady forests while remaining a stone’s throw from the bustling city.
VILLA SAN MICHELE A Belmond Hotel Florence is part of one of the largest hotel chains — Belmond, which has been a pioneer of exceptional luxury travel for over 40 years. Belmond is a part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH (Moët, Hennessy, Louis Vuitton).
LIVING LEGEND
VILLA SAN MICHELE, a former renaissance monastery ‘Convento di San Michele alla Doccia’ named after the church of St. Michael the Archangel and built in the 15th century, is as much a part of Italy’s culture as its greatest cathedrals and galleries.
According to experts, the decoration of its facade was made by the great Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo, who wrote: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”
Although the building owes much to the Italian sculptor, it is equally indebted to the Davanzati family, who agreed to renovate and enlarge it in 1600. Many leading artists such as Santi di Tito (who completed the work in the Vatican) worked on the hotel grounds. The facade decorations are the work of the famous stonemason Romolo Ferrucci.
As well as the Davanzati coat of arms and two lions’ heads, there is a Latin inscription, which reads: “To God and to St Michael. Niccolò de Davanzati had erected 1411. Giovanni de Davanzati enlarged 1600.”
The Church of VILLA SAN MICHELE alla Doccia was declared a National Monument in 1896, but time and neglect caused the exterior to become badly corroded. In 1982, Belmond (at the time, Orient-Express Hotels) bought Villa San Michele and the surrounding land and embarked on a comprehensive restoration of the buildings with the cooperation of the Florence Fine Arts Authority.
Driving up to the ancient stone columns, burned by the sun, which form the gate, you will definitely feel that this is the Tuscany that you can dream about. Wrapped in emerald greenery and the scent of olive trees, VILLA SAN MICHELE exudes classic Italian charm and enchants with its magnificence.
Stepping through the ancient wooden doors still feels walking into a Renaissance-era church. Chandeliers and high windows bathe the room in soft light. The aspe and high altar remain, adorned with pietra serena columns. The eye is immediately attracted by a beautiful picture of Christ. There are four jars of holy water here, two of which are dated 1515, possibly the year the church was originally completed.
In the Cenacolo room, art lovers can admire the Last Supper fresco by Nicodemo Ferrucci, which has adorned the walls of the former refectory since 1642. There are many other treasures too, such as the partially preserved 15th-century fresco of the Ascension of the Lord, a painting by Santi di Tito, and a stone coffin bearing the emblem of Pope Eugene IV. One of the most famous guests was Napoleon Bonaparte, who for some time used the Michelangelo suite as his headquarters.
Every stone of this historic hotel tells a rich story, and treasures can be found in every corner, from the fireplaces to the frescoes.
“As proud custodians of such a remarkable heritage protected by the Fine Arts, our responsibility is to preserve and share its history whilst at the same time allowing our guests to experience it in full, capturing its beauty and full potential, — says General Manager Sofia Peluso. — The goal of the recent restyle completed before the launch of season 2022 was that of modernising the settings and the atmosphere at VILLA SAN MICHELE, preserving its history and heritage, merging with elegance and contemporary living and introducing new elements that harmonize with the right amount of color, light and design.”
GARDENS OF SPLENDOR
When you get to VILLA SAN MICHELE, you find yourself in paradise, with a large forest park and lawns with terraces. Here you will find a 400-year-old wisteria, the only one in Florence that blooms twice a year. The tranquil natural beauty of the gardens is accentuated by lighting designed by renowned landscape architect Pietro Porcinai.
Outdoors, the lawn is perfect for great picnics and events, as well as relaxing with a glass of wine while admiring the beauty of life on the hillsides of Fiesole.
Walking along the paths around the forest, you can come across a quiet vegetable garden, a garden for yoga and meditation in front of the old chapel of San Francesco.
“Villa San Michele boasts one of the most incredible views over Florence, — continues Sofia. — An aperitivo in our terraced gardens at sunset is truly an unforgettable and memorable experience. One of the advantages of staying at Villa San Michele is the opportunity of experiencing tranquility and privacy whilst at a stone’s throw from the city. At Villa San Michele, we strive to facilitate flourishing dialogues, about gastronomy, culture, and sustainability. It’s a cultural haven that invites exploration and exchange.”
LOST IN THE GREENERY
VILLA SAN MICHELE has 45 rooms and suites that combine the Renaissance style in a unique way and modern taste, thanks to a prestigious historical location where design furnishings, terracotta tiled floors and contemporary art find their natural place.
All air-conditioned rooms and suites are equipped with a flat-screen TV with a CD/DVD player, a wardrobe, a minibar. Many of the rooms have their own terrace with cozy outdoor furniture, which offers a magnificent view of the city.
The spacious bathrooms, finished in Carrara marble, are equipped with all necessary accessories as well as perfumes from prestigious Italian brand Acqua Di Parma.
EXQUISITE FLAVORS WITH A VIEW
Gastronomy is a key component of VILLA SAN MICHELE experiential offering. With the freshest local produce in the finest location, dining at hotel is the perfect way to appreciate the true magic behind Italian and Tuscan cuisine. It doesn’t hurt that hotel overlooks Florence’s most coveted view — the panoramic vista from each of the restaurants stretches as far as to Brunelleschi’s Dome.
You can enjoy traditional delicious Tuscan cuisine and a cozy welcome at the Ristorante San Michele and the La Loggia restaurant, which are located opposite each other.
In the mornings, the Ristorante San Michele serves amazing buffet breakfasts, replete with Tuscan delicacies — cheeses, cold cuts, olives, berries and fruits, nuts, jams, fresh pastries.
Drinks choice include fresh juices and smoothies, coffee, tea.
Also À la carte menu offers cold and hot morning meals — variations of eggs, avocado toast, yogurt and cereals and more.
As a sweet option, besides fragrant pastries and cakes, you should definitely try one of the most popular local delicacies — the traditional Florentine rice pudding.
LA LOGGIA — Journey Through Tuscany
With boasting dramatic views over the Renaissance architecture of Florence, La Loggia, which translates as a roofed open gallery, sits at the heart of the historic hilltop Villa San Michele. The restaurant hosts eight intimate tables in secluded elegance under lofty, cross-vaulted arches.
The beauty of this historic site is in harmony with the sustainable, innovative cuisine of the restaurant’s
Alessandro Cozzolino was born and raised in the southern town of Caserta close to Naples. His first culinary influence came from home, watching and learning from his mother and grandmother, and from his youth he imbibed a respect for ingredients and products.
Passionate about the world of cooking, Alessandro followed his dream of becoming a chef. After graduating from a culinary school in Cassino, near Rome, he focused on challenging his knowledge and honing his craft. His talent earned him his first internship at Le Cimes, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in France under Chef Régis Marcon and his next internship was at 2-Michelin star Restaurant Chez Dominique, in Helsinki, under Chef Hans Välimäki where in 2009, the restaurant was voted 21st in the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards’.
In the Photo: Brand Chef Alessandro Cozzolino
“The attention to detail and precision of execution that I learned during my internships proved to be an invaluable lesson early in my career, — says Alessandro. — After the internships, I returned to Italy and worked under the guidance of famous chefs Norbert Niederkofler at 3 Michelin-starred Restaurant St Hubertus in the village of San Cassiano, Gaetano Trovato at 2 starred Ristorante Arnolfo in Tuscany and Nino di Costanzo at 2-starred Il Mosaico in Ischia, which instilled in me even more perseverance and understanding of my path. My dream was to learn oriental cuisine and I went to Hong Kong where I worked as a chef at the legendary Grissini at the Grand Hyatt. It was a place where I formed the menu myself and could share my creativity. There I was awarded Chef of the Year in 2017 by Gambero Rosso, which I am very proud of. When I took over the kitchen at La Loggia in 2019, it became my second home. Here I want to talk about the culture and history of Italy and Florence so that guests can enjoy the feeling of this beautiful country and city as well as cuisine created to express love for their native land. Flavour for me is the essence and identity of who I am and my wish is to make the simplest things memorable.”
With almost 19 years of skilled experience behind him, Alessandro brings authenticity and knowledge to the menus at La Loggia, where each dish is a carefully-crafted feat of gastronomic creativity.
Alessandro created three tasting menu options — INTRECCI TRA VITA E CUCINA, VISIONE FIORENTINA and EPICUREO VEGETARIANO, where elegant expressions of the Tuscan land and sea can be found in every dish prepared with the finest local produce.
Me-la scampo…
Viareggini scampi, Garfagnana apple stewed in Chartreuse, Oscietra caviar
A la Russa
Olivier salad with seasonal broccoli, horseradish, mustard seeds
Bread selection served with local olive oil and butter
Bischeri… come noi d’altronde
Pasta cooked in “caciucco” fish broth, Grosseto cuttlefish, Viareggio prawns, lemon balm
Piccion….cino
Valdarno pigeon, smoked cauliflower, autumn peach with vermouth from Prato
Scarpetta
“Frittelline” served with fruit flavoured creams
Rubino Montalcino
Decana pears from Val d’Orcia, pink pepper, rhubarb
Dolcezze Selection of Petit Four
The sommelier team are on hand to lead guests through La Loggia’s wine cellar, which houses the finest Tuscan and other Italian wines, as well as a curated selection of international labels.
INTRECCI TRA VITA E CUCINA — A path of the life of the Chef — 190€
VISIONE FIORENTINA — A tasting menu strongly inspired by Florence and its various shades — 160€
EPICUREO VEGETARIANO — Vegetarian tasting menu in a homage to our local farmers — 140€
La Loggia is open for dinner Tuesday – Sunday: 7.30-10:30 PM
BAR SAN MICHELE
In the evening, it’s nice to pop into the bar to unwind while sipping delicious signature cocktails.
Set in the hotel’s historic Cloister, the bar’s design balances tradition, soft contours, leather, brass and marble with flashes of modern sophistication. Or head outside into the garden for a long, lazy al fresco aperitivo with a view.
Professional bartenders will present their signature cocktails, as well as a collection of Negroni.
RELAXATION PARADISE
VILLA SAN MICHELE offers a variety of options to make their guests’ stay the best and most favorable.
There is a swimming pool on the hill with sun loungers and a bar, entertainment programs for children, free parking and WI-FI provided.
There is a free shuttle service for everyone to Piazza della Repubblica in the center of Florence.
Sofia Peluso: “A distinctive feature of our hotel lies in its individuality, it is first of all our people, the staff who, with their caring hands and heart, contribute to an impeccable and individual service to guests. This is my first season as General Manager and together with the team we will continue our growth and development to become even better every year. In our near future plans is to expand wellness services and various wellness programs and activities.”
Villa San Michele
Address: Via Doccia 4 – 50014 Fiesole – Florence – Italy
Contacts:
Reservations · +39 0185 2353 03
Local Reservations · +39 0282 9557 90
Phone · +39 055 5678 200
Email · reservations.vsm@belmond.com
Concierge · concierge.vsm@belmond.com
Instagram: @belmondvillasanmichele
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
