Imagine quiet wooded luxury just 20 minutes from the exciting sights and streets of Florence – that’s how our stay at Villa San Michelle, Florence, was. One of Florence’s most expensive hotels, this hotel, which sits in a former monastery, was the perfect love nest for us. The peaceful wooded hillside location, the magnificent views of the lush greenery and the city, and the utterly luxurious and romantic stay got our vote right off the bat. The best bit? We were here during summer, when the temperature was much cooler than the surroundings, making it all the cozier for romance!
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Experiencing rustic Italian luxury
Since we love everything ancient Italian, the Villa San Michele Belmond, Florence, might as well have been designed especially for us. Each corner of this 15th-century former Franciscan monastery is Instagrammable. I couldn’t take my eyes off the weathered, porticoed façade, which is said to have been done by Michelangelo. We felt like ancient Italian royalty sweeping through the rabbit warren of stairways and corridors, which feel like the epitome of romance. Think vaulted ceilings, old master prints and paintings, and precious Florentine antiques in just about every little ancient space.
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Room choices for the historical romance-obsessed
There are a variety of utterly romantic rooms at Villa San Michelle, Florence, but we had to get the ultimate in romance – the Michelangelo Suite. It was love at first sight for us as we entered what is the hotel’s largest and most romantic suite. It’s ironic, considering this was once Napoleon Bonaparte’s French headquarters! Later on, it was even the monks’ library.
Today, the only remnant of the past is a certain quietude that envelops the space. We especially loved the huge fireplace and double French windows that open to lush views of the grounds. At the heart of the room sits the centerpiece – a four-poster mahogany bed. A silver dish lay on the bedside with excellent Prosecco and what was the most delicious and crunchiest green olives we’ve ever tasted in our lives. Between the Prosecco, the olives, the fresh orchids, and the bed, we didn’t leave the room for hours, if you know what I mean.
What made the experience all the more comfortable was the modern amenities, such as the huge bathtub, the bespoke bath products, and the sunken television hidden in what looked like an ancient monk’s coffer at the foot of the bed.
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A slew of romantic activities for couples
We loved that besides the romantic digs themselves, there is a myriad of activities on offer here for couples. In fact, many Villa San Michele, Florence, reviews mention the same, and we have to agree. Since we’re both cocktail buffs, we indulged in wine tastings and cocktail-making classes. We also wanted to get our hands dirty in a real Italian kitchen, which is fortunate since the villa offers cooking classes thrice each week. In fact, bartending and cooking got us worked up enough to head back to the room to spend time together!
Exploring the property together was one of the most romantic experiences we had. Many lush pathways surround the villa, along with a 400-year-old Wisteria, and we happily spent hours walking around. Later on, we headed to the pool terrace that overlooks the whole property, complete with jaw-dropping views. As we spent soaking the views, the staff were more than eager to get us everything from drinks to pizzas to ice cream.
Are you here during a full moon? The villa throws amazing full-moon parties at the pool, complete with live music and some of the best views you’ve seen in your life.
The most romantic spot on the property is the 17th-century chapel on the grounds. Today, the deeply romantic and private chapel is one of the most popular wedding retreats in the country.
Did you know that you can see Cinque Terre on a one-day trip from here? Do what we did and hop on to this amazing Seaside Beauty Day Trip to Cinque Terre.
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Romantic dining overlooking Florence
Our evenings at the Villa San Michelle, Florence, were perfect. The candlelit restaurant La Loggia is one of the most romantic dinner spots in all of Tuscany. Throw in their live piano music every night, and you can see why we loved our experience here. The views of Florence were mesmerizing, first against a sunburnt sky and then twinkling as darkness fell. Excellent wine, even better chef-crafted dishes, superb attentive service – and each other’s company was made all the better.
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A poolside massage gazebo
Despite the absence of a spa, Villa San Michele Belmond Florence stays true to its vibe and dishes out a unique unwinding experience. They have what they call a ‘wellness suite’ for guests who want to indulge in massages and other relaxing treatments. In fact, we had the choice of getting messages in the privacy of our room or open-air versions by the pool! The massive massage gazebo under the canopy in the garden was perfect for us as we indulged in a couples’ massage, complete with views of the Tuscan countryside.
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Pros
- The hotel is the perfect fusion of old-world luxury with modern amenities.
- The views of Florence and the Tuscan countryside are to die for.
- The restaurant here is one of the most romantic dining spots in all of Tuscany.
Cons
- There’s no full-service spa; rather, there are massages and treatments on request.
Conclusion
Seclusion, luxury living, and proximity to Florence made Villa San Michelle just the place for us. As we wound up a wonderful little holiday here, we realized that we loved everything about the hotel. Whether it’s the hillside location overlooking Florence, the amorous ambiance, or the many things to do for couples like us, this Villa is one of the best hotels to enjoy a real authentic Tuscan holiday.
Read Also
- Best Hotels in Florence, Italy
- Top Wedding Villas in Tuscany to Rent
- Top Things To Do In Florence
- Best Luxurious Honeymoon Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many rooms does Villa San Michele have?
A: It’s one of Italy’s finest small boutique hotels with 42 rooms and suites.
Q: Is the hotel open throughout the year?
A: No, the Villa is seasonal and shuts every year around September and opens in May.
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