Villa San Michele Reopens in Fiesole After 18-Month Refurbishment
Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel in Fiesole, has reopened after an 18-month top-to-toe refurbishment. The Renaissance villa, whose facade is attributed to Michelangelo, was originally a 15th-century monastery. The renovation, led by Luigi Fragola Architects, restored original features like black marble fireplaces and Tuscan terracotta flooring while adding contemporary accents. The hotel now offers 39 suites, a Guerlain spa, and wellness programs by JJ Martin of La DoubleJ, including sound healing sessions in a former chapel. The reopening weekend featured design tastemakers Alexa Chung, Athena Calderone, and Gwyneth Paltrow. Guests can explore private gardens of nearby villas like Villa Medici and Villa Gamberaia via Piaggio Ape vehicles.
Key facts
- Villa San Michele is a Belmond Hotel in Fiesole, three miles north of Florence.
- Its facade is believed to have been designed by Michelangelo.
- The site was originally a 15th-century monastery.
- Leonardo da Vinci studied birds of prey in the nearby forest.
- The hotel was closed for 18 months for a full refurbishment.
- Luigi Fragola Architects led the renovation.
- The hotel has 39 suites, a Guerlain spa, and wellness programs.
- The reopening weekend included Gwyneth Paltrow, Alexa Chung, and Athena Calderone.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Alexa Chung
- Athena Calderone
- JJ Martin
- Gwyneth Paltrow
- Dan Ruff
- Isabella Massenet
Institutions
- Belmond
- Luigi Fragola Architects
- Guerlain
- La DoubleJ
- Villa Medici
- Villa Gamberaia
- Villa San Michele
Locations
- Fiesole
- Florence
- Italy
- Brittany
- Carrara
- Santa Maria Novella