I never thought I’d like living in a 16th Century monastery until I visited Florence. In fact, if I had it my way, I would have moved into Hotel Villa San Michele for the whole summer.
I pulled up in our rented Fiat 500 in style, slipping in beside a handful of Ferarri’s. Besides feeling inadequate about my rental car for a brief second, I was ready to not drive again until we left what looked like the gateway to a palace.
The hotel (or castle, depending on your vantage point) is set in one of the most memorable locations in Italy– tucked right up against the hillside with long views over the city of Florence. There are 45 rooms located in both the main building (the original monastery) and a few small buildings (including a 16th century chapel) scattered on the hill were all lovely, classic Italian luxury.
I guess that Michaelango guy was a pretty decent designer after all. Yes, I’m not joking. The façade is attributed to Michelangelo himself. Most of the original artwork from the monastery is now housed in the various museums of Florence, but a number of pieces can still be seen inside the rooms of the building including the 17th century fresco of the Last Supper by Nicodemo Ferrucci in the halls once used as the Monks’ refectory.
Upon arrival we did what made most sense on a hot Italian day and slipped on our suits and went straight into the incredible pool, set up on the hillside above the hotel.
A beautiful voyeuristic view of the courtyard behind the hotel. Open day and night. We were able to see fireworks here our first night, serendipitously Saint Fiesole was being celebrated. Really, just a good excuse for more prosecco.
Many suites are hidden behind walls over greenery, like these shown above. The privacy coupled with the long views is certainly unmatched in Florence.
Let there be wine. To say we indulged on the local grapes would be an understatement. But when in Florence, I did as I was told.
The exterior of the hotel (Michelangelo’s touch) houses The Loggia Restaurant where we had one of the more decadent lunches of the trip. If you like truffles and ravioli, you’re waistline is in big trouble here.
Our new friends at the hotel took us in and ordered for the table– and we were entertained and blown away by the knowledge of Giulio Gentile (a gentle man, indeed), the marketing director for the Orient Express hotels, which of course include this property. Giulio was even kind enough to drive us nearly half way to our next destination in the hills of Tuscany. Without his wise navigation we probably would still be lost today.
Inside the restaurant. At night the piano was playing and Italian charm turned on high.
The view from the pool over Florence. Gorgeous greenery, flowers, sunbathing. I could have stayed here all day had I not wanted to explore downtown Florence just as badly.
Finally, we were able to visit The Limonaia Suite, which was easily one of the most dramatic and special places on the grounds. It can be reserved as a one, two or three bedroom villa. It’s actually the 17th century Limonaia, or former orangery of the convent. With a private plunge pool, it is truly a private villa inside the Villa San Michele.
If you’re planning a trip to Florence and have the money, stay here. If you’re trying to impress someone you love, see above. If you can’t stay here, swing in for lunch or dinner, or even just a drink. You will not regret seeing it. Chalk it up as a history lesson, it’s not every day you get to visit– let alone stay at a place with history, style and luxury as rich as this.
The hotel is an adventurous 15 minute drive from the Florence airport. Get a GPS, you’ll need it.
Villa San Michele
Via Doccia 4
50014 Fiesole
Italy
Most photo credits here belong to Greta Eagan.
