Florence’s storied retreat reopens with a new Guerlain Spa and a fresh culinary programme
Set within a former 15th-century monastery overlooking Florence, Villa San Michele has long been regarded as one of Tuscany’s most distinctive hotels. After an 18-month restoration led by Florentine architect Luigi Fragola, the Belmond-owned property reopened in April with a renewed identity shaped around heritage, craftsmanship and wellbeing—complete with redesigned accommodations, a fresh culinary direction and the debut of its first-ever spa.
“One of the most fascinating aspects of hospitality is that it is constantly evolving because people themselves are evolving,” general manager Sofia Peluso tells Boulevard. “What I continue learning is that true luxury is becoming increasingly emotional, intuitive and personal.”
Left: The Villa San Michele retains the glory of the original monastery building. Right: General manager Sofia Peluso. Top: Villa San Michele commands a sweeping view of Florence. (Photos courtesy of Villa San Michele, a Belmond hotel)
This take on hospitality—anchored not only in operational excellence but empathy, creativity and authenticity—guided the redesign of the hotel. “Our vision for Villa San Michele was never simply to renovate a historic hotel, but to gently reawaken its soul,” shares Peluso. “From the very beginning, we wanted to honour the property’s extraordinary heritage while creating a deeper emotional connection with today’s traveller.”
That balance between preservation and contemporary comfort shapes much of the hotel’s new direction. Unfolding across the original monastery and its gardens, Tuscan craftsmanship is woven throughout the interiors by Florence-based Luigi Fragola Architects. Every detail invites close admiration, from the restored frescoes to the carefully curated collectables and rare artefacts. As Peluso explains, the broader experience places greater emphasis on nature, creativity and a slower rhythm of living.
She adds, “The Villa has always carried a profound sense of peace, contemplation and beauty. The approach was therefore very sensitive and intentional, preserving the spirit of the place while introducing a more contemporary sense of comfort, wellbeing and elegance.”
The reopening likewise reflects wider changes within ultra-luxury hospitality. “Guests are no longer only looking for exclusivity in the traditional sense,” says Peluso, “they are looking for experiences that feel personal, restorative and culturally enriching. They want to connect with local traditions, gastronomy, nature and artistry in a more intimate and thoughtful way.”
Lush flora is woven throughout the storied property. (Photos courtesy of Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel)
At Villa San Michele, this translates into a layered hospitality offering: suites enriched with the property’s rich heritage and narratives, gardens designed for contemplation and immersive wellness programming integrated into the estate’s woodland surroundings. This is aligned with the evident shift we’ve been seeing across hotels, that is the growing desire for more liveable, breathable, residential-like spaces.
“Our guests want the emotional warmth and ease of a private residence, but they also seek experiences that feel memorable,” Peluso remarks.
Central to this evolution is the launch of Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain, the first spa in the property’s history. The new wellness concept is accompanied by nature-focused experiences and an “energy-raising” programme developed in collaboration with La DoubleJ founder JJ Martin.
Executive chef Alessandro Cozzolino will also introduce a renewed culinary programme centred on Tuscan flavours and seasonal ingredients, while the hotel’s extended operating season—now spanning from spring through winter—encourages a more immersive experience of Florence beyond peak summer months.
Terraced dining and lounging areas in the hotel. (Photos courtesy of Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel)
“Over the last five years, guests have become more intentional in the way they travel,” Peluso adds. “Luxury is no longer defined only by aesthetics or service excellence, although those remain essential, but increasingly by how a place makes people feel.”
Indeed, some of her most meaningful moments in the hotel remain the simplest. “One of my favourite moments at Villa San Michele is breakfast on the loggiato overlooking Florence,” she says. “There is a beautiful energy in the morning, a special light over the city, with guests slowly beginning their day, sharing plans and discovering the city through different perspectives.”
As luxury hospitality continues to evolve toward more personal and culturally grounded experiences, Villa San Michele Florence returns with a clearer sense of purpose. Its reopening is not positioned around spectacle or scale, but around atmosphere, heritage and the enduring appeal of Tuscany experienced at a slower pace.
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