Description
A 15th century Franciscan monastery with amazing views of Florence and boasting a façade by Michelangelo - there can be no more quintessential Italian experience, especially if you opt for the Michelangelo Suite, the Old Chapel or the new Garden Suites. Villa San Michele, fully restored by Orient-Express Hotels and voted one of the world's most beautiful, promises a rare experience indeed. And Chianti itself, the Medici Villas, San Gimignano, Siena, the breathtaking Tuscan countryside with its picture-book villages and, of course, the Renaissance splendour of Florence, with its museums, churches, art galleries and designer shopping, are all on your doorstep.
Set amidst the Italian gardens scented with lemon, the luxurious panoramic swimming pool is the perfect place to relax and admire the stunning sea vistas. The small gym also offers brilliant views. Local golf clubs offer championship-quality courses and there are tennis facilities nearby to learn or improve your skills.
Internationally renowned chefs come to teach the cookery school here, while regular guests of the Villa have discovered yet another reason to return time and again. These cooking classes have a reputation for excellence amongst gourmet restaurants around the world.
Guide price
£3,030 Per person
£3,030 Per person based on 2 sharing a classic double room for 7 nights on a B&B basis in mid season, including scheduled flights from London and private transfers.
Accommodation
There are 46 rooms including 25 suites. Walnut and cherry custom-made furniture and elegant upholstery grace the rooms. All suites are very spacious with large marble bathrooms and some have a private terrace to admire the stunning views over Florence. Most bathrooms have separate bath and shower. All rooms are well equipped with mini bar, direct dial telephones, satellite TV, CD and DVD players, air conditioning and WiFi.
Childcare
Children are welcome.
Facilities
The elegant Loggia restaurant offers exceptional views over Florence. The pool restaurant also enjoys fantastic views from its hilltop location. The Villa's 3 stylish and relaxing bars serve classic cocktails, vintage liqueurs and light snacks. There is an amazing panoramic swimming pool and small gym both with perfect sea vistas.
Activities
Mountain bikes can be hired for trips to Fiesole or Florence. Local golf clubs offer championship-quality courses and there are tennis facilities nearby. Guests can also trek through the glorious scenic Tuscan countryside on horseback. There are cooking classes with internationally renowned chefs.
When to travel
Florence is an exciting place to visit at any time of the year, and most attractions are open all year round. The best time to visit Florence is in May, early June, late September and October. Days during those months are usually warm, and quite long. July and August are hot and humid with many tourists. Since most Italians leave their hot cities in the summer, many restaurants are closed in Florence.
Winter can get cold, particularly January but it is quiet. Temperatures are more favourable in the spring and autumn months.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Florence, Tuscany, Italy
Situated on a hilltop in Fiesole (part of Florence), surrounded by trees and terraced gardens overlooking the city of Florence and the Arno Valley below.
How to get there
British Airways flight to Florence (2-hour 7-minutes) or Pisa (2-hour 10-minutes). Florence is a 20-minute drive by car to the hotel, Pisa is a 90-minute.
