Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel in the hills of Fiesole, near Florence, reopens on 16 May 2023 with a generous repertoire of news and events.

Panoramic gardens, varied fine dining options and art installations ensure that the Villa is poised to continue its calling as a unique summer destination, a peaceful haven where guests can experience and share carefree moments surrounded by greenery.

FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE CONTEMPORARY

Renowned photographer François Halard has captured exceptional images of Villa San Michele which blur the lines between past and present as the Villa’s essence continues to evolve in a boundless dialogue between the Renaissance and contemporary.

As part of the second edition of MITICO, an artistic collaboration between Belmond and Galleria Continua, which involves the installation of artworks in seven of the global properties belonging to the hospitality company, Villa San Michele will host Teenager & Teenager by Chinese artists Sun Yuan & Peng Yu, well-known globally for the often disorientating and provocative nature of their oeuvre.

The hyper-realistic sculpture depicts people sitting on a sofa and armchairs, whose heads have been replaced by enormous rocks as a provocation about the effect of technology on interpersonal relations and as an enticement to exchange, observe and share. The artwork provides viewers with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of human relations and the impelling need to live in the moment and in the place.

Guests will again be greeted by works from the famous Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich, which were presented during the first edition of MITICO. A window above a ladder that rises up in the gardens of the Villa to offer a new perspective over Florence, Window & Ladder is now a permanent artwork after having been acquired by Villa San Michele, alongside The Cloud, a poetic and beguiling work that returns to the hotel’s historic refectory.

SAN MICHELE GRILL & BAR, THE NEW DINING DESTINATION IN FLORENCE

The opening of the all-new San Michele Grill & Bar brings a new lease of life to the poolside this year for carefree relaxation at lunch and dinner.

Hotel guests and external clients can enjoy this new dining destination every evening in pure Italian “villeggiatura” style, accompanied by a DJ set every Tuesday.

Guests will savour this exclusive location by indulging in the finest Neapolitan pizza, summer pasta dishes, and grilled meat and fish overlooking the recently extended panoramic terrace.

The purpose-designed Bar invites guests to explore a cocktail list inspired by the four elements – air, fire, earth and water – while basking in the beauty and fresh air of the Fiesole hills. Opt for lightness with cocktails on the Tra le nuvole list; the irresistible Con lo sguardo al sole; refreshing Dal nostro giardino, prepared using the herbs grown in the villa’s gardens; or conjure up the sea with amusing drinks Cruciverba e Pedalò from the Sapore di sale selection.

LA LOGGIA

Fine dining restaurant La Loggia also reopens on 16 May, beneath the Renaissance loggia of Villa San Michele, which vaunts unparalleled views over Florence.

Executive Chef Alessandro Cozzolino has designed new tasting menus for 2023. Diners can choose from the vegetarian and vegan Sensualità' vegetale menu; Contrasti in terra medicea, a personal take on local flavours and traditions; and Legami tra vizi e vezzi, the chef’s biographical menu with a harmonious balance of flavours and ingredients that shine a light on Tuscany.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, 19:30 to 22:30.

Ristorante San Michele, with sublime city views and open daily at lunch and dinner, and the Lounge Bar in the Italian gardens complete the culinary scene at Villa San Michele.

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE SCUOLA DI MUSICA DI FIESOLE

After the successful inaugural edition in 2022, the I Giardini di Villa San Michele events series returns to the delight of hotel guests and the local public.

From May to September, the terraced gardens will provide the perfect backdrop for calligrapher and designer Betty Soldi’s inksperiences, mixology evenings with distinguished barmen and barladies, and sunset concerts.

Students from the prestigious Scuola di Musica di Fiesole will perform six concerts, ranging from classical music to jazz, in this summer setting. This special partnership reiterates Villa San Michele’s drive to act as a cultural centre for the arts in Fiesole.

For reservations: +39 055 5678200  concierge.vsm@belmond.com

GARDENS FOR THE SENSES

More than art and fine dining, the gardens of Villa San Michele are a place for regeneration, where guests can reconnect with nature from dawn to dusk. Complimentary morning yoga lessons are held in the rose garden and conversations with a botanist take place in the vegetable garden as the sun sets.

In the past, the friars who lived here followed a daily routine dictated by the sounds of nature. Now, guests are invited to unearth hidden corners and scenic secrets in the relaxing gardens adjacent to the Villa and in the woodland where Leonardo once conducted his flying machine experiments.

ENDS