Villa San Michele, a Belmond Hotel
"Start us off with an overview. Located in the hills outside of Florence (in Fiesole), Villa San Michele is another of one of those fairytale properties, this time in the form of a 15th century monastery-turned-villa. Everything about it feels like a dream, from the drive to the property, to standing on its grounds and admiring the architecture. Sounds lovely. What’s the crowd like? Honeymooners; the ruthlessly rich. Noted! How was check in? Everything is absolutely perfect. No exceptions. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms. I'd call it monastery chic: understated luxury with beautiful architecture. There are vaulted ceilings, beautiful glass window panes, period furniture. Less is absolutely more here. Bathrooms are beautiful marble with separate showers and large sunken tubs. The annex rooms have less character but are larger (with huge bathrooms) and some have gardens. Keep going! What else stands out? Wi-Fi was free and worked well. The view is the wow factor, though—along with the superb staff. Bath products are Bulgari luxe line, while mini-bars are well-stocked but nothing to write home about. Fresh orchids in the room was a nice plus. Apparently some rooms have hidden televisions. Room service and food: Worth it? Breakfast is amazing—an abundant selection features made-to-order omelettes and eggs, and buffet with cheese, salmon, and meats. Extra luxurious is the champagne and caviar breakfast. Executive chef Alessandro Cozzolino oversees two restaurants under the graceful arches of a fabulous Renaissance loggia overlooking the city; gourmet La Loggia offers a series of elaborate tasting menus based on locally-sourced seasonal ingredients while at Ristorante San Michjele you can feast on Tuscan dishes such as beef tartare with black truffles, pasta with wild boar and grappa and Bistecca. Before dinner, guests gather for Negronis or a glass of fizz on the garden terrace which shares the dreamy views of the city or in the old cloister. We're in. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you. There is a lovely pool where you can get a massage, and a 24/7 gym kitted out with TechnoGym machines. Parking on site. Programs for kids. Cooking classes. There’s a complimentary shuttle bus service into central Florence. You'll want for nothing here except maybe a spa." - Erica Firpo
