Michelangelo himself is said to have had a hand in the design of the Villa San Michele, a former 15th century monastery that has been expertly transformed into a stunning boutique hotel. The location high in the Tuscan hills affords breathtaking views of Florence, one of the many reasons why we think this is one of Italy’s most romantic hotels. Discover other hotels in Italy or have you considered the rest of Europe, Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Arabia?

20 minute drive from Florence airport and an hour from Pisa.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Florence and the Arno Valley.

There are just 45 rooms and suites, carefully restored and imbued with a real sense of history. Luxurious touches include a marble bathroom, HDTV and WiFi; upgrade to a Junior Suite for a private terrace and living area, or opt for even more space with one of the opulent suites. The Michelangelo Suite once served as Napoleon Bonaparte’s headquarters in Florence and stretches the whole length of the hotel’s facade, while the Limonaia Suite boasts a private plunge pool and can interconnect to create a three bedroom villa.

The signature restaurant is La Loggia, with both an indoor dining room and a terrace with spectacular views over Florence. The more informal poolside restaurant is open during the summer months for lunch and dinner, while the glass-roofed Cloister Bar is an elegant spot for drinks, housed within the old monastery.

Bed & Breakfast; Half Board; Full Board

The heated outdoor pool is perfectly positioned to make the most of the panoramic views, and there is also a fitness centre and an outdoor massage gazebo. The Smile kids’ club is open 6 days a week during summer and offers fun activities including pizza making, picnics and tours of the hotel’s secret gardens. Babysitting is available at an additional charge. There is a complimentary shuttle service to the Piazza della Repubblica in the city centre, and a whole host of tours and excursions bookable through the hotel.