Jun 1, 2026 – 5.00amIt’s not every hotel in Europe that can attract the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Alexa Chung to an intimate dinner party. Villa San Michele, the gem on the slopes of Monte Ceceri overlooking Florence, isn’t just any hotel.It has always been a cynosure of dolce vita ease and worldly refinement. Having emerged last month from a comprehensive renovation after an 18-month closure, the urban resort, part of the Belmond stable of ultra-luxury hotels, is indisputably one of the most atmospheric and elegant stays in a country that has more than its fair share of them.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Maria ShollenbargerContributorMaria Shollenbarger is a contributing writer for the Financial Review and travel columnist for AFR Magazine.Fetching latest articles