High above Florence in the wooded hills of Fiesole, Il Salviatino occupies a 15th‑century villa set among 12 hectares of parkland. The approach alone is romantic: a cypress‑lined driveway, terraced gardens, and glimpses of the Duomo shimmering through the trees. Inside, modern furnishings sit alongside hand‑painted frescoes and carved stone fireplaces; each of the 39 rooms and suites is individually curated by owner Alessandra Rovati Vitali, with Italian linens, Diptyque amenities, deep soaking tubs and – in some suites – views of Brunelleschi’s dome or the rolling hills. Daily breakfast is included, and there’s a sense of being a guest in a private home rather than a hotel. At dusk, lanterns flicker in the botanical garden and the perfume of roses and jasmine hangs in the air as the city’s lights twinkle below.

Food

The culinary heart of the villa is Da Giacomo al Salviatino, a restaurant on a panoramic terrace where Milanese dishes meet Tuscan ingredients. Seafood arrives straight from the Tyrrhenian Sea, vegetables and herbs are picked from the villa’s organic garden, and the menu changes with the seasons; dining here feels like being invited to an Italian friend’s summer house. The Rosa Bar offers cocktails infused with lemon blossom, rosemary and wild berries from the grounds, served in cosy lounges or on the terrace. Poolside, a seasonal bar shakes up caffe shakerato and mixes spritzes to accompany plates of bruschetta and salads. Breakfast is an indulgent affair with just‑baked cakes, local cheeses and honey enjoyed in the garden, library or terrace.

Spa

The Aquae Vitali Spa is housed in the villa’s historic greenhouse, where sunlight filters through glass panes onto marble floors and verdant plants. Treatments include signature massages and facials using Augustinus Bader products, and the spa’s thermal journey invites you to alternate between a Vichy shower, hammam, infrared sauna, Finnish sauna, heated plunge pool, ice bath and Kneipp walk. Couples can book private sessions in the watsu pool for hydromassage. Yoga and mindfulness classes are held outdoors among oak trees, and the gym is available from early morning to late evening. A pair of cascading infinity pools hidden within the gardens provide a serene spot to bask in the Tuscan sun.

Environment

Il Salviatino sits on the Salviati hill, about a 15‑minute drive above Florence and its Renaissance treasures. The Peretola airport is roughly 25 minutes away, while Pisa’s airport is around an hour and a quarter. A complimentary shuttle connects guests to the city several times a day, but many choose to explore the estate: scented paths wind past sculptures and botanical plantings, a 12‑hectare park invites leisurely strolls, and bicycles can be borrowed for rides into the surrounding countryside. Nearby Fiesole offers Roman ruins and trattorias, and day trips to Chianti wineries or medieval hill towns are easy to arrange.

Average review score

Recent travellers rate Il Salviatino highly, with booking sites averaging around 9.2/10 to 9.5/10. Everyone praises the personalised service, the sweeping views over Florence and the tranquil setting that feels worlds away yet close to the city.