The new suite interiors were created by architect and designer Federico Forquet, in a style reflecting Florentine culture and traditions. Forquet sought inspiration for his designs from old library photographs and engravings of the furnishings of Florentine villas and houses. Each of the large, airy suites features carved walnut furnishings, woven fabrics, wrought iron light fittings and bed heads and are equipped with the latest technology including DVD players and internet connections. They have particularly spacious dressing room/bathroom areas with double vanity units; separate WC, shower and bath. The suites offer spacious gardens and terraces with magnificent views of the Arno River, framed by cypress and olive trees.
Over the winter, Forquet, has also been involved in the beautiful garden design and extensions of the two ‘Limonaia’ suites. The second floor suite now has a glass door that opens onto a beautiful Italianate hanging garden with a waterfall, whilst the lower ground suite has its own private entrance and front garden terrace surrounded by a beautiful laurel hedge, offering complete seclusion.
The Michelangelo suite has been revamped, to become even more romantic than ever. Measuring 65 square metres (682 square feet), the suite stretches along the whole length of the façade of the hotel with a large window opening out to a view of Florence, the Arno Valley and the Chianti Hills. Inundated by daylight from sunrise to sunset, it was once the monastery library and Napoleon later occupied the suite when he established his headquarters in Florence. The walls have been painted in a warm glowing colour, by using the limestone plaster brush technique of ‘grassello Toscano’. The bathroom has been completely remodelled with a separate toilet area and shower, while the Jacuzzi has been replaced with a comfortable bathtub. White Carrara marble has been used throughout, with cherry wood, polished to a mirror like effect.
The Villa San Michele School of Cookery is now in its third year and has become a renowned institution amongst gourmets and international chefs, offering a diverse range of classes. The courses take place from April to November and include Sara and Nancy Jenkins from 7-13 May, Giuliano Hazan from 6-8 June and Jun Tanaka from 25-28 July. The successful Children’s Cookery School will run from 7-10 April and 28-31July.
A new three night ‘Scent of Florence’ package will be offered from March to November that includes exclusive use of a personal shopper, private car and chauffeur. The itinerary includes a special visit to Lorenzo Villoresi’s perfume laboratory in the historic centre of Florence, where guests can have their own personal perfume created. Price per couple is from €3,715 (£2,546*) for three nights in a junior suite with daily breakfast and lunch in a typical Florentine trattoria and invigorating aromatic body massage.
The Villa San Michele’s concierge service has conjured up some exciting new activities to make their guests’ stay even more memorable. For romantics, a private candlelit dinner under the stars overlooking the city of Florence can be arranged, accompanied by a violinist or guitarist. Or enjoy a rowing lesson on the Arno River passing under the arches of the celebrated Ponte Vecchio. For children, football lessons can be arranged with a coach from the National Italian Football team or water colour painting classes with a fully trained art teacher.
Villa San Michele is classed among the finest Italian National Trust Monuments. It was adapted from a 15th Century Franciscan monastery to a hotel of unsurpassed character and presence. The façade is reputed to have been designed by Michelangelo and the reception area was once a chapel. The 46 bedrooms and suites are traditional, peaceful and elegant, while the Renaissance splendour of Florence is a mere fifteen minutes away by car. The hotel is set in the woodlands of the Fiesole hillside and has a beautiful terraced garden and Loggia with stunning views over the Arno Valley to the centre of Florence.
Ends./
For further press information on Villa San Michele, please contact:
Fiona Duthie, Senior Public Relations Executive, Orient-Express Hotels
Telephone 020 7921 4069 or Fax 020 7805 5938,
Email: fiona.duthie@orient-express.com Website www.orient-express.com
*The sterling price guide is based on the exchange rate at the time of going to press, but the final price, payable Euro, will depend on the exchange rate at the time of booking.
High resolution images are available at www.orient-expressimages.com
The Villa San Michele’s season is from 24 March to 19 November 2006
Orient-Express Hotels UK reservations: 020 7960 0500
Visit: www.villasanmichele.com
