Travel Explorer Magazine (AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 EDITION)

MEET THE EXPERT
Adriano Pecoraro
Reception Manager
Belmond Villa San Michele
Tell us a little about the history of the
hotel and its artwork?
The original building was a monastery,
founded in the early years of the 15th
century for the Franciscan monks.
The land on which it stood had been
donated by a Florentine family, the
Davanzatis, who also contributed to
the monastery’s upkeep by gifts of
woodlands, further buildings and
money. The present building, with
its façade attributed to Michelangelo
and its imposing loggia, dates from
1600. The monastery remained the
property of the Franciscans until
1808 when the monastic orders were
dissolved by Napoleon and, in 1817, it
returned to secular use. Then in the
50’s after World War II, the Villa was
badly damaged and it was bought by
Monsieur Lucien Tessier as a private
residence, but the cost involved
was substantial and to finance it, he
turned the villa into a hotel.
What are your top Florence tips?
A stroll on the terraces of the
Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, a very
exclusive visit that our concierge can
organise. The view of Florence
from there and having the
opportunity to get up
close to Brunelleschi’s
Dome is wonderfully
overwhelming!
..away from Florence?
Just a 30 minute-drive
from Fiesole, there
is one of my favourite
places: the Sanctuary
of Montesenario with
breathtaking views over the Tuscan
hills, it represents for a mesmerising
place with a magical energy and, last
but not least: a fantastic breeze.
Is there a little hidden secret you can
tell us about the hotel?
When staying in one of our Garden
Suites or in our Limonaia Suite, you
have the unique chance to see the
sun reflect and shine on the water
of the Arno river at sunset. There is
definitely no other place -on the hill
of Fiesole- from which you can see
this spectacular detail.
How are children catered for?
Every child is for us a top VIP guest. A
Children’s Menu is available through
Room Service and in our restaurant
and colouring sets, special welcome
kit in the rooms and many activities
like our young chef’s academy
(cooking school for kids).
What Italian experiences
are available?
We love to offer our
guests many different
angles to visit the
city and to help them
discover some niche
activities or places
to visit. For example,
sculpture, hot air balloon
rides, trekking in Montececeri
and rafting on the Arno River in
Florence.
If you are interested in staying at the
beautiful Belmond Villa San Michele
near Florence do speak to Kirsty
who has stayed there herself, call RB
Collection on 01543 258631.
AUTUMN / WINTER 2016 | TRAVEL EXPLORER | 13