Il Salviatino, Florence, Italy

Il Salviatino, Florence, Italy



A
historical Tuscan hideaway in the hills of the Maiano
hamlet, Il Salviatino is certain to woo
even the most discerning of visitors.
This 15th-century
villa plotted high in the hills of the Maiano hamlet is, in a word,
“paradiso”.

Just outside central
Florence
(10 minutes by taxi), the property is ideal for those
in search of accommodation with an historical feel. With painfully
pretty surrounds and resplendent interiors, Il Salviatino unsurprisingly
draws a distinguished crowd. Augusto Bruschi-painted frescoes
garner the walls of this hyperbolic haunt, while hallways and
throughways are perfumed by Acqua di Fiesole diffusers.

Yet if you think you can bottle the essence of this place, you’d
be wrong. With beyond-attentive staff and idylls perfect for a
quiet read or a romantic recline, the hotel offers endless
hideaways and a real sense of privacy and escapism.

Bedrooms

Nineteenth-century frescoes and oak floors set the tone for a
princely slumber. Delicate murals are dispelled across the room
with an understated romanticism, but before you declare your
boudoir the best room in the house, you need to see the bathrooms.
The parquet floors and antique baths have been known to send guests
over the edge, while the LED-lit rain showers come in handy when
you need to cool things down. The Greenhouse Suites are the best
rooms of the bunch, backed by pink muslin curtaining and
light-averting palms positioned to the rear of the bedrooms.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast at Il Salviatino is the antithesis of low key. There
were more bowls and plates than we could count. Your morning will
be largely taken up deciphering between pink-grapefruit juice or
orange, how you’d like your coffee and if a second serving of
quiche followed by a hazelnut brownie with a dollop of whipped
cream is considered gluttonous before 8am. If it’s chilly on the
terrace, grab a pashmina from the baskets to your left and have the
outdoor heaters powered up. Soon you’ll be toastier than, well,
your toast.

How about lunch and dinner?

Set in the hotel’s library, La Cucina del Salviatino is a
formal, romantic space to enjoy a meal with your beau – candlelit
tables and impressive artworks setting the appropriate tone. Here
you’ll dine on Tuscan fare and, come summer, have the option of
dining out at La Terrazza, which overlooks the property’s Italian
gardens. Order wise, you won’t go far wrong with the ricotta and
spinach gnudi. Delizioso.

Is there a bar?

Don your favourite Ferragamo flats and Gucci threads and head to
the Lounge Bar, located on the ground floor for a poison of your
choosing. If you’re visiting between April and September (and
looking for something a little more casual) the Pool Bar is a good
choice and serves light snacks and small plates until late.

Amenities

La Spa at Il Salviatino is set in a lush green corner of the
hotel’s grounds and specialises in aromatherapeutic relaxation and
anti-ageing treatments. There is also a small gym in the basement
of the hotel – FYI you’ll have finished your warm up by the time
you get down there.

Things you should know

The hotel is closed from mid-January to mid-March annually.
Parking is complimentary.

Within a short walk you’ll find

Twelve acres of landscaped parkland. For city slickers, a
shuttle bus to and from the city centre (the last departing from
the hotel at 8.30pm) is also available. There’s a break for lunch,
so plan your travel times accordingly.

Discover More
A City Guide to Florence, Italy