28 June, 2019
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The hotel is closed from mid-January to mid-March annually. Parking is complimentary.
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.
