Fodor's Expert Review Il Salviatino

In the hills of Fiesole, just a short drive north of Florence, is one of the most majestic properties in the whole region. Il Salviatino is a stunning five-star converted 14^th Century villa on a palatial estate with manicured gardens, views of the city, and lux and unique accommodations. This resort is an oasis unto itself as amorous guests can hide away among the private and luxurious pathways and corridors of this stately manor.

room

There are a whopping 13 different room categories (a lot for a 44-room hotel) that all feature unique touches. You’ll find an array of attributes like historic frescoes, ancient baths, garden and city views, original wood floors, and breathtaking terraces. In all the rooms are TVs embedded in the mirrors, Nespresso machines for morning coffee junkies, and Handy devices that can be used for Wi-Fi anywhere in Florence.

Check out the Affresco Suite which can only be accessed through a secret door in the hotel’s library. Once inside, you’ll be awed by the wall-to-wall 19th Century frescoes and the ancient Roman stone bath in the middle of the bathroom.

bathroom

Peekaboo rain showers are typical in most rooms though some have bathtubs as well. Most have tile floors, and all have Aqua Flor bath products. Real, fresh orchids can be found in every room of the hotel.

lobby

The lobby is more of a living room/library with shelves upon shelves of stacked books along with plush chairs, reading nooks, and comfy couches.

Photo: Nuotata mattutina ...... #earlymorningswim #ilsalviatinohotel

pool

The relaxing pool is open from 8:30am-8:30pm and usually from April to October – weather pending. For all day loungers, you can order food and drinks from the pool bar.

Photo: Nuotata mattutina ...... #earlymorningswim #ilsalviatinohotel

spa

The glorious spa has four treatment rooms, two for romantic couples and provides every service imaginable from massages and facials to body slendering and jet lag recovery. The spa is open from 10am-7pm and also has a lovely terrace overlooking the grounds.

gym

The hardwood floored gym is open 24/7 and features TechnoGym equipment and free weights. On the property’s terrace you’ll often find classes for yoga.

dining

Breakfast here is included and is served in the library as is lunch and dinner during winter months. When it’s warm, guests can eat outside and there’s a wide range of vegan and gluten free options. Most of the produce comes directly from the property’s own vegetable garden.

The hotel offers a lot of great experiences. One in particular is Truffle Hunting. Adventuring out into the forest, you’ll join an experienced hunter with a truffle-sniffing dog to search for truffles. Later on, you can join for a tasting from your day’s finds.

drinking

The bar connected to the library on the ground floor of the property serves up great wines and mixed drinks. On summer Thursdays, you’ll be treated to live music in the garden.

gardens

Surrounding the property are 12½ acres of meticulously landscaped gardens with hidden pathways. The estate is really magnificent and worth a stroll to get an idea of the magnitude. Another experience is to go vegetable picking with the chef and prepare a picnic for the day.