Up in the hills overlooking Florence, this 16th-century monastery has been given the full Belmond cool treatment. And with deep historical roots – Michelangelo designed the facade and Da Vinci worked on his flying machines in the woodlands of the estate – there’s serious old-school charm but with modern Italian flair. It’s a place to splash out – swapping negronis for espressos in the evening, long alfresco dinners, swimming in the pool in the summer heat – but it’s also a place for culture and curiosity. Each year they bring in a new artist to spotlight too, so after a day of museum hopping in town (or ask the team to arrange private studio tours of some of the best craftsmen in the city) there’s more to explore back at base. Expect the typical five-star service too, all done with a smile and lots of friendly ciaos.