Romantic honeymoon, travel, staycation and minimoon ideas

When you picture a city break in Florence, thoughts of Renaissance masterpieces, breathtaking architecture and indulgent Tuscan cuisine naturally come to mind. What Il Salviatino offers, however, is all of this with the added luxury of tranquillity: an elegant escape tucked just beyond the city's bustle in a true urban sanctuary. With a convenient complimentary shuttle service running daily into Florence, you can immerse yourself in the city whenever you wish before retreating to the peace and serenity of this beautifully restored 15th-century residence. This family-owned retreat combines the best of both worlds.

As newlyweds, you'll find endless opportunities to relax and reconnect while soaking in views of the hotel's private Italian gardens. The expansive terrace is the perfect place to sip a spritz as the skyline of Florence unfolds before you, offering your first glimpse of the Duomo in the distance. Wandering through the gardens is a sensory experience in itself, with the scents of fresh mint, rosemary and fennel lingering in the warm air. Guests are encouraged to touch, taste and explore the grounds, embracing the land in much the same way as Chef Rudy Saderi, who leads the hotel's restaurant, Da Giacomo al Salviatino. With a strong garden-to-plate philosophy and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients, dishes are elevated with delicate edible flowers, while cocktails arrive infused with garden-fresh basil and ripe strawberries.

FOODIE RECOMMENDATIONS
Breakfast each morning is artfully presented in the dining room on a rustic table adorned with freshly picked flowers. Expect flaky pastries still warm from the oven, fine fruit tarts, local honey and artisanal conserves. Baskets overflowing with fresh breads, cheeses, smoked salmon and prosciutto in abundance, while eggs can be prepared to order and served straight to your table.

The hotel's restaurant, Da Giacomo al Salviatino, part of the renowned Da Giacomo group, with locations in Milan, Pietrasanta and Viareggio, showcases an elegant Milanese-inspired menu celebrating both land and sea. Every dish is perfectly complemented by an exceptional wine list. The sommelier's warmth and expertise made it impossible not to sample several varieties and, unsurprisingly, the Chianti Classico was outstanding. Guests with a love of wine can also arrange a private tasting experience for a deeper introduction to the region's celebrated bottles. As you take your seat, a basket of freshly made focaccia arrives warm to the table, pillowy soft, lightly salted and utterly impossible to resist. Standout dishes include the beautifully seasoned bluefin tuna tartare, followed by the homemade pappardelle with rich local wild boar ragù. To finish, the tiramisu is an absolute must: decadent, creamy and served tableside from an antique dish in a wonderfully theatrical touch that feels just like something lovingly made by an Italian nonna.

TIME TO REST
Each of Il Salviatino's 39 rooms offers a chic mix of Renaissance artifacts and contemporary style. Expect sumptuous Italian linens, fluffy robes, fresh flowers and indulgent Diptyque toiletries, alongside hand-painted murals, antique furnishings and elegant freestanding bathtubs that reflect the villa's rich heritage. Many rooms are flooded with natural light thanks to dramatic floor-toceiling windows, creating an atmosphere that feels both spacious and dramatic. After a day spent wandering through Florence, whether admiring masterpieces at the Uffizi Gallery, getting lost among the city's labyrinth of narrow stone streets, or enjoying gelato beside the River Arno, returning to Il Salviatino feels wonderfully restorative. Equally tempting, however, is the prospect of simply staying put: curling up with a book in one of the hotel's secluded hideaways.

CHILLING POOLSIDE
Experiencing Florence from a poolside lounger is a rarity in itself, which makes Il Salviatino feel even more special. Beneath the warmth of the Italian sun, guests can unwind under chic fringed parasols or gaze across the rolling gardens from the hotel's stunning infinity pool. The relaxed pool bar serves seasonal light bites and vibrant garden-fresh dishes, alongside something sparkling to quench your thirst. In addition, for a deeper sense of escape, the hotel's Aquae Vitali Spa, housed within the villa's original greenhouse, offers a serene sanctuary dedicated to complete restoration of both mind and body. Treatments range from deeply relaxing massages to advanced facials using the award-winning skincare line developed by Professor Augustinus Bader, with each experience tailored to individual skin needs. Complementing the treatment menu is an impressive wellness circuit featuring an infrared sauna, hammam, steam room, heated plunge pool and invigorating ice bath. As honeymoon addresses go, few places balance grandeur and intimacy quite like Il Salviatino, a stay that felt every bit as memorable as the city itself.

BOOK IT!
Room rates at Il Salviatino start from €805 per night on a B&B basis. Il Salviatino is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend's Collection.

For more information, please visit https://salviatino.com