ON YOUR MARKS, GET SET, RESERVE!

Post-Salone, pre-Venice Biennale (or this summer), stop for a well-designed reprieve at any of Italy's newest hotels.

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You did all the things at Milan Design Week and have a few days to spare before heading to the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia on May 9 (previews start on the 6th). Now book one of these heritage-rich spots, all crafted by creative heavy hitters including Elle Decor A-List designers. (Worth noting, they all feature new spas...)

FLORENCE

Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel Just a 20-minute drive from the city, in Fiesole, this property, formerly a 15th-century monastery, reopens in April after undergoing an 18-month refresh courtesy of Luigi Fragola Architects. The grounds, on nearly 10 acres, now include 39 rooms and suites and a new Guerlain spa.

INSIDER TIP: Head to the on-site chapel, where creative force JJ Martin of La Double J is overseeing energy-raising programming.

La Réserve Florence opens this June, set within a 15th-century palazzo. The interiors are by Elle Decor A-List firm Gilles & Boissier, including six apartments that possess a kind of coziness that makes guests feel as if they're staying in their own pied-à-terre. Cook pasta in your kitchen or order from the beloved Trattoria Cammillo down the block.

INSIDER TIP: Care for a round of tennis? The property's owners, Olivia and Grégory Marciano, invite all guests to play on their own villa's tennis court.

LAKE COMO