Set high in the sunlit hills above Florence, where centuries of history linger in the cypress-scented air, a new narrative in luxury living is about to unfold. La DoubleJ, the Milan-based lifestyle house celebrated for its vibrant prints and philosophy of elevated living, just announced a visionary concept that merges design, spirituality, and heritage into one immersive experience. Designed exclusively for Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, this initiative redefines the modern retreat through a lens of beauty, purpose, and energy renewal. It marks the first time a fashion and lifestyle brand has brought both bespoke design and a curated spiritual wellness program into a luxury hotel property.
J.J. Martin at Villa San Michele with her beloved pug Pepper, embodying La DoubleJ’s joyful spirit and signature maximalist style
Founded in 2015 by J.J. Martin, La DoubleJ has cultivated a devoted global following grounded in the belief that aesthetic pleasure and inner well-being are deeply intertwined. That ethos now finds its most expansive expression within the storied walls of Villa San Michele, a former Franciscan monastery that has drawn seekers for more than seven centuries. Under the stewardship of Belmond, the property is approached through a philosophy of “slow luxury,” where time is savored, cultural immersion is paramount, and each experience is designed to foster a deeper connection to place. As part of a global portfolio of exceptional destinations, Villa San Michele embodies a refined balance of heritage and contemporary elegance, preserving its rich past while inviting a new generation of travelers to engage with it in a more meaningful way.
J.J. Martin at Villa San Michele, embodying La DoubleJ’s signature blend of elegance and ease
It reopened on April 28, 2026 after an extensive restoration by architect Luigi Fragola giving life to the ideal setting for a pioneering collaboration that brings bespoke design and a fully realized spiritual program into a luxury hotel environment.
The Energy Chapel exterior at Villa San Michele, where La DoubleJ reimagines a sacred space for modern ritual
At the heart of this experience is The Energy Raising Program, an integrated offering that unfolds across thoughtfully designed spaces, curated rituals, and a deeply immersive sensory journey. Nestled within a serene corner of the estate, three interconnected environments form a sanctuary devoted to contemplation and renewal.
Inside The Energy Chapel, La DoubleJ creates a multisensory space for meditation and sound healing
The Energy Chapel, once a monastic space, has been reimagined as an intimate haven for stillness, complete with a custom-crafted gong, bespoke meditation cushions, and a carefully orchestrated interplay of light and sound that invites profound introspection. Presiding over the space is the Serpent Sun, a symbolic emblem inspired by the historic IHS engraving on the villa’s Renaissance façade.
“Raise Your Vibration” marks the path to La DoubleJ’s immersive wellness experience at Villa San Michele
Just beyond, the Sungazing Lounge opens onto a garden terrace designed for quiet reflection at golden hour, furnished with pieces from La DoubleJ’s outdoor collection. Here, the act of watching the sun descend behind the Tuscan hills becomes a ritual of presence. Completing the trio is an open-air yoga and meditation platform, where movement and breath align against sweeping panoramic views.
The Yoga Deck at Villa San Michele, where La DoubleJ’s spiritual program unfolds against sweeping Tuscan views
The program extends into a dynamic calendar of experiences curated personally by Martin and guided by practitioners from the La DoubleJ Sisterhood. Weekly sessions, monthly residencies, and biannual retreats invite guests to explore a spectrum of disciplines, from Kundalini yoga and breathwork to sound healing and yoga nidra.
La DoubleJ’s signature prints animate the Yoga Deck, blending design with spiritual practice
With the villa’s recent reopening, elements of the Energy Raising Program are already in motion, from its immersive spaces to a curated selection of wellness experiences, while its full calendar of practitioner residencies and retreats unfolds throughout 2026. The inaugural retreat, Embodied Presence, will take place from September 3 to 6, 2026, offering a four-day immersion designed to restore vitality and deepen awareness through somatic practices and guided meditation. It is led by practitioner Stephanie Canavesio and co-hosted by J.J. Martin.
Sunlight filters over The Energy Chapel, a serene sanctuary designed by La DoubleJ
For those drawn to a more intuitive rhythm, the Energy Tour offers a self-guided journey through the villa and its surroundings. This curated pathway reveals the landscape’s deeper resonance, from meditative moments within the chapel to encounters with ancient gardens and sacred sites in nearby Fiesole, including the evocative ruins of the Temple of Athena. Each step invites a heightened connection between place, history, and self.
A maximalist alfresco moment by La DoubleJ at Villa San Michele, where color, craft, and countryside views converge
Complementing the experience is the Fiesole Collection, an exclusive range of Made in Italy porcelain designed for the villa’s poolside restaurant. Inspired by the sun-drenched countryside, the collection elevates open-air dining into a celebration of Italian craftsmanship, with every detail—from espresso cups to serving plates—infused with La DoubleJ’s signature visual language.
An elevated tablescape by La DoubleJ captures the spirit of Italian summer dining above Florence
This collaboration marks a refined evolution in the concept of luxury, where beauty, ritual, and consciousness exist in harmony. At Villa San Michele, La DoubleJ presents a destination that transcends travel, offering a way of living attuned to both elegance and inner awakening.
