Raffles' planned Alpine debut contrasts with Belmond's reopened Villa San Michele and Four Seasons Firenze's hotel recognition in the same Italian city.
Not every hotel headline describes a new place to stay this season. A planned ski property, a reopened historic villa and recognition for an established city hotel are different kinds of news requiring different planning decisions.
The Alpine project remains on the calendar
Raffles has announced a first Alpine resort at Courchevel 1850, targeting winter 2028 and outlining fifty rooms and suites. The proposed Jardin Alpin setting makes the project relevant to future ski travel.
The announced target should not be treated as a confirmed reservation for an earlier season. Guests should await the operator's opening and booking details.
A restored villa above Florence
Belmond's Villa San Michele has reopened following an eighteen-month programme with 39 redesigned rooms and suites and a Guerlain spa. Its appeal centres on an established heritage property that has been renewed, not an entirely new development.
The reopening is a current hospitality fact, unlike the planned Raffles opening. Travellers should still check which specific facilities and room types are available on their intended dates.
A separate Florence palace story
Four Seasons Hotel Firenze's appearance in the 2026 World's 50 Best Hotels selection concerns a different Florence property. It should not be conflated with the Belmond villa or represented as the same restoration project.
For owners cruising the Italian coast, both hotels are inland excursions requiring separate transport. Their individual designs and services offer a more useful comparison than an undifferentiated luxury label.
Official sources
- Raffles Plans a 50-Key Courchevel 1850 Resort for Winter 2028 — press.accor.com
- Belmond’s Villa San Michele Reopens above Florence with a Guerlain Spa — www.lvmh.com
- A Florentine Palace Stay: Four Seasons Firenze in the 2026 Hotel List — press.fourseasons.com
Source
Raffles / Accor