Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda

Not all showers are created equal. In the main sauna area, look for one that mixes mood lighting with sensual spray settings.

From the moment you first glimpse Lake Garda, you know you are embarking on an unforgettable experience. The romance of the Italian lakes is legendary, and Lake Garda, the largest of all, does not disappoint. Lefay Resort & SPA takes full advantage of its surroundings to offer a stunning view of the lake from every suite. You arrive via a scenic drive uphill, winding back and forth, all the while getting an even better view of the lake. The resort itself is delightfully unobtrusive: it has been designed to be in harmony with nature in terms of both the building and its products. Organic, locally sourced products are everywhere: olive oil from their own groves is used in the spa as well as the restaurants.

The suites are spacious, bright and air-conditioned; the cotton sheets are a natural off-white due to the avoidance of artificial dyes. All bathrooms feature complimentary Lefay toiletries that are provided in large bottles, a far cry from the frustratingly small ones found at almost every hotel. Small touches like these make life easier and your stay far more pleasant. After you have changed into your Lefay flip-flops (everything you could need is provided), head down to the extensive sauna complex. The sounds, sights and smells are all carefully crafted to enhance the experience. The pièce de résistance is La Luna nel Lago, the salt-water pool in a spacious grotto lit by a giant artificial moon. A massage is also a must: being soothed in a cedar-scented treatment room looking out onto a peaceful garden is as close to heaven as you can get.

Meal-times are no less spectacular, with breathtaking views of the lake available from Lefay’s two restaurants. Breakfast is a lavish and generous affair, with an incredible array of options including making your own morning juice. For lunch and supper, the best dishes by far are the classic Italian ones – Bolognese, Salads etc – however, they also have ‘Lefay SPA’ options if you’re looking for something very healthy.  

Before you leave the resort, take one last chance to savour the view from the infinity pool. There’s far too much to enjoy in one visit, so just make sure you return.