Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
The Leali family opened Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda in Gargnano on the shores of Lake Garda in 2008 by with a clear focus in mind: combine luxury, well-being and sustainability with Italian elegance and style to create a haven for mental and physical rejuvenation.
Every single detail at Lefay spells well-being — the tucked-away location nestled into a hillside in the heart of Alto GardaPark, the 27 acres of woodland and olive groves surrounding the property, and the suites, all with sprawling lake views, designed and decorated in harmony with the surrounding countryside.
The jewel in the resort’s crown is Lefay SPA, a 46,285-square-foot oasis that nurtures the body and mind with a combination of classical Chinese medicine and Western scientific research.
Executive chef Matteo Maenza designed the menu at Lefay’s two restaurants (high-end La Limonaia and the gourmet restaurant Gramen) with a focus on local, seasonal produce and a preference for organic suppliers. And two bars and a cigar lounge let you cut loose.
Whether you’re searching for an all-encompassing wellness retreat or a secluded Italian escape, Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda delivers.
- The resort design was inspired by the limonaie, the terraced lemon groves of Lake Garda. The luxury hotel blends seamlessly with its environment, making it virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding countryside.
- Sustainability and respect for the environment are important at Lefay. Roofs are covered with vegetation to improve thermal insulation, only natural fabrics and materials are used, two-thirds of electricity is produced onsite from renewable sources, and rainwater is recycled.
- Lefay has a range of exclusive experiences on offer, including Lake Garda sailing trips on a customized 1017 Frauscher Lido speed boat, trekking through Alto Garda Park, biodynamic wine tasting and visits to the unique Vittoriale degli Italiani, former home of Italian poet Gabriele d’Annunzio.
- Don’t miss pampering at Lefay SPA. The facility measures more than 46,285 square feet and includes connected heated indoor and outdoor pools, an infinity pool overlooking Lake Garda, six saunas and five relaxation areas. A vast list of treatments includes everything from moxibustion, a Chinese method that involves putting heat to acupuncture points, to Perfumes of the Lake services, which employ local scents like extra virgin olive oil, lavender, citrus and grapes.
- The work of local artists is showcased in the common areas of Lefay. Among others, there are paintings by Renato Missaglia representing the seven main elements found in Lake Garda (olive trees, bougainvillea, bay trees, vineyards, lemons, the lake and the lemon house) and photographs by Pino Mongiello of the lake and countryside.
- The location of the wellness hotel is ideal for those who want to escape the bustling lakeside — it’sfour miles up a series of switchbacks from the town of Gargnano, which is an easy 10-minute taxi.
- As is the case with most European hotels, a breakfast buffet comes with your stay here.
- Organic olive oil is produced from olives grown onsite, and there are a variety of olive-oil-based scrubs, wraps and treatments available in the spa.
- The property’s wellness focus isn’t limited to indoor facilities. The extensive hotel grounds include a running circuit, a fitness trail with eight exercise stations and an energy garden offering five distinct activity areas associated with ancient Chinese symbols.
- The Lake Garda hotel has 96 suites, each outfitted with a balcony or terrace and lake views.
- Inside, expect minimalistic lines, floor-to-ceiling windows and precious local materials like Italian marble and Garda olive wood.
- In the bathrooms, you’ll find Lefay SPA toiletry sets, all cruelty-free and vegan certified, made with local ingredients, including olive oil.
- The top pick among the accommodations is the 6,500-square-foot Royal Pool & SPA Suite, boasting a private garden and infinity pool overlooking Lake Garda, and abstract works by artist Antonio Mazzetti on the walls.
- The Gargnano hotel is in the heart of the Alto Garda Park, close to several hiking trails. One of the most popular options leads to Eremo di San Valentino, a tiny 17th-century church built in the rock by survivors of a plague epidemic. The hike is less than an hour each way from the nearby hamlet of Sasso, with panoramic views over the lake and mountains.
- Visit Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone Riviera, the former home of eccentric poet Gabriele d’Annunzio. Tour the structure (look for unusual decorations, including a gilded taxidermic turtle and a two-seat plane) and stroll the gardens, where a military ship rests on top of a hill.
- Lovers of road trips should consider driving a car or motorbike up Strada della Forra in nearby Tremosine, a scenic roadway crossing a canyon, famously hailed as the eighth wonder of the world by Winston Churchill.
Babysitting services
Bar
Fitness classes
Golf
Gym
Indoor pool
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Restaurants
Spa
