Review Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda: a luxury Wellness Hotel in Italy

First impression of Lefay Resort & SPA Lake Garda

My rental car is a Fiat 500. The zippy, red Italian maneuvers gracefully along the winding road to Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda. Every new turn reveals another breathtaking view of Lake Garda. We have worked with Lefay for many years but although members of the team have visited I had not. I am staying for 3 days in this heavenly luxury holistic retreat. Perched in the hills above the glorious Lake Garda the location and views are magnificent. On my travels and inspections of our partner hotels I usually find a few things that need improvement, but I can honestly say hand on heart this resort was perfection for me. 

A royal entrance at Lefay Resort & SPA Lake Garda

The driveway feels fit for royalty, and even in my small car, I already feel like a Wellbeing Queen. After a quick and seamless check-in, I’m on my balcony with a refreshing drink, taking in the stunning views of greenery, mountains, and Lake Garda. My deluxe junior suite is far from your average hotel room—it's full of character and charm. Exhausted from an early flight this morning,I decide to have a little nap and test the beds. Spacious? Check! Firm mattress? Check! Asleep instantly? Check! A rumbling stomach wakes me up. Should I go for the light spa menu or stick to the regular one? My hungry belly quickly convinces me to go with the latter, and I enjoy a Mediterranean dish that is as delicious as it looks.

Lefay Resort & SPA Lake Garda's surroundings

The natural surrounding is breathtaking! The view incredible, and the infinity pool seems to flow right into Lake Garda. This is a place to immerse yourself in nature. The resort is in 27 acres of forest and parkland. There are amazing walks that lead you to the different gardens or areas that correspond with the elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine. My walk goes through all sections, and reminds me of how we must understand how we are part of the natural world and not separate to it. It was magical!

Lefay is just a short distance from the charming Italian village of Gargnano with colorful houses, a small harbor, and a local market where you can pick up fresh olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. My tip: Leave some room in your suitcase for local olive oil and balsamic vinegar!

The Spa at Lefay

The spa facilities are very impressive. So many different areas, spread over 3 floors. A beautiful panorama sauna that looks over the lake. After a relaxing session in the ladies-only sauna, I feel completely at ease. There's a stunning, Arabic-inspired relaxation room nearby, but I'm drawn to the modern lounge area. Lying on a heated waterbed, with the sound of flowing water around me, I can truly switch off, unlike at home where my mind is always busy with tasks. The underground salt pool was particularly relaxing. I have a private session in the salty water. Floating in a large, domed cave. I spend 30 minutes floating weightlessly in the glimmer of a large artificial moon. So relaxing. And my skin feels incredibly soft.

Betaalbare wellness programma's en TCM behandelingen in Lefay

The treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine are therapeutic and preventative but also very pleasurable. I was a little anxious about the moxibustion treatment I was prescribed by the doctor to activate the kidney energy but it was so relaxing and I felt very balanced afterwards. I also had the most wonderful energy facial massage - Derma Di Luca which I highly recommend. There are comprehensive spa programmes available at Lefay if you want to achieve a certain goal, but you can also add treatments as you go if you just want to go and relax. Our Wellbeing Booster or the Soa Discovery packages are good intro programmes and provide better value than booking the treatments when you are there. Ask our team for details and they will guide you as to what is best for you.

Food at Lefay

The food is fresh and healthy, with many of the herbs grown on the property. I just enjoyed a delicious pasta dish and a fine glass of wine at the second restaurant, where the standard of cooking is equally high. It’s probably not the best decision, but the chocolate cake is calling my name. I'm planning to visit the village of Gargano again, and the walk should help burn off the extra calories. One evening after dinner, I asked for a digestive tea, and they made me a blend of fresh herbs that soothed my stomach after I’d eaten a little too much.

My departure at Lefay

Before my departure, I take a stroll through the gardens. I perch down for a moment between the high trees. It strikes me how well the hotel fits in with the environment. Lefay’s motto is: Personal wellness should never overlook environmental wellness. The resort uses green energy sources, natural building materials and operates with respect for nature and the local residents. I like that: that somewhere you visit to regain balance is balanced in and of itself.  

Discover our wellness programs at Lefay