Spa Italia

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, Brescia, Lombardy, Italy.

Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda is a rare find, nestled away in the mountains above Lake Garda, with panaromic views of the lake and surrounding scenery. “Destinazione natura”, is the apt description cited in the resort’s magazine. For those looking for peace and relaxation, Lefay excels at subtle, true luxury and Italian hospitality, with a consummate focus on health and rejuvenation. Omitted is the latest-faddishness here; instead: beauty, integrity, exceptional service and authentic holistic expertise. The location is breathtaking, situated atop a 6 km winding road above the village of Gagnano. One feels as though one has been whisked away into a private world, hidden among the hills, with the faint sound of church bells on the wind.

Eco-Resort & Spa

The heritage of Lefay Garda speaks volumes. The resort was built using wooden beams and stone pillars in 2008 and was the first sustainable eco-resort of its kind in Europe. The sculptural architecture is soft and flowing, forming an undulating wave amidst the mountains. Inside, neutral tones, warm marble and glass, provide a sleek, contemporary atmosphere that is uniquely Italian, yet reminiscent of the natural simplicity and Zen architecture found in China and Japan. The effect is nurturing and inviting. Each of the resort’s 93 suites provides a private sanctuary with views overlooking the lake. The impression is one of excellence and comfort, yet of innovation with an eye to the future also.

The main attraction is the 4,300sq ft. spa, housing serene treatment rooms, an indoor pool, outdoor infinity and lap pool, several jacuzzis, saunas and a divine black marble hamman. One can enjoy a wide range of spa and beauty treatments, each using Lefay’s Spa products which nourish and revive the skin, body and mind. The attention to detail is once again notable; the natura naturens ethos is true and permeates all aspects of the treatments and spa products. The spa has achieved Ecocert’s prestigious new certificate: “Being – Organic and Ecological Spa”, with the level of “Excellence”. One can receive a natural medicine consultation, focusing on energy nutrition for example; or simply choose from the catalogue of beauty and massage treatments. The signature “Detox” massage, using pure olive oil of Limoni combined with swift, vigorous strokes, is both deeply relaxing and energising at the same time (a must try, ask for Irana).

Nourishing dining

The cuisine is similarly nurturing and enlivening. The resort houses 4 restaurants, providing delicious faire to suit every palette, served al fresco or in beautifully designed indoor spaces. The Spa menu, which changes daily, is carefully designed by the Lefay Scientific Committee to ensure meals promote maximum nutritional balance and a healthy metabolism. For guests with allergies and intolerances, every care is taken to ensure a comparable level of taste and enjoyment, for instance the Spa menu desserts, gluten-free pasta and bread are very good.

The latest restaurant addition is “Gramen”, where head chef Matteo Maenza uses organic ingredients from the local herb gardens and lake microclimate to create exquisite and nourishing dishes. The Latin meaning of gramen is indeed grass, herb, gramineous plant. With multiple dining options to choose from, guests can sample classic dishes à la carte, which also change daily or from the Spa menu as required. Each dish is expertly and lightly prepared and the dining atmosphere is at all times relaxing, enhanced by the welcoming service team. Breakfast is both varied and sumptuous, served buffet style. A welcome treat is the presence of a huge centrifugal juicer, for guests to enjoy raw vegetable and fruit juice at any moment.

Wellbeing weekend

After a long weekend at Lefay, one feels very much revived. The scenery and vistas are stunning and the feeling of being enveloped in nature is truly restorative. Two nights is nice, but four is better. The beauty of the resort lies also in its flexibility and optionality. It moves with the seasons and with the changing expertise in health and wellbeing. It is at once dynamic and in flow, yet operates according to elementary principles; like nature itself. One can stay for a few days as part of a Spa or Wellbeing program, or with no particular plan at the outset. With options for hiking or biking in the surrounding area plus a multitude of other activities and excursions, including a shuttle bus to the village of Gargnano, it is possible to explore and be as sporty and adventurous as you wish, or conversely as languorous, enjoying “dolce far niente” and complete relaxation. There is something to suit everyone.

Natural Spa & Beauty products

Lefay Garda finds a way to be deeply rooted in, and respectful of nature and all her gifts. The resort is discreet among its’ surroundings and invests in, and chooses natural, local ingredients, flavours and traditions, yet remains uniquely forward-thinking and open to the future. It balances time-honoured wisdom with the new and groundbreaking and the result is a perfect blend that ensures the resort is a place to return to again and again. Indeed, Lefay is always busy and is open all year except for a short repose in early January (after New Year).

Fortunately, the Spa product range including home fragrances, is made available for purchase online allowing one to create something of the Lefay ambiance at home. The signature fig and citrus fruit fragrance used at Lefay Garda (similarly indigenous fragrances are used at the sister property Lefay Dolomiti), is subtle and gentle, and like the resort itself- perfetto.