Curator’s statement
We hadn’t been at Lefay for an hour when my family and our friends were all asking, “Can we please stay a few more days?” From the moment you arrive, the tone is one of relaxation and escape. Located about 15 minutes up a winding road from Gargnano, Lefay Resort and Spa offers stunning vistas over Lake Garda. This is a place to escape and stay for a bit, rather than a base for exploring Lake Garda, given its remote hillside location. It’s perfect for those seeking two or three nights of pure wellness and relaxation while in the region.
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At Lefay Resort and Spa, it's easy to sit for hours and enjoy the view. There are multiple quiet spots to grab a lounger or chairs to simply relax and watch the scenery. Set on over 25 acres of land, the resort is carved into the mountainside with natural terraces, including a nice walking path.
The décor is a mix of classic Italian and modern spa vibes. Upon entering through a secure gate accessible only to guests, you’re greeted by the first of many wonderful staff members who deliver outstanding service. Throughout our stay, the service was top-notch.
There is a beautiful common indoor lounge space with a bar, although the bar opening hours were unpredictable — but they stayed open late, until 1 am. Both indoor and outdoor seating options are available, with small heaters for the outdoor seating at night. It's a magical experience to sip prosecco and watch the sunset over the lake from the patio.
The resort has two restaurants. La Limonaia serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with both indoor and outdoor seating areas. The food is modern Italian and delicious, with a standard menu and rotating dishes each evening, providing enough variety for a multi-day stay. Children are allowed to eat at La Limonaia, but there is no children’s menu. Gramen, available for dinner only, is more upscale and does not allow children, so we didn’t sample the food. The menu looked amazing, with a heavy emphasis on seafood. Breakfast is included for all guests, and if you book with me, you also get one free lunch or dinner at La Limonaia.
The spa is the major highlight at Lefay. The spa menu is the longest I’ve ever seen, spanning over 80 pages, with every imaginable service and blends both Eastern and Western options. Everything our group tried was fabulous. Pricing is very reasonable for this level of spa service, with 50-minute massage treatments starting at 120 Euros — pricing is lower during the week than weekends. The locker area is surprisingly small, likely because all the rooms are organized around the spa, and most guests walk around in robes throughout the hotel. The spa includes six saunas, relaxation areas, an ice plunge, a whirlpool, 21 treatment rooms and a well-equipped gym with views. Group pilates, yoga and other fitness sessions are included in your stay, while private sessions are available for an extra fee. Book through me to also receive a $100 spa credit.
There are two pools — one infinity 25-meter pool with lots of loungers which filled up quickly in the morning — and another indoor / outdoor pool. Both had stunning views and were heated to the perfect temperature.
The 93 rooms are spacious and comfortable, all suites with separate seating areas and balconies or patios. The large marble bathrooms are gorgeous, with plenty of counter and storage space and large soaking tubs. The Prestige — ground floor — and Deluxe — first or higher floor — suites are amazing entry-level rooms. We had the Family Suite, which featured two bathrooms and two separate bedrooms, perfect for our family.
Regarding kids, I would not bring little ones here. While they are allowed, I don’t think it’s set up for them. The menus are sophisticated, the atmosphere is very quiet and calm and there isn’t much open outdoor space to run around. We had 12-year-olds with us, and that’s as young as I would consider. There was one family with younger kids, and they didn’t seem to be enjoying themselves very much.
Overall, Lefay is absolutely perfect for a few relaxing days. Great service, delicious food, a world-class spa and more. It is luxurious but not ultra-luxury. Gorgeous, comfortable, and relaxing. We will be back for a longer stay soon.
Need to know
Lefay Resort and Spa in Lake Garda offers a serene escape with stunning vistas, luxurious amenities and exceptional service. The resort features beautifully designed rooms, delectable dining options and an extensive spa menu, making it a haven for relaxation and wellness. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a tranquil and rejuvenating retreat.
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Lake Garda, Italy. In need of further inspiration? Check out Samantha Dwinell’s guide, Foodie's Guide to Exploring Northern New Mexico in Summer.
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Samantha Dwinell
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