By Donna Richardson
Lake Garda is an inland sea, and along its coastline, you’ll discover enchanting towns, quaint villages, lush vineyards, olive groves, pristine beaches, and mountains. This idyllic honeymoon destination is a haven for wellness. As the gentle tide whispers against the shore, towering cypress trees gracefully mirror themselves in the still waters, enhancing the tranquillity of early mornings. The unparalleled calm creates a mesmerising atmosphere that is simply irresistible to all who encounter it.
Italy’s largest inland lake was formed during the Ice Age. The first settlers arrived in 400 BC, and the Romans made it their home. Napoleon Bonaparte fought over its waters, and in the stillness, one can almost hear the echoes of battle cries carried by the wind, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts.
When it comes to accommodation, all around the lake, you’ll find lots of five-star hotels, from medieval-style castles to Renaissance palaces and more modern premises. We explore some of the most luxurious hotels located along the shore.
Grand Hotel a Villa Feltinelli
If you want unparalleled luxury, splurge out on a stay at the five-star Grand Hotel a Villa Feltinelli, built in 1892. This is the former home of Mussolini, and it reflects the grandeur of a stately country estate. The 20-bedroom villa is in an Art Nouveau style, and its gardens face the lake. The hotel has a two-Michelin-star restaurant helmed by Chef Stephano.
The Cape of Senses
Lake Garda’s adult-only five-star hotel, in the town of Torri del Benco with great spa offerings and wellness activities, including an outdoor infinity pool overlooking the lake . It is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) of the World and offers a mixture of suites and apartments La Terezza Segrata is the hotel’s flagship restaurant and holds one Michelin Key. The Senses Spa includes a garden, saunas and relaxation rooms as well as a spa library.
Lefay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda
Lefay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda is in Gargnano in the Riviera dei Limoni, overlooking the lake and surrounded by hills and natural terraces. Choose from the suites on the ground floor that open out onto the lake, or spacious villas such as the three-bedroom sky pool villa. Guests can enjoy a private spa with a bio sauna and a treatment cabin.
Park Hotel Casimero
The Park Hotel Casimiro in San Felice del Benaco is a great four-star hotel that serves as an ideal base for exploration. I quickly found my spot at a table in the Panoramic Bar, located by the water’s edge, where I could contemplate life while cradling a glass of wine and listening to the gentle tide lapping against the sandy beach. Inside the rooms, you are welcomed by soothing neutral tones, blonde wood accents, and charming terracotta accessories. Each en-suite bathroom features a separate shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. The superior and deluxe rooms come with either a terrace or balcony, most of which provide stunning side or front views of Lake Garda. For leisure, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relax in the inviting indoor pool, and there’s a well-equipped gym for those who prefer to stay active. The well-stocked bar is perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure and in the evening you can head down to the marina and see the sun set.
Madrigale hotel
The Madrigale Panoramic Lifestyle and Soulful Hotel, nestled in the scenic hills of Costermano, offers breathtaking views of the shimmering lake below. This exquisite hotel features a range of opulent room categories, each thoughtfully designed to enhance your experience and immerse you in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Guests can indulge in culinary delights at the Bellavista restaurant and pool bistro, where the terrace beckons with stunning vistas and a tantalizing menu that showcases sumptuous dishes crafted from the finest local ingredients. Whether you’re basking in the sun by the pool or savoring a meal as the sun sets over the lake, every moment at Madrigale promises to be unforgettable.
Stroblhof Lake Garda
This is an active family resort situated in a lush forest setting, surrounded by a lake, making it an ideal destination for hiking, biking, and watersports. It is the sort of place where you can spend precious family time renting mountain bikes and engaging in daily fitness activities, such as water aerobics, meditation, yoga, and using singing bowls, as well as Tabata. Choose from double rooms, suites, family rooms or single rooms when you stay at this resort.
Wellness
Lake Garda is the perfect wellness retreat, providing more than just a honeymoon destination. It is a fantastic location for outdoor activities and staying fit, thanks to its abundant natural surroundings. Many visitors come specifically for the wellness offerings, including spas and outdoor spaces.
Things to see and do in Lake Garda
Historical Sirmione
History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the 14th-century fortress, where you can have fun climbing the tower and visiting the nearby Roman Grottoes of Catullus. This archaeological site features the remains of a large patrician Roman villa, known since the Renaissance as the “Grotte di Catullo” (“Grottoes of Catullus”), dating back to the Augustan Age (late 1st century B.C. – early 1st century A.D.). Sirmone also has thermal baths, which help restore your aching bodies and cure ailments.
A day trip to Verona
The charming city of Verona is worth including in your travels, as it was the setting for the feuds of the Capulets and Montagues, imagined by William Shakespeare. Be sure to visit Juliet’s house and the Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona, which remains one of the best-preserved of its kind. Besides these historical attractions, Verona boasts lively squares like Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra, both surrounded by historic buildings. Castelvecchio, a medieval castle, is another highlight, and you can enjoy scenic views from Piazzele Castel San Pietro.
Gardaland and Movieland
These amusement parks are great for the whole family. Movieland is a celebration of all things cinema and it is the first Italian amusement park of its kind with more than 200 attractions and fun for the whole family.
Bardolino Wine Region
Wine enthusiasts can sample the delicious wines produced in the Bardolino region. The forests and vines stretch right to the lake, thirsty for its sustenance. This is a light-bodied red wine from Veneto surrounding Lake Garda and is made from Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara grapes. The wine is known for its bright ruby colour and fruity aromas and pairs well with pizza and pasta.
Markets
There are many local markers that one can explore as in Italy and there’s one for every day of the week if you travel around. Here’s a list of markets available:
Monday: Moniga del Garda in Piazza Martino, Pozzolengo in via Gramsci and Peschiera in Piazzale del parcheggio di Porta Brescia
Tuesday:Desenzano del Garda in Lungolago Cesare Battisti (in the town centre), and Limone sul Garda in Guglielmi Marconi (in the town centre)
Wednesday: Gargnano
Thursday: Toscolano Maderno
Friday: Manerba dek Garda in Viale della Rimembranza and Soiano del Lago in Piazza don Vantini
Saturday: Brescia, in Piazza della Loggia and Salo in Piazza Mario Pendrazzi
Sunday: Desenzano del Garda in loc Rivoltella
Overall, Lake Garda is effortless, and has a timeless charm, which greets you like an old friend. Just like its tide, it has a magnetic pull which lures in visitors for repeat visits. I can’t wait to return
Getting there
Fly into Milan Bergamo with Easyjet from Birmingham in September and enjoy prices as low as £20.49. When you arrive enjoy a scenic transfer by car to your choice of hotel in Lake Garda.
About the writer
Donna Richardson is a travel writer who loves to travel and discover new adventures. She has been to 26 countries and counting. She loves good food, wine and cultural experiences and a hotel or destination with a story or history. Here she is at Lake Garda in Italy.
