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A top destination all year round, Italy’s Lake Garda is the biggest of the country’s lakes, with a Mediterranean climate that attracts tourists, and lakeside towns that have inspired renowned writers including Tennyson. With its crystal clear waters and a reputation for wellbeing, the area is home to an array of spa hotels. These range from traditional villas with decorations fit to impress the Tzars, to modern offerings with enough glamour to tempt James Bond, and pared back properties that let the view do the talking.
One of our favourite Lake Garda spa hotels is Lefay Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy state-of-the-art treatments and programmes designed to fix everything from bad posture to insomnia. Located on the shores of the lake and set in a 27-acre natural park, the resort is one of the most holistic in the world and boasts a spectacular backdrop. Suites feature light contemporary decor with soft natural tones and cozy seating areas, and stone and pink marble bathrooms with Lefay SPA products. Continuing the holistic approach, the hotel’s restaurants use only the freshest local ingredients, and a special Bio-Climatization system in place of air conditioning helps guests stay cool during summer.
A true oasis, this property is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and woodland, with walking trails that lead into the mountains and all around the lake. The spa features an indoor and outdoor pool, a range of saunas and steam rooms, and 21 treatment rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the glistening waterscape below. Throughout the hotel, there’s an emphasis on wellness and fitness, with a running circuit, energy and therapeutic garden and five wellness trails to explore, plus a yoga platform and pilates studio.