Paul’s Review of Lefay Resort & Spa, Lake Garda

What is Lefay and who’s it for?

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Lefay, all our client reviews were glowing but I couldn’t quite envisage the Italian wellness scene; how would the indulgences of Italy translate into a healthy holiday? Needless to say, I was blown away! Lefay itself is stunningly located on the mountainside of Lake Garda in Northern Italy, set in beautiful woods and olives groves with breath-taking views. This Italian paradise acts as an energetic hotspot for likeminded people and I was soon made to feel at home with my welcome drink and fell chatting with some other guests lounging by the pool and in the spa. There’s a warm, calm energy that pervades the whole place and the staff are friendly.

What is Lefay and who’s it for?

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Lefay, all our client reviews were glowing but I couldn’t quite envisage the Italian wellness scene; how would the indulgences of Italy translate into a healthy holiday? Needless to say, I was blown away! Lefay itself is stunningly located on the mountainside of Lake Garda in Northern Italy, set in beautiful woods and olives groves with breath-taking views. This Italian paradise acts as an energetic hotspot for likeminded people and I was soon made to feel at home with my welcome drink and fell chatting with some other guests lounging by the pool and in the spa. There’s a warm, calm energy that pervades the whole place and the staff are friendly.

Paul overlooking the stunning view of Lake Garda at Lefay

Getting There

The transfer from Verona airport was 1.5 hours long and we drove through some great, dramatic scenery on route, you can also take a transfer from Milan too. This part of Northern Italy conjures up a nostalgic sense of home, and the Italian emphasis on family seems to be at your every step. When you arrive at the resort, the entrance is very grand and the views are just simply beautiful.

The Hotel & Accommodation

As a piece of architecture, Lefay is genuinely stunning, located within sublime views of Lake Garda. Much of the resort is built using local timbers and you really get a sense of pride in the nature from its interior design. The whole philosophy of the resort concerns the flow of energy, the rooms themselves are wonderfully welcoming (mine had a balcony view of the infinity pool), plus the bed was so comfortable.

The luxurious infinity swimming pool and hidden outlook for relaxing

The Spa

The Lefay spa method is all to do with the flow of energy, and I certainly got a sense of this as I walked around the spa complex (or, as its more aptly named, The Spa World of Water and Fire). My first scheduled indulgence (because everything felt so nourishing at Lefay) was half an hour all to myself in the spas Salt Lake, ‘La Luna Nel Lago’. I began this ‘Moon in the Lake’ experience by descending a spiral stair case down to a small salinized pool of salt water whilst a glowing moon is suspended from the ceiling. Indeed, it’s quite the experience and you certainly feel soothed by the powers of the moon as you float amidst the ambient water - the atmosphere’s magical! The salt in the water is said to have great properties for the skin and I was left with a calmness like never before. The Salt Lake is such a wonderful experience, I booked another one on my last day. 

The next day I had an initial medical consultation with their Doctor and was devised with a plan of physical and energetic balancing treatments. I loved how the consultation drew from a very science-based approach, as well as a functional approach to my physical body. There is also an option to supplement with a Natrix Lab Food Intolerance test if you want to find out which foods you may be intolerant too.   

The end prescription was for hydrotherapy, moxibustion and a specialised treatment they called ‘The Black Turtle’ (a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique to aid the kidneys). The whole experience was all so thoughtfully put together, and I genuinely felt like the team at Lefay were intent on bringing about a greater sense of well-being in their guests.

From one pamper station to the next, my days gently rolled by with numerous visits to the spa and it was refreshing to witness the blend of authentic Italian love blended with eastern principles of health. I’d recommend the energy facial massage (Massage for your Centre) which pinpoints the ending and starting points of the major meridian lines throughout the body. The treatment had an anti-stress and relaxing action on my body and face muscles, helping to brighten my skin and nourish my inner balance my therapist told me.

The Fitness

Whilst the spa is the centre point of Lefay, the fitness schedule is still enough to keep a sweat on either side of nourishing yourself. From yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi to Circuit Training, Abs and Fitball, the studio and gym come with a view over the infinity pool and mountains. Try the spa circuit pool which features aqua jets and under water massage rollers to work out and soften your muscles at the same time. But if you want to really push yourself, go for a walk around the stunning grounds and out of resort – especially at sunset when the light bounces off the lake.

Snaps of the beautiful town nearby that overlooks Lake Garda

Food / Restaurants

We all know food is what Italy does best, and the gastronomic delight that awaits you at Lefay is simply incredible! There’s 2 restaurants, the Trattoria La Vigna (less formal) which is located on the ground floor, and La Grande Limonaia (more formal and my favourite) on the upper floor which also serves a delicious buffet breakfast with various healthy options including a juice station. Both restaurants offer an A La Carte menu, and a spa and wellness healthy food menu. Whichever you choose, rest assured you’re in good hands.

What’s great about the wellness menu is that they list the calorie content of each dish, so guests on a wellness programme can track what they eat. I chose from both menus and had the roast green asparagus dish (only 180Kcal) and then cracked and finished it off with the signature Il Limone dessert which I’d highly recommend as a treat for your last night.

Midday I enjoyed the choice of smoothies – let me insist you try the Montezuma if you’re feeling indulgent (full of naughty stuff like fresh Italian ice cream); or the Digestive L’Alba if you’re not (daikon, ginger & carrot) get ready for a zing.

The Staff

From being met at the airport to waving goodbye to new friends, I found the staff at Lefay simply brilliant. Not only were they attentive, caring and helpful, but they also helped create a wonderfully clean and mindful space. I honestly didn’t want to leave, the whole place felt exceptionally well centred and I will return.

The Scenery & Surroundings

Even on paper, Lefay already sounds stunning, right? A mountainside wellness retreat centre overlooking one the world’s most beautiful lakes. But to tell the truth, even this doesn’t do justice to the sense of awe you feel from looking out of the infinity pool and into the horizon. In truth, it truly is spectacular. My top tip would be to get in the infinity pool for sunset, the colours bouncing off the mountains are beautiful!

If you have time, take the personalised motor boat service around Lake Garda, with one of the resorts trusted skippers to discover some hidden corners of the lake. It’s also a wonderful environment for cycling (there’s mountain bikes for guests to use), or go for a hike. The best part is, that because of the dramatic scenery, I’d recommend it for any season – just bring something warm to wear in winter.

The epic view from over Lake Garda from the comfort of Lefay Resort

Highlights

So much is a highlight at Lefay, everything seems to be thoughtfully put together from the food menu to the spa programme; but if I had to choose my ultimate favourite thing, it’d have to be the guided walk in the energy and therapeutic garden. A gentleman called Teddy guided me around the plants and indulged me in his knowledge of wellness, the experience was so centring and energising. The smells and colours filled my senses and I felt a great change of head space as I strolled around. Teddy explained that the garden brings us into contact with the seasons and allows us to understand what elements are the least balanced within our being from an energetic point of view. The whole things is a great representation of the philosophy behind Lefay and it’ll prove to be a genuinely great walk within a microcosm of nature for anyone.

My Summary & Verdict

I’d go back in the blink of an eye. All the staff provided me with such a great experience, and the location is simply too beautiful not to return to. Everything from the healthy smoothies and food to the activities, location is devised to perfection and I’d recommend it for anyone who wants a luxury wellness holiday in a stunning location. If you have time I’d also recommend booking a boat trip around the lake and visiting the local town nearby.

The energy of Lefay is great - from wild forest to luxury infinity pools

How to Book

To request a quote or for more information visit our Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda page.

Talk to one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 397 8891 or contact us here to discuss tailor-making your perfect wellness holiday.