Location: High above the deep blue waters of Lake Garda, Lefay has been carved into the mountainside and can be found overlooking the quaint lakeside village of Gargnano.

Its prime position delivers outstanding vistas across the lake from all corners of the hotel. It must be seen to be believed – it is a place of pure beauty.

First impressions: I challenge anyone to arrive at Lefay and not have a beaming smile on their face within a few minutes. The outstanding views, the sleek and modern design and the warm but laidback greeting from staff ensured my shoulders dropped and I eased into relaxation mode almost instantly.

The property cascades down the mountainside, with all eyes drawn to the infinity pool located on the lower level, blending perfectly with the backdrop of the lake. 

The facts: The property has 93 suites, all of which are decorated with natural fabrics and neutral tones. They’re spacious and comfortable with big windows ensuring light floods in each morning. All rooms overlook the lake.

There are two main restaurants – the informal and hearty Italian-focused Trattoria La Vigna and the more formal La Grande Limonaia. Light dishes are also served poolside during the day.

For the health conscious there is always a ‘Vital Gourmet Food’ menu featuring a calorie controlled Mediterranean diet. But don’t be fooled – it still includes pasta aplenty! This high-end holistic resort prides itself on its sustainable credentials.

The hotel sits within 27 acres of lush gardens, olive groves (the property produces its own delicious olive oil) and woodland. The building was constructed using biocompatible materials; rainwater is recycled; and electricity is from renewable sources with almost two-thirds generated on site.

When it comes to the spa, the hotel boasts one of the best in Italy. The award-winning offering features six saunas of varying temperatures, a salt lake, hammam, numerous relaxation areas, an ice pool, indoor and outdoor heated saltwater pools and just shy of two dozen treatment rooms. The treatments combine various methods of practice including Chinese medicine, scientific approaches and natural medicine.

Treatments can be chosen from the menu, there’s a wellness tree that features daily deals or guests can opt to book a variety of packages that last a minimum of three days and assist with anything from detox and sleep programmes to weight loss and beauty.

Explore: I couldn’t tear myself away from the hotel during my stay. However, I know Lake Garda well having visited many times over the years and there’s plenty of exploring to be done. The hotel offers a shuttle down to Gargano but for those venturing farther afield, having a car is essential.

Recommend clients drive to the castle towns of Sirmione and Desenzano del Garda for a divine slice of local life and a large dollop of gelato. I couldn’t resist a daily dose of stracciatella (vanilla with white chocolate chunks).

Wow: EVERYTHING! And you know I mean it because, as a journalist, I use capped words sparsely. I adored absolutely everything.

While it’s hard to pick one standout moment, the spa is a real delight. I started my stay here with an experience called La Luna Nel Lago (the moon on the lake) – where I floated in a salt pool underneath a large moon light hanging from the ceiling of a dark, cavernous room.

The experience was being offered exclusively to one person at a time due to Covid restrictions and as I lay there on my own in the 48-degree bath-like pool, I’ve never felt more relaxed.

Book it: Rooms start from €380 a night including breakfast and tax. Health programmes start from €935 per person for three nights, including accommodation, all Lefay spa menu meals, treatments and access to the spa pools, saunas and relaxation areas.

lefayresorts.com