Our Director, Peter, visits Lefay in the hills above Lake Garda in northern Italy.
What were your first impressions of the resort?
What really hit me was the setting of the hotel. The design of the hotel and the views over the lake are special. The eco-friendly architecture and materials cause the resort to blend in with the surrounding hills. This results in the hotel having a very light footprint on the environment. This is what the owners set out to do and they did it very well.
What do you think makes the resort so special?
The medical and spa team have carefully designed their own unique approach, blending western science with Classical Chinese Medicine. You can read up on it and it does make good sense intellectually. However, if you choose one of Lefay's Method programmes as part of your stay then you will experience it first-hand. To have an Italian doctor talk to you about your lifestyle and goals and then explain, through the wisdom of Chinese medicine, the effects that your habits have on your physical health, is very enlightening. The doctor will summarise your consultation and his recommendations in a report too so that you have a 'roadmap' for sustainable improvements once you are back home
What was your favourite treatment?
The best part of wellness experience for me was not a treatment, but actually the initial consultation with the doctor. It was impressive what can be learned about your lifestyle and general state of wellbeing from a set of simple questions and a non-intrusive examination. This is the depth of Chinese medicine and sets a tone for your entire stay.
What was your favourite activity?
Lefay sits perched on a hillside high above Lake Garda. The designers created some beautiful walking trails just below the resort so guests can enjoy the surrounding nature. I took it a few steps further and walked all the way down to the lakeside. This does take a bit of navigating and hiking as the hills are covered with olive, lemon and other fruit trees. Many of the roads are just for the local farm equipment, so this is not a groomed trail walk. Along with the exercise, you also get magnificant views and interaction with locals which you would miss if you drove! If you can't face retracing you steps back up the hill (not an easy task), you can call the reception at Lefay and they will schedule a hotel car to come and collect you at a rendezvous point in the lakeside town of Gargnano
How was the food?
You can't talk about Italy without talking about food... as an example, lunch is a wonderful combination of freshly prepared salads and antipasto served buffet style as well as items from the a la carte menu. There is also a lighter, 'spa cuisine' menu available for guests who prefer healthier options. What was nice was being able to speak to the chef who is there preparing everything fresh, and chat about what is particularly good or what they might recommend, particularly if you are looking for help with more healthy choices.
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
They say that the simple things in life are the best. This is a great example of that truth. Take an Italian coffee or a fresh juice that you've blended yourself and take a table on the terrace. The views over Lake Garda and the surrounding tree covered hills are so calming. You will notice yourself and others sitting around you either sitting quietly or talking softly so as to not disturb the view
Who would you recommend the resort to?
LeFay can easily appeal to a range of visitors. For the single traveller, I would consider one of the Methods programme and enjoy the facilities and services of the spa area. If visiting with a friend or partner, you also have the surrounding area and the lake to enjoy.
For personalised advice, please call our expert wellness team on 020 3735 7555.
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
