Luxury Italian Spa Holidays – Lefay Resort & Spa Review

At 84, Marion Finlayson proves it’s never too late to prioritise wellbeing. On her recent Italian spa holiday at Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, she experienced expert-led holistic treatments, invigorating fitness activities, and luxurious spa therapies in one of Italy’s most scenic settings. Unlike UK weekend breaks, these international wellness holidays provide time to relax, rejuvenate, and fully immerse in a transformative experience.

Why do you personally think it's important to keep active in later years?

I think it's important to keep active to maintain the health of your body. I try to engage my mind as well as my body by giving exercise my full attention rather than just going through the motions. I go to four classes a week because I am naturally lazy and need the discipline of a class to keep me focused!

How do you keep motivated to look after yourself physically and mentally? Is there anything that you do every day that you think helps?

I try to eat healthily and I walk every day. Recently I gave up driving which I did not really enjoy and as a result I walk even more than before. I have a naturally optimistic nature and very good health for someone in their eighties. I know I have a lot to be thankful for and try to remember this on a daily basis.

Why did you choose Lefay and what programme did you follow?

I chose Lefay Resort & Spa after discussing options with the Wellbeing Escapes team and I followed the 'Beauty & Healthy Ageing Method at Lefay' programme.

How did you spend your days - what activities did you do and what treatments did you have?

I spent my days having treatments including a facial shaping massage, reflexology, energising body scrub and aroma-hydrotherapy sessions. I also took part in the daily group holistic and fitness activities such as Acqua-Fit and yoga. I spent a lot of time in the pool (bliss!) walking in the grounds and chatting to other guests.

What was your favourite treatment and why?

I enjoyed the reflexology as it was so interesting to find out how it corresponds to different parts of your body plus it's not a treatment that I would normally have done.

What was your favourite activity and why?

It was possibly the group yoga lesson. I have been doing yoga for forty years and it is interesting to note how different each instructor's lessons are!

How was the food?

It was lovely and I was especially impressed with the lunchtime buffet as it was so beautifully presented and every dish was healthily delicious.

What do you think makes Lefay so special?

Lefay is special because it's a one-off. Possibly because it's not company-owned hotel, there is not that over-emphasis on profit and the welfare of the guests comes very high on the list of priorities.

What would you say the 'ambiance' is like there and who do you think it's best suited to?

I would say it's suited to guests of all ages except young children. As an elderly lady, I never felt out of place. A lot of thought has gone into making the hotel special for guests - the lovely products, the little bags of dried apple rings, the delightful crockery and the beautiful bed linen all help to make a very enjoyable stay. I went home relaxed, refreshed and resolved to return soon!

Do you have any 'insider tips' about the property?

Yes - stay for as long as you possibly can because it's so wonderful!

What is one of the best 'lessons' you've learnt along the way in your incredibly interesting life?

The love that you give and the love that you get are all that really matters.

Do you have a life mantra?

'Know then thyself; presume not God to scan; The proper study of Mankind is man' (Alexander Pope)

Who do you most admire?

My fifteen year old grandson - an amazing 'all-rounder' with a lovely nature.

Who would you like to have round the dinner table with you if you could choose anyone in the world and why?

The Dalai Lama - I have seen him pass through the lobby of a hotel in New York and you could almost touch the serenity.

So there we have it, one of our most inspiring customers, proving that wellbeing is something which we should always focus on, no matter the age. If you’re inspired by Marion just as much as we are and would like to take a trip to the Leyfay Resort & Spa, you can view all the details here. If you’d like to check out any of our other spa breaks in Italy then you can do so here.

Why Wellbeing Escapes?

Wellness Experts

With over 20 years of first-hand experience, our team lives and breathes wellbeing. We personally visit and assess every retreat, offering genuine, expert guidance you can trust

Personalised Wellbeing Holidays

Your journey is unique — and so is every holiday we design. We listen carefully to understand what you need most, then match you with the right experience to nurture your wellbeing on every level

Value-Added Benefits & Discounts

Because your wellbeing is an investment, not an indulgence, we make it go further. Our trusted partnerships mean you’ll enjoy exclusive extras, savings, and thoughtful touches that enhance your stay

Award-Winning Service

We’ve built our reputation on care, empathy, and expertise. From your first call to your return home, our team is here to support and empower you throughout your wellbeing journey

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