Lefay Resort & SPA Lago Di Garda Review By Klaudia Orr

Klaudia, one of Healing Holidays’ long-time Wellness Advisors, has recently returned from visiting Lefay Resort & Spa Lago Di Garda – here she shares her views…

The Location

Lefay, (or to give it its full title - Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda), has the advantage of being within easy reach of a number of Italian airports. I flew into the nearest - Verona, which is a scenic 90 minute journey away, with Bergamo, (a favourite of Ryanair), a similar distance. Milan’s two airports are two hours away, and Venice to the east is under three hours, so it is pain-free getting to this lakeside beauty.

The property is set in the hills high above the beautiful lakeside village of Gargnano, which is well worth taking time out of your Lefay schedule to visit, (they lay on complimentary transfers down the winding hill for guests to soak up this waterside wonder). The panoramic views out and over the lake are breathtaking, and the setting  on its own was enough to put me into a meditative state, (and judging by the quiet, content energy of the other guests, I wasn’t alone).

The Accommodation

I was very happy to be booked into a Prestige Junior Suite which remarkably, at over 50sq metres and with direct access to the communal garden, is Lefay’s entry level room.

It was spacious, thoughtfully designed with a king-sized bed as comfortable as I have ever experienced, at home or away. The large bathroom had a soaking bathtub, plus walk-in rain shower, plus separate toilet, plus walk-in wardrobe, and the private terrace opened straight onto the garden. The mornings were a joy being able to just step outside and enjoy the greenery and lake views with my morning tea.

The Wellness Concept 

Lefay’s Spa Method is a little different in that blends the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with modern Western scientific research.

My wellness journey began with a consultation and quizzing from Dr Andrea Armellini, a medical doctor and TCM expert. He asked about my sleep patterns, digestion, lifestyle and general wellbeing, and checked my pulse and examined my tongue looking for signs of energy imbalances—known in Chinese Medicine as stagnations, or deficiencies. He really took the time to understand how my body and energy systems were functioning and adjusted my treatment plan accordingly, ensuring that each therapy I had booked was fully tailored to me. He also prescribed a herbal infusion for me to drink 3 times each day.

Over the next few days of my stay I experienced some of Lefay’s signature treatments, including a deeply relaxing Face and Head massage with Teddy, and a full body massage with Giuseppe that left me feeling energised.

Ever keen to try something new, I also entrusted Ricardo with a session of Moxibustion - a traditional Chinese technique which involved the warming of specific energy points on my back using the burning of the moxa herb which had been rolled into cigar-shaped stick. I liked everything about it, and have now added it to my must-do list for future spa stays.

All of the therapists explained exactly what to expect from each treatment and the benefits which would result – which is not always the case in some wellness centres.

At the end of my stay I had a final chat with Dr Stefania Doria, who presented me with an information pack which contained some valuable maintenance tips and suggestions for me on how to continue my path to a healthy lifestyle once I was back home. Again, this is something not practiced by all properties.

The Facilities

I think it is the sheer variety and number of spa facilities which sets Lefay apart from its competitors. I found everything you would expect from a 5-star spa resort, plus a bit more.

There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, several saunas, steam rooms, misting showers, a gym, a fitness studio, and endless relaxation lounges to enjoy in between the treatments – all spread across multiple levels.

For me, the standouts were the heated infinity pool that stretches out towards Lake Garda; the unique ‘salt lake’ where I was completely content to float silently in warm mineral-rich waters;  and the Finnish sauna, which is located in the brand-new, adults-only area, and has floor-to-ceiling windows and more of those spectacular views.

The Activities

In addition to the personalised treatment plans, all guests at Lefay can join the complimentary daily wellness activities, (which on some days numbered 7 different activities!)

Amongst the many options were Pilates, yoga, circuit training, power walking, Qi Gong, meditation, kettlebell sessions and self-face gym, and I also joined the Stretching of Meridian class – which was a gentle but excellent stretching session led by a knowledgeable instructor who guided me with clear instructions, and focused on opening energy channels in the body.

What I found exceptionally beneficial to my overall wellbeing was a deep connection with nature - I felt the nature walks & fitness trails around the resort’s grounds and private forest to be the perfect combination of exercise and meditation. If my stay had been longer, I could have ventured a little further afield as Lefay provides complimentary E-mountain bikes, making it easy to explore the hills and lakeside villages at your own pace – with that marvellous combination of minimal effort and maximum enjoyment!

The Food

At Lefay your diet is an integral part of your wellness programme. Based on the Lefay SPA Method, meals are creatively tailored to support your individual treatment plan and overall energy balance. You are offered a set menu, (which is mainly vegetarian or fish), for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which is aligned with your specific wellness goals - whether that’s detoxification, rejuvenation or de-stress.

I thought the food was beautifully presented, freshly prepared and tasty. The focus is on simple, high-quality ingredients, short cooking times and the absence of added salt and sugar - which allows the natural flavours to really shine through. Despite the minimalism, every dish felt thoughtful and satisfying.

For any (lucky!) guests not enrolled on any specific wellness programme there is the option to enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast and to choose from the a la carte menu for lunch and dinner, which included a mix of local dishes as well as lighter, wellness-focused options.

The Verdict

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda is so much more than a luxury escape to the lake. Yes you could go for a weekend escape and enjoy the food and facilities over a couple of nights, but staying for such a short time would undoubtedly leave you feeling short-changed. Every aspect of the resort, from the stunning setting and accommodation to the high quality treatments, diverse activities and nourishing food, has been designed to support holistic wellbeing and promote a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, but what truly sets Lefay apart are the staff – a dedicated team who make every guest feel really cared for.

Would I return? – in a heartbeat. Would I like to visit its sister property - Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, set high up in the mountains? – absolutely!