Along the palm-fringed edge of Lake Garda, Grand Hotel Fasano quietly awaits, a rare and regal residence where history, nature, and modern luxury entwine. Recognized as a National Italian Heritage site and celebrating over 135 years of elegance, this Belle Époque villa-turned-luxury-hotel is a destination steeped in old-world charm and effortless refinement.
With 86 thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, Grand Hotel Fasano balances heritage and modern comfort. I had the pleasure of staying in a tranquil lake-view suite, where soft tones, fine fabrics, and bespoke furnishings created a calming sanctuary. The breeze from the lake drifted in through the balcony doors, carrying with it the scent of citrus and cypress. Each space feels deeply personal, intimate, and elegantly understated.
I was especially delighted to discover the Acqua di Parma toiletries, a favourite brand of mine, which added such a luxurious, personal touch. Paired with plush robes, a sleek coffee machine, and a well-stocked minibar, the new suites are the ultimate choice for a stylish stay on the lake.
Day One: Lakeside Arrival & A Michelin-Starred Introduction
After a scenic drive from Milan Linate, we arrived in time to settle into our rooms and refresh before meeting Alice Lancini, the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, at a welcome aperitivo at La Terrazza. This stylish yet relaxed space, set against the lake’s still waters at dusk, was the perfect setting to unwind with a cocktail.
Dinner that evening was an exquisite introduction to the hotel’s culinary excellence with a tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Il Fagiano. Executive Chef Maurizio Bufi curated a journey through the finest ingredients from Italy’s north and south, with each dish as beautiful as it was flavourful. The kitchen adapted the menu to be both dairy and gluten free, without sacrificing creativity and quality.
Two standouts of the evening: the “Fungo & Funghi” a stunning vacation of mushrooms, earthy and deeply layered and the “Pomodoro in Gazpacho Primaverile”, a spring tomato gazpacho bursting with freshness and served with a creative twist. Each plate was paired with wines that enhanced the experience, turning dinner into a true celebration of the senses.
Day Two: Vines, Views, and Spa Serenity
After a slow breakfast soaking in the morning light, we set off for a visit to Conti Thun Wine Resort, a family-owned boutique winery nestled in the heart of the Valtenèsi region, just steps from the western shores of Lake Garda. Rooted in South Tyrolean winemaking traditions, the Conti Thun family has brought their passion south to these sun-drenched hills, creating not just a winery but a full-bodied destination.
Set among the gentle Riviera Gardesana slopes, the estate is home to 24 rustic rooms, perfect for overnight stays, private retreats, or stylish events. The interiors embrace the natural world: soft earthen tones, raw wood beams, and a design philosophy that allows the outdoors to subtly blend into each space.
We were welcomed by tour guide Alessandro with a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar, where every step of their artisanal, hands-on winemaking process was explained, from hand-harvesting to bottling. Their flagship rosé wines stood out, delicate and expressive, and were complemented by a curated selection of white, red, and sparkling wines. We also tasted their beautifully cold-pressed Garda DOP olive oil, rich and golden, made from olives grown right on the estate.
Lunch was held inside, the space was so beautifully styled that it felt like dining in an enchanted garden. The ceilings were dressed in hanging flowers and soft lights, while natural daylight poured in, making the whole room glow. I enjoyed a beef carpaccio salad with balsamic vinegar, which was seamlessly seasoned and bursting with flavour, followed by a rich and comforting seafood gnocchi. Their gluten-free bread was a genuine delight, warm, soft, and completely satisfying.
Returning to the hotel, the afternoon was reserved for complete relaxation at the newly renovated AQVA Spa, a restorative journey for both mind and body. The spa invites guests to experience purification by the water, offering rejuvenating treatments and revitalizing therapies in an atmosphere of absolute calm.
Upon arrival, guests are provided with a bathrobe, slippers, and pool towels, then free to explore the spa’s stunning facilities: an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, hydromassage zones, sauna, Turkish baths, a gym, and a serene Winter Garden overlooking the lake. Complimentary herbal teas are served in quiet corners, encouraging deep rest between treatments.
My chosen treatment was the Deep Tissue Massage, a targeted therapy designed to melt away muscle tension and restore balance. Using a potent blend of natural ingredients, including arnica extract to relax, bisabolol to soothe, sacha oil to nourish, and camphor to awaken the senses, the massage was both invigorating and grounding. Surrounded by the sound of lapping water and filtered light, it was a truly holistic experience. The Spa provides a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, hairstyling, and manicure/pedicure services.
Dinner that evening took us just a few kilometres away to La Darsena, a relaxed beach club restaurant with the feel of an upscale lakeside hideaway. My standout dish of the night was the trout sashimi with Jerusalem artichoke cream, green apple, and caramelised onion, delicate, fresh, and beautifully balanced in flavour and texture.
Day Three: Private Islands and Historic Grandeur
The day began with a long, sun-drenched breakfast before we boarded a boat from the hotel’s private pier for a journey across the lake to Isola del Garda, a place of incomparable beauty, rich in history, botany, and surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
We were given a private guided tour of the island’s magnificent Venetian Neo-Gothic villa, built in the 19th century. Its architecture is majestic, adorned with Italian and English hanging gardens and a centuries-old park filled with plants and trees from the most remote corners of the globe. Our wonderfully engaging guide, Anja, brought the island’s vibrant past to life, sharing stories of the Cavazza family who lovingly maintain the island today. Midway through the tour, we enjoyed a lovely break at a scenic viewing point, sipping wine, tasting their delicious olive oil, and soaking in the breathtaking views. Bounded by blooming flowers, cypress trees, and panoramic lake views, it felt like we had stepped into a fairytale.
Returning to the hotel, we lunched beneath the delicate shade of ancient magnolia trees at the hotel’s Magnolia Restaurant. Light and refined, the menu focuses on Italian delicacies and fresh seasonal ingredients. I opted for the lemon tagliolini with swordfish ragù, which was thoughtfully prepared gluten free and truly, I didn’t feel like I was missing out at all. The flavours were bright, the pasta perfectly al dente, and the dish felt like sunshine on a plate.
In the afternoon, we explored the fascinating estate of Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, the former home of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. A curious and striking site, it blends architectural oddities with historic artifacts, including a warship built into the hillside, a mausoleum overlooking the lake and a marvellous ancient Greek amphitheatre. We were guided through Gabriele’s estate by a remarkably passionate and knowledgeable guide, who brought D’Annunzio’s eccentric life and legacy vividly to life, from his opulent residence to the theatrical details woven throughout the grounds.
Dinner that evening took place at Trattoria Il Pescatore, a sophisticated trattoria where Executive Chef Claudio Santini reimagines Mediterranean cuisine through an international lens. The tasting menu showcased southern European flavours with a global twist, vibrant amberjack tartare, saffron-kissed pastas, and tender, slow-cooked meats, all served in an elegant and atmospheric dining room.
Arrivederci, Lake Garda
The Grand Hotel Fasano offers a truly exceptional stay, combining timeless elegance with modern comfort. With its refined atmosphere, diverse dining options, and warm, attentive service, the hotel delivers a luxurious yet welcoming experience that stays true to its rich heritage.
Grand Hotel Fasano
www.ghf.it/en/ | @grandhotelfasano
Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Fasano start from €600 (£501*) for an Executive room with lake view and balcony on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel opens for the 2025 season from 4th April. For more information and to book, visit www.ghf.it/en/
