Spring always feels like a natural time for renewal, but there’s something particularly restorative about escaping to Italy’s Lake Garda just as the season begins. In April, the lakeside towns are blissfully quiet, the days are warm and bright, and nature is waking up from a long winter. It’s the perfect moment to pause, breathe, and reset. And if, like our Wellness Editor, Anji McGrandles, your version of wellbeing includes incredible food, serene surroundings, and a little five-star pampering, then this is your perfect break.
Where to Stay?
Perched on the glimmering shores of Lake Garda is Grand Hotel Fasano, a five-star hideaway that captures the very embodiment of timeless Italian elegance. Set between the romantic cities of Venice, Milan, and Verona, and framed by the lush, palm-lined foothills of the Dolomites, the hotel feels like a carefully kept secret, an escape where nature, heritage, and luxury converge.
The hotel itself is steeped in history, once the hunting lodge of the Habsburg royal family, the 135-year-old property blends old world charm with contemporary style.
Inside, the décor pays homage to the building’s aristocratic past while embracing the relaxed glamour of the Italian lakes. High ceilings, soft cream and stone tones, polished parquet floors, and bespoke furniture create a refined, stylish aesthetic.
Each of the 86 rooms and suites is individually styled, with subtle nods to classic Italian design, sumptuous fabrics, elegant light fixtures, freestanding bathtubs (loaded with Acqua di Parma goodies), and French doors that open out to private balconies or terraces with sweeping views of the lake or pretty gardens. The new suites, unveiled for the 2025 season, bring a fresh, contemporary warmth to the hotel’s legacy, natural woods, warm neutrals, and generous living spaces make them ideal for modern travellers craving comfort with character.
Waking up to the sun rising over Lake Garda from the comfort of your balcony (which became my go-to spot for morning coffee), was beautiful, breath-taking, and picture postcard perfect.
The Vibe
The vibe is unmistakably La Dolce Vita, think slow mornings on your balcony with an espresso and lake views, afternoons spent drifting between garden paths and the spa, and sundowners sipping an aperitivo at the terrace bar. During April, when the property reopens for the season, the energy is serene. The air is crisp, the lake sparkles under the spring sunshine, and you can explore charming nearby villages like Sirmione or Salò without the crowds of summer. It’s Italy at its most intimate, and Grand Hotel Fasano is the perfect base to soak it all in.
Wellness
The Grand Hotel Fasano is all about ease and relaxation. With spacious lakeside gardens, wide sun-drenched terraces, and plenty of quiet corners to unwind, it’s the kind of place where you instinctively slow your pace. The newly renovated AQVA Spa is a standout. Bright and peaceful, it features an indoor pool for relaxing swims, a separate outdoor pool for sun-soaked lounging, and a Finnish sauna and Turkish bath for deeper unwinding. After spending the afternoon moving between the spa’s different spaces and taking in the lake views from the spa garden, I felt like I’d properly arrived.
The treatment menu is simple but well-considered. I was treated to the 1888 GHF signature massage, a 50-minute treatment using garden-inspired body butters; it was easily one of the most relaxing treatments I’ve had in a while. For those after a full reset, there’s also the 140-minute Soin Excellence Secrets de Sothys, which combines high-performance skincare with deep, head-to-toe relaxation. There’s a small but well-equipped gym tucked at the side of the spa, ideal for a quick workout if you feel like moving, though I found the best way to stay active here was simply walking by the lake or slipping into the water for a swim.
Food and Drink
Wellness and indulgence co-exist beautifully at Grand Hotel Fasano. Mornings begin with a breakfast buffet that’s both abundant and health-conscious, local honeycomb, fresh fruit, chia pudding, green juices, and perfect Italian coffee. I spent mine on the terrace, watching the lake shimmer into life.
Lunch at Magnolia, under the shade of 200-year-old trees, was light and seasonal. My bespoke salad, a personalised mix of grilled lake fish, greens, and a lemon vinaigrette was fresh and perfect after indulging in big pasta dishes.
Dinner is where the hotel really shines. Il Fagiano, now Michelin-starred, offers a refined, quietly theatrical experience. Chef Maurizio Bufi’s dishes bridge northern and southern Italy, with inventive flavour pairings and a focus on regional produce. The whole experience was sublime, as was the wine pairing.
For something more laid-back, Trattoria Il Pescatore offers Mediterranean classics with a twist, and La Terrazza is ideal for an Aperol and snack at golden hour. If you’re a cocktail lover, do not miss Rama’s Lounge Bar and make sure you order a Fasanin. Locally this means ‘little pheasant’, an ode to the fact the hotel was originally the hunting residence of the Prince of Austria. This delicious gin-based drink comes in a glass resembling a pheasant and is almost too pretty to sip.
Things to Do
Conti Thun, is a family-run winery just a short drive from the hotel. Set in the countryside surrounded by vines, the winery has real style. The owners have opted for pretty floral displays – hanging from the ceiling with fairy lights and around the tasting room alongside rustic wooden tables and gilt framed bottles of wine. The sophisticated design and fun tone reflect their bottles of wine. It’s easy to see why it’s a popular spot for weddings, parties, and gatherings.
I took a tour of the estate, learning about the history and approach they take to winemaking, before settling into their tasting room for a rosé-focused flight. The rosé was fresh and light, perfect with the generous platter of local cheeses, olives, and home-made focaccia. Afterwards, I parked up on the long wooden table to try some of the most delicious Italian food, starting with a gazpacho, followed by an unbelievable pork pasta that was so simple yet tasted incredible. It felt more like visiting friends than a formal tasting, and I instantly regretted not taking some wine home but made up for it by ordering a bottle of the Michaela at lunch and dinner the following day.
You can’t come to Lake Garda and not take a boat trip. I hopped aboard for a leisurely ride around the lake, taking in the views of the colourful villages lining the shore, before stopping at Isola del Garda, a private island that feels like stepping into another era. The island has a fascinating history; once a Roman settlement, it became a Franciscan monastery and was even inhabited by Saint Francis of Assisi. Today, it’s owned by the Cavazza family, who open the island to guests for guided tours. We explored the neo-Gothic villa, still home to original furniture and family portraits, before wandering through the lush, terraced gardens and hidden grottos.
After the tour, we enjoyed a tasting of local wines and a peppery olive oil sourced from nearby estates. The island is immaculately maintained and offers stunning panoramic views of the lake, making it feel like a peaceful escape that’s far removed from the everyday.
If you’re after something a little different, a visit to Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, the former home of poet, soldier, and all-round eccentric Gabriele D’Annunzio, is well worth the detour. Sat above the lake in Gardone Riviera, the estate is part museum, part mausoleum, and full-blown hoarder’s paradise. Inside the house, over 33,000 books line the walls, alongside everything from war relics and musical instruments to taxidermy and religious artefacts. It’s wonderfully over-the-top and gives a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of Italy’s most complex and controversial cultural figures. You don’t need to be a fan of his work to appreciate just how strange and compelling the place is.
Whether you want to hike, sail, or simply lounge with a book by the lake, the hotel’s concierge can arrange every detail from private boat tours to vineyard lunches.
Lake Garda in Spring: Italy’s Perfect Wellness Escape
Lake Garda transforms into a serene sanctuary in spring, offering the ideal setting to reset and recharge. The charming lakeside town of Sirmione and nearby Salò remain blissfully uncrowded in April, allowing visitors to experience authentic Italian culture without summer tourist hustle. Grand Hotel Fasano, perched on glimmering shores, epitomizes timeless elegance with its Habsburg heritage and contemporary refinement. The newly renovated AQVA Spa features tranquil pools, sauna, and Turkish bath, while the signature 1888 GHF massage using garden-inspired body butters delivers profound relaxation. Spring weather is crisp and perfect, making Lake Garda an ideal time for slow mornings on sun-drenched terraces, afternoon strolls through palm-lined gardens, and lakeside contemplation.
Culinary Excellence Meets Natural Beauty
Lake Garda’s gastronomic scene elevates the wellness experience, where indulgence and health coexist beautifully. Michelin-starred Il Fagiano showcases Chef Maurizio Bufi’s inventive northern and southern Italian fusion, while casual Trattoria Il Pescatore offers Mediterranean classics with seasonal flair. Nearby Conti Thun winery provides an intimate rosé tasting experience, pairing wines with local cheeses and homemade focaccia. Beyond the hotel’s culinary offerings, the lake’s stunning natural landscape invites exploration through leisurely walks, boat trips to the private island of Isola del Garda with its neo-Gothic villa and terraced gardens, and visits to cultural landmarks. This combination of exceptional food, serene surroundings, and accessible adventure makes Lake Garda the perfect spring destination for complete rejuvenation.
Grand Hotel Fasano is not just a place to relax; it’s a place to realign.
Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Fasano start from €600 for an Executive room with lake view and balcony on a bed and breakfast basis.
Book a wine tasting and tour at Conti Thun Wine Resort.
Isola del Garda tour is €39 per adult, including return boat transfer from Gardone Riviera.
Fondazione Il Vittoriale degli Italiani is €18 per adult euro for entry to the park, access to all three museums, and guided tour of the home of Gabriele D’Annunzio.
