I was lucky enough discover this beautiful lake resort during my trip to Verona earlier this year.  Lake Garda is a pristine, beautiful lake overlooking the majestic snowcapped mountains in the back.  The view is breathtaking and the best part is that Lake Garda is a local tourist destination and is still relatively unknown.  It’s best to go in April to May time when tourist season has not officially kicked off.

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. Located in northern Italy, the lake is about half-way between Brescia and Verona, and between Venice and Milan.  The drive from the airport to Lake Garda provides a picturesque view of orchids and wineries along the way.

Notable Hotel

Hotel Corte Valier

Hotel Corte Valier (Via della Pergolana 9, 37017 Lazise (VR) Italy, Tel: +39 045.6471210, www.cortevalier.com)

I was lucky enough to stay at Hotel Corte Valier for several nights.  This four star luxury spa hotel is conveniently located right on the lakefront. The hotel has 84 lake view rooms equipped with luxury amenities.  The Dome restaurant offers a panoramic view of the lake and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The main attraction is the hotel’s Laguna Spa that includes heated indoor and outdoor pools with whirlpool designated areas.  The Spa has different sauna/steam room options including Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, Mediterranean sauna and Kenipp route.  There is even an indoor solarium to relax and tan in the colder months!  The spa also has featured luxury facial and massage options to choose from.

The hotel accommodation price is reasonable given the luxury nature of the hotel.

Notable Places to Visit

Lake Garda Scenic Shore Path:  Lake Garda has a walking path around the lake for a scenic walk, run or bike.  You can take the water taxi or walk along the lake shore path to the surrounding villages dotting the lake.

Garda Village:  Garda Village is charming and is a 5 minute walk from Hotel Corte Valier. Come here to explore and grab great local food at local prices.  There are plenty of wine bars and outdoor restaurants to take in the picturesque vistas and people watching.

Il Porticciolo (lungolago Marconi, 22-37017 lazise; tel:02017720232) is the one restaurant that is a “must try” around the area for a taste of home style cooking in an unpretentious setting.

Masi Agricola & Serego Alighieri Wineries:

(Via Stazione Vecchia, 472, 37015 Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella VR, Italy, +39 045 770 3622, http://www.seregoalighieri.it/en/, http://www.masi.it/eng)

There are multiple wineries around Lake Garda but the most notable mention is Masi & Serego Alighieri Wineries.  These are family owned wineries from the direct descendants of Dante.  The estates provide stunning landscape and architecture of the old Italy for everyone to feast their eyes upon.

Serego Alighieri is the hospitality arm of the operation and provides guided tours and tasting, private dining events, cooking class and apartments for nightly rental on the property.  I was lucky enough to be part of the private dining event and the food and wine are really top notched.  This is a romantic venue for couples and can also be a less expansive venue for those wanting to host an Italian destination wedding.  The estate provides an excellent tour of the winery and tasting menu.

Visit Tripadvisor for more information on outdoor excursions and boating around Lake Garda.

For related articles, visit our TRAVEL page.

Author: Thai-Anh Hoang

Featured photo:  www.flickr.com by fionaandneil