Elegant accommodation is split over two wings – the original building and a more contemporary add-on. There are four gourmet restaurants (open seasonally for lunch and dinner); sparkling pools inside and out; and the splendid AQVA SPA wellness centre. Combine all this with superior service and you have the ideal resort for anyone wanting to soak up the atmosphere of the Gardone Riviera and all it has to offer, from tours of local wineries, lemon and olive groves to a historic sailing ship experience.

While Il Fagiano is the feather in Grand Hotel Fasano’s cap when it comes to food, one of the highlights for us was lunch at Il Magnolia. Lakefront and super-atmospheric, we soaked up the ravishing views and people-watched to our hearts’ content as we feasted on fabulous Italian classics in the shade of the two centuries-old magnolias that the restaurant takes its name from.

Originally built back in 1888 as a hunting lodge for the Austrian imperial family and declared a national heritage site by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage in 1989, this traditionally styled hotel has a whole lot of history and a wonderfully warm, welcoming and super-sociable atmosphere. Being set directly on Lake Garda, in over 12,000 square metres of private parkland, getting out and about is extremely easy – you can walk to Gargnano in just 15 minutes and enjoy direct access to the lake straight from the shores of the resort!

Set high up on Lake Garda’s mountainside, with sensational panoramic views across the lake and surrounding terrain, this all-suite resort combines luxury, wellness and nature in one spectacular package. Location-wise, it’s pretty secluded – the nearest village, Gargnano, is a 15-minute drive away, so you’ll definitely need to hire a car to get out and about. That said, most guests tend to hunker down in the resort itself, as Lefay is where you come if you want a real spa or wellness retreat. At the heart of the resort is the 4300-square-metre spa – a temple of wellness, where body and soul are rejuvenated through the rediscovery of vital energy. Treatments include signature, medical and à la carte offerings as well as couples’ rituals. During the day, everyone wears their robe and slippers to glide around the hotel and evenings are very low-key and casual. Suites – renovated in 2021 and all with a private balcony or terrace – are spacious, light and blend seamlessly into their natural surrounds.

The highlight? Undoubtedly the Sky Suites, introduced in 2022, with their large living rooms, private sauna and outdoor Jacuzzis on a terrace suspended between lake and sky. And, while the resort is geared around wellness and relaxation, children under 11 years (limited to no more than 10 at the resort at any one time) are surprisingly welcome. There are Family Suites and a kids’ club and youngsters accompanied by an adult can also use the spa pool. Two restaurants – La Limonaia, inspired by the traditional lemon houses that surround Lake Garda, serves buffet breakfast, lunch and, at night, a contemporary twist on à la carte Italian classics; and Gramen, showcasing local plant-based ingredients and fish – are accompanied by a pool bar and a lounge bar, both with a liberal collection of libations. There’s also a spa menu if you want to be really healthy.

Another hotel with oodles of history, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is now one of the most iconic on Lake Como. Set in lush gardens on the west side of the lake, this art nouveau masterpiece boasts views that span the crystalline waters towards Bellagio and the Grigne Mountains. Sumptuous accommodation includes new Junior Suites, updated Prestige Rooms and one Spa Suite – all with park or lake views and a small balcony or Dorma window. Like its sister hotel, Passalacqua, the design is a mix of bold colours, in particular their signature vibrant orange, the finest materials, statement furniture and contemporary luxuries. And dining runs the gamut from formal to relaxed and chic to fun in its five distinct bars and restaurants.

Hugely popular with young, wealthy Americans, couples of all ages and multi-generational families, there are activities for all. Three pools provide refreshing dips in the most unforgettable of locations: Water-on-the-Water, an irresistible pool floating on the lake; the Flowers Pool, enveloping you in heady seasonal scents and colours; and the unmistakable Infinity Pool in the T Spa. There’s also a classic lakeside lido with real sand, white loungers and parasols; a lavish, private 20,000-square-metre park; tennis courts; bike rentals; a fitness centre; water limos for lake excursions; a panoramic walking trail that takes you high up onto the hill for even more views; and a “Sense of Lake” tour which allows guests to meet famed Italian designers and have a bespoke item made.

Nestled in seven acres of meticulously landscaped gardens that gracefully cascade down to a private jetty, this enchanting hotel, once owned by Pope Innocent XI, is now under the caring ownership of the De Santis family, renowned for the beloved Grand Hotel Tremezzo. A timeless masterpiece with a rich history, set across three distinct buildings – the Palazzo, the main Villa and Casa al Lago – each room and suite, though unique, exudes a harmonious blend of traditional charm and eclectic flair, all decked out in pastel hues with lake or village views.

From the warm welcome on arrival to the exclusive, intimate atmosphere, Passalacqua feels very much like a home away from home. The restaurant’s open kitchen invites guests to interact with chefs and witness their culinary magic. Service is friendly and relaxed; and the owners’ daughter, Valentina, is very hands-on and a real character. Activities abound, from the outdoor pool and cinema nights to clay court tennis and cheese- and wine-tastings, so it’s a real lakeside sanctuary for couples, honeymooners, families and solo travellers alike.

Set in 25 acres of magnificent parkland on the lake’s west side (considered the best as it gets the sun – if shining – all day), Villa d’Este has just celebrated its 150th year as a luxury hotel, and its 110th as a national monument. Flawlessly blending tradition with thoroughly modern comforts, 152 rooms and suites (all utterly individual) are split between the palatial Cardinal Villa – the hub of the hotel – and the Queen’s Pavilion, while four private villas are a brilliant family option. Everyday tensions simply melt away at The Beauty Centre or with a dip in the delectable floating pool (one of three heated pools on site) and from day to night there’s casual and formal dining.

Guests tend to spend their time exploring the impeccable grounds, impressive sporting club and of course all the wonders of the lake. It’s also just a moment’s walk to Cernobbio, so it’s easy to get out to explore more local delights (the Concierge is one of the best too, so ask them for their top tips). A glamorous, regal and formal experience with a strict evening dress code, but iconic, nonetheless.

On the eastern shores of Lake Como, this is a truly tranquil getaway. The journey from the main road leads you down a private, winding lane, through botanical gardens to the hotel entrance. The 18th-century main villa, once home to opera singer Giuditta Pasta, now houses 75 rooms and suites across nine villas, with Mandarin Oriental’s signature mix of modern elegance and subtle Asian charm. It’s worth noting that, though the Junior Suites and Superior Rooms do lack a lake view, this will be advised at the time of booking.

The recently renovated spa stands among Italy’s finest. Dining at CO.MO Bar & Bistrot’s terrace is fantastic, and we loved the diverse selection of activities, from hiking, watersports and boat tours, to e-biking, tennis, mixology classes and golf close by. First-rate for families, couples and friends who want to immerse themselves in La Dolce Vita and indulge in the very best of Lake Como.”