Travel
“It’s not just a hotel – it’s an unforgettable experience”
Liz Earle pays a visit to Grand Hotel Fasano, on the shores of Lake Garda, Italy.
My honest review of Grand Hotel Fasano
Tucked beneath the swaying fronds of banana palms and framed by the glistening blue of Lake Garda, Grand Hotel Fasano is a timeless Italian treasure that truly embodies relaxed, restorative luxury.
This five-star, family-owned hideaway – once a royal hunting lodge for the Habsburgs – has long been a favourite for those seeking a refined retreat away from the better-trodden paths of northern Italy. And for 2025, it’s returning for its seasonal opening even more resplendent than ever.
From the moment I arrived, I sensed every detail had been carefully considered – from the scent of jasmine drifting through the gardens to the soft interior lighting, well-stocked sweetie jars and stylish orchid plants proliferating the passageways. With 86 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, many with sweeping views of the water, the hotel offers an inviting mix of history, heritage and modern elegance.
New suites and spa treats
For those planning a special escape, the hotel’s brand-new suites are simply exquisite. Perched just above the spa and linked directly by elevator (a thoughtful touch), these spacious lakeview retreats blend warm, contemporary décor with artisanal touches. Think custom-made furnishings, citrus-infused Acqua di Parma toiletries and plush robes just asking to cosied-up in after a long bath. King-sized beds, a separate lounge area and private balconies make the most of that glorious Garda light. In fact, every corner invites you to slow down and savour the moment, whether with a coffee from your in-room machine, or a glass of something sparkling as the sun dips below the horizon.
The jewel in Grand Hotel Fasano’s crown this season is undoubtedly the newly renovated AQVA Spa and Wellness Centre – an elegant, light-filled sanctuary dedicated to deep rest and rejuvenation. Inside, you’ll find the perfect blend of ancient traditions and contemporary wellness, from Turkish baths and Finnish saunas to a serene spa garden that opens onto the lakeshore.
Highlights for me included the indoor–outdoor pool (connected via a gently lit tunnel), hydromassage areas (complete with my personal favourite – the cold plunge!) and a sleek new gym to help counteract some of the inevitable calories…
It’s the treatments that truly shine, however. Sothys Paris products are used across a range of luxurious facials, massages and body rituals, including the signature 50-minute ‘1888 GHF’ – a soothing sensory, essential oil experience inspired by the hotel’s lakeside gardens.
Gourmet Garda
Did I mention calories? Well, food lovers are in for a treat.
Under the expert direction of Michelin-starred Chef Maurizio Bufi and the much-celebrated Claudio Santini, dining here is a deliciously memorable experience from dawn to dusk. The newly Michelin-awarded Il Fagiano offers elegant tasting menus that showcase the very best of Italy’s culinary heritage, combining northern finesse with southern soul. Dishes such as roe deer with truffle and pike with smoked potato are as creative as they are comforting.
At Trattoria Il Pescatore, lakeside dining is elevated with Mediterranean classics fused with international flair, while outside in the garden, the Magnolia offers a shady spot beneath centuries-old trees for leisurely lunches – light salads, fresh fish, and perfectly al dente pasta all feature.
But my favourite spot was La Terrazza, a long, elegant outdoor terrace fringing the lake – the most perfect place for laid-back snacks and sunset cocktails. The cocktail list changes each year, with a few cherished house classics. Don’t miss the gin-based Fasanin, charmingly served in a whimsical pheasant-shaped glass, or perk things up with an Expresso Martini, served in the cutest crystal expresso cup atop a slender stem. Behind the bar, dashing mixologist Rama Redzepi brings a touch of vintage glamour with his playful, artfully crafted creations and a setting that evokes the golden age of travel.
The local area
While the hotel’s serene atmosphere encourages you to linger, it’s well worth venturing out to explore the surrounding region. I’d especially recommend a visit to the Conti Thun Wine Resort for a taste of beautifully crafted, organic wines amid the rolling vineyards.
A guided tour of Isola del Garda – a private island rich in history and botanical beauty – makes for a magical half-day adventure, complete with a boat ride from Gardone Riviera. And for a deep dive into Italy’s cultural soul, the Fondazione Il Vittoriale degli Italiani is fascinating – a stunning lakeside estate and former home of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio, featuring gardens, museums and a thought-provoking guided tour.
In a nutshell
Whether you’re slipping into the warm waters of the spa, dipping into the freshness of the lake, dining under the stars, or simply strolling the peaceful lakeside gardens, Grand Hotel Fasano offers a soul-soothing blend of elegance, wellbeing and authenticity. It’s not just a hotel stay – it’s an unforgettable experience.
For anyone in search of restorative luxury, timeless charm and a touch of the dolce vita, this enchanting corner of northern Italy is calling. Not forgetting Lake Garda itself, with its stunning waterfront bordered by charming medieval villages and sun-warmed stone castles. It’s a setting that soothes the soul from the moment you arrive.
Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Fasano start from €600 for an Executive room with lake view and balcony on a bed and breakfast basis. Prices correct at time of publishing.
