Surrounded by a centuries old park that borders the lake, what in the nineteenth century was a hunting lodge is now a luxury hotel. Unostentatious luxury, which is, however, clearly perceived in the attentive and discreet service of the staff, the freshness of furnishings, the elegance of restful rooms in shades of gold, yellow and ocher and in the ‘Aqua Spa’ by Aveda. It is the perfect place to a path to improved wellness and health.

In the shade of two splendid magnolias, which lend their name to the restaurant, you can enjoy a meal in the best traditions of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The local specialties to be savoured are first course homemade pasta dishes and second-course grills. A healthy light lunch will set you up to make the most of the rest of the day.

Take some time for yourself at the bar ‘La Terrazza’. A book or some good headphone music can be eminently accompanied by an extensive selection of teas or infusions and a slice of cake, or by a non-alcoholic cocktail or fruit juice that pairs perfectly with a light snack or a quick meal. All at the lakeside.

‘Il Pescatore’, or ‘The Fisherman’, is a trattoria, but is also extremely chic, hosted on a lake-view terrace of the Grand Hotel Fasano. It will surprise you with the freshness and goodness of its main ingredient, fish, cooked in the traditional way to bring out the best of its flavors and aromas.

In the cahier de voyage of the most demanding tourists is the Beach Club “La Darsena”, located a short distance from the hotel, in a secluded garden shaded by chestnut trees, which can also be accessed from the water. It features a restaurant and bar, perfect for a cocktail at sunset, perhaps choosing some tapas from the menu, or dinner with the innovative touch of chef Matteo Felter. Music all night long.

The location alone would be enough, a terrace surrounded by a centuries old garden on the lake. But it will be the Garda cuisine interpreted by chef Matteo Felter that will have you coming back again and again to ‘Il Fagiano’, the flagship restaurant of the Grand Hotel Fasano. The young Garda chef takes local ingredients and creates striking new textures and beautiful contrasts. A seduction for the palate, even for those following a wellness programme.

In the lively old town of Desenzano, near the square of Piazza Malvezzi, the ‘Park Hotel’ is a classic setting, with friendly but discreet hospitality, typical of Garda. It’s perfect for those who would love to take a wander in the evening across the square or along the lakefront, but it also feels far from the noise and traffic, allowing you to contemplate the wonderful view of the lake in silence, knowing that a rich breakfast awaits you the following morning and a dip in the pool.

In summer, you can dine in the garden overlooking the peninsula of Sirmione. In winter on the veranda, on comfortable leather sofas, surrounded by books, vintage items and furnishings produced exclusively by local artisans. But the lake is always there, just a step away from you. And it is also to be found in the dishes, made with genuine ingredients, selected foods from Italian “zero km” and organic small local producers. Browse the menu and be won over by the proposals of the two young and talented ‘PHilò’ chefs. Also open to non-hotel guests.