Cape of senses, Italy Hotel

Italy

A place that embodies serenity as perfectly as Cape of Senses at Lake Garda is a rare find. A destination perhaps overshadowed by its glamorous cousin Como in recent years, the launch of wellbeing- focused Cape of Senses a little over a year ago saw the spotlight turning. The shoreline of Italy’s largest lake is hardly an off-the- beaten track location, but standing amid the olive groves and fragrant lemon trees or reclining by the far-reaching infinity pool evokes feelings of time standing still.

Which is exactly the allure the family-owned hoteliers were going for, offering time and space to slow the pace of everyday life. Less than an hour out of romantic Verona, rugged mountains plunge into the crystal-waters beneath – cortisol levels drop from the get-go.

Unsurprisingly, this picturesque landscape has filled literary pages aplenty and it’s hard not to feel inspired here. Wraparound windows in the lobby-come- cocktail lounge make sundown unmissable and those looking to take the view to new heights can book sky suites, some with pools and terraces and all homing in on the quiet-luxe theme with calming neutrals. So far, so tranquil, but no place is more so than the 2,000sq m spa, where first-rate treatments, sauna rooms and al fresco yoga platforms guarantee relaxation.

On the food front, executive chef Francesco Pavan is at the helm at both airy, rooftop Osteria La Pergola and fine-dining Restaurant Al Tramonto, which focuses on hyper-seasonal ingredients and Italian comfort food: expect the likes of ravioli stuffed with toasted almond cream, blue cheese and mushrooms. Tours and tastings at nearby hand-harvested olive groves and the historic Zeni1870 winery complete the culinary experience.

Suites from £353 including breakfast. To book, visit slh.com.

Words by Megan Dickson.

This article was taken from the Christmas 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.