Grand Hotel Fasano

Grand Hotel Fasano is undoubtedly luxurious, but as they call it, it's a "lusso naturale," a natural, quiet luxury that would rather whisper than shout. Built in 1888 as a hunting lodge for Austrian royalty, its aristocratic elegance still shines throughout the architecture and the lush three-acre park surrounding the hotel. Interiors throughout the hotel's two buildings -- a main one and the old Villa Principe -- are light and airy (the best way to bridge the magnificent scenery outside). Expect lots of sophisticated neutral tones and accents such as patterned rugs, a quirky birdcage, and wall lamp sconces that are painted to look like fruit baskets. The hotel still caters to those who first stayed in it: Austrians, as well as German-speaking Swiss, and Germans. A lot of British tourists stay here as well. It's popular with couples, but given what there is to do on-site, it could be good for families as well. 

Located right on Lake Garda's shore (with direct access to the lake), it's hard to beat Grand Hotel Fasano's location for a secluded spa getaway or romantic vacation. There are a few restaurants within walking distance. The hotel is a five-minute drive from Toscolano-Maderno, the nearest town, and its dock, where guests can hop on boats across the lake. There's also plenty of golfing nearby: Garda Golf Country Club is a 20-minute drive away, and Arzaga Golf Club, featuring 18 holes designed by Jack Nicklaus II, is 30 minutes. Verona Airport is about an hour away by car. 

Split between the main building and villa, spacious rooms are simply but elegantly decorated, with a serene neutral color palette of ecrus and whites with touches of gold. Guests can elect a lake-view option for Superior and Comfort Rooms; all others come with one automatically. Regardless of room type, most guests agree it's worth the price to request a lake-view balcony, as they're large and furnished, and the views really are spectacular. All rooms offer air-conditioning, a laptop-sized safe, a mini-fridge stocked with water, and a flat-screen TV, though it doesn't have many English channels. Bathrooms are quite simply decorated, and those in lower-tier rooms have a surprisingly small shower for the pearl rating; others have a shower/tub combo. Toiletries -- all Aveda -- are generously supplied alongside a hairdryer, bidet, and light-up magnifying mirror. 

There are no fewer than four exceptional restaurants (and one bar) on Grand Hotel Fasano's extensive grounds. Il Fagiano is the primary restaurant, with a modern take on the lake region's cuisine set in an old-fashioned dining room showcasing carved wood and completed by a resident pianist. Dinner in the summer is served on the terrace, and breakfast in the dedicated room is wonderful, with fresh fruit, pastries, and eggs. Ristorante Magnolia serves traditional Italian cuisine (homemade pasta, salads, grilled mains) for lunch and dinner. There's also a fish-centered restaurant, Trattoria il Pescatore, with fresh catches served on a terrace. Finally, there's La Darsena, which is the shore club restaurant with a menu of pizza, pasta, and grilled food drawing from regional recipes. Bar La Terrezza offers gorgeous views of the lake alongside cocktails,plus light snacks and salads. Guests have private access to the lake and free use of the loungers, umbrellas, and beach towels. There's also a seasonal outdoor pool with a waterslide, where around mid-afternoon, a staff member offers up popsicles and fresh fruit. Well-maintained and large, the pool has plenty of sunbeds that look out onto the lake. The hotel's wellness center, which draws upon ancient Roman baths for inspiration, has a tiny fitness room, an indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath, and hot tub. Aveda Aqva Spa, traditionally but elegantly designed, offers a wide range of traditional and holistic treatments, from acne relief to body wraps and massages, and even one to alleviate congestion and colds. The hotel bills itself as the only one in Italy to offer a selection of vintage sports cars for guests to rent. For those who want something a little more casual, mountain bikes and motorboats are also available for hire. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Parking, which is free, is located just off the front doors.