AktivHotel SantaLucia

As its name suggests, the Aktivhotel Santalucia is all about sports and activities. Emphasizing its sporty credentials, guests are met at its entrance by a shrub cleverly sculpted into the form of a golfer and a vase where arrivals are expected to leave their hiking poles. A 2012 top-to-tail renovation updated all the hotel's interiors, which are a pleasant mix of smart modern styling, colorful sport-related artworks, and forest motifs. The hotel is composed of a collection of colorful three-story buildings reminiscent of Alpine chalets set in a large and pleasantly untamed garden. There's also a strong German leaning, with the vast majority of guests hailing from Germany. Clientele are a good mix of active couples, families with kids, and cycling and hiking groups -- plus the occasional professional sportsperson. 

The hotel is located in a narrow valley nestled between the hillside on the edge of Torbole set on the north end of Lake Garda. While surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs, olive groves, and pine forests, the center of the sleepy town of Torbole is just five minutes away on foot. Here, guests can find a handful of bars and restaurants, some of which provide some low-key nightlife as well as the lakeside beach. The surrounds are particularly conducive to outdoor activities on both land and on the lake, and Torbole is a renowned a windsurfing spot. It can feel rather isolated, however, with the nearest railway station in Rovereto a half-hour drive away, though buses are available. 

While the hotel has just 32 rooms, there are a range of types from standard double, triple, and quadruple, to gallery lofts, junior suites, and an apartment suite that sleeps up to six guests. They were all updated in 2012 with standard decor that's a combination of simple modern furnishings and wooden floors. Upgraded rooms add forest-themed touches such as log bedside tables. All rooms open to balconies; most with views of the surrounding hillside and forests. Suites feature terraces with panoramic views that include the lake. 

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, 26-inch flat-screen TVs, and electronic safes. Upgraded rooms feature mini-fridges, larger TVs, and sauna sets composed of robes, slippers, and extra towels. Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout the hotel. Bathrooms are clean and modern with shower cubicles (walk-in in upgraded rooms), wall-mounted hairdryers, and decent toiletries. 

It will come as no surprise that the hotel features a wide range of sporting-related facilities, including secure bike and equipment storage, bike and windsurf rental, bike workshops, and numerous guided activities including climbing, hiking, and yoga. To fuel a day's activities, the hotel provides a healthy and hearty breakfast buffet each morning in its cozy breakfast room, which is always included in the rate. Energy bars and drinks and also available to purchase. 

The hotel's outdoor pool is just about large enough for a swim, and features some lovely valley views, plus plenty of loungers on the deck. A wellness center also provides a good range of spa facilities that includes saunas, whirlpool tub, a stand-up sunbed, and mist and tropical showers; massage treatments are also available. And for those wanting to squeeze a little more exercise, there's a fitness room with cardio and weight equipment. While there's no restaurant on-site, the hotel has pizza and pasta nights, plus free wine tastings. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.