Wellness Hotel Casa Barca

This family-run hotel has a lot going for it. For starters, the bright, modern decor is a refreshing change of pace from so many of the dated hotels in the area, and it's wellness ethos puts an extra-relaxing touch on a stay here. The cheerful yellow and stone exterior of the three-story building gives way to the sunny and bright lobby, with a white tile floor, red leather seating, and lots contemporary metal and mirrored accents. The reception desk sits right next to a small bar. The hotel is surrounded by lovely gardens, and there are plenty of places where guests can sit to enjoy the peaceful setting. A rooftop terrace is a great place to hang out and take in the gorgeous views of Lake Garda and Mount Baldo. Lounge chairs are positioned all over the property, giving guests multiple places to pause and enjoy the fabulous lakeside setting. Most guests are mature couples seeking tranquility, but some families and groups of friends also stay here.

Situated a five-minute walk from the picturesque town of Malcesine, this hotel is nestled on the side of the hill sloping down toward Lake Garda. The location is quiet and peaceful, surrounded by one- and two-story residences and lots of farmland planted with olive trees. Mount Baldo sits behind the hotel and offers plenty of amazing day hikes and great lake views. The medieval Castello Scaligero is about 10 minutes away on foot. It's just over an hour's to drive into the historic city of Verona from here, and the Verona Villafranca Airport is a little over an hour away by car (or about two-and-a-half hours by public transportation). Airport transfers can be arranged through the hotel. Brescia Airport is about a 90-minute drive, and it's two hours by car to Venice.

Rooms are modern and fresh, with vividly colored carpeting and bold accent walls in shades of red or fuchsia and white or blond-wood beds and dressers. The look is simple --there's not much in the way of wall art or intricate design details -- but funky accents like vintage-futuristic white leather seating in the Exclusive Room that we saw do perk things up a bit more. There's also a good deal more space in these rooms than what most travelers to Italy may expect. All rooms have wall-mounted flat-screen TVs and cabinets with mini-fridges. Other amenities include air-conditioning, safes, free Wi-Fi and reading lights by the beds -- keep in mind that air-conditioning is only available during the warmer months. Higher category rooms include extras like espresso makers and MP3 docks. Modern bathrooms come with bidets, towel warmers, toiletries, and hairdryers. There are walk-in shower stalls in all bathrooms. Balconies and terraces are furnished, and some have gorgeous views of the lake. 

A bountiful breakfast buffet is served daily in a cheerful, sunny breakfast room with a terrace overlooking the lake for alfresco dining in nice weather. Unfortunately, no other meals are served on-site, which is somewhat surprising for a "wellness" hotel. The rectangular main outdoor pool is surrounded by lounge chairs for relaxing poolside, and the countryside full of trees, shrubs, and hills in the distance creates a picturesque setting. A second smaller pool is situated beneath the trees on the hillside and is surrounded by lounge chairs with views of the lake. The sunny, light-filled fitness center offers modern cardio and weight machines, as well as free weights. It's a sharp space with a wood-beam ceiling and feels like way less of an afterthought than at other hotels in this category. There's also a Finnish sauna, a bio-sauna, a Turkish bath, and plenty of lounge chairs for relaxing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.