Villa Eden Luxury Resort, Lake Garda, Italy

Villa Eden Luxury Resort, Lake Garda, Italy



This
modern, luxury hotel doesn’t compromise on old-world
Italian charm and natural beauty. Savour local fare in complete
seclusion at Villa Eden Luxury Resort or take
a speedboat on Lake Garda to explore the Gardone Riviera.

There’s an old worldly allure to Lake Garda and its surrounding
villages. Once brightly coloured buildings have faded over time,
narrow roads wind through plush greenery and
Slim Aarons
-esque stone beaches surround the vast
fresh-water lake
. It’s the kind of picture you’ll only find in
the Italian countryside.

Overlooking the lake from its perch in the hills of Parco
dell’Alto Garda, Villa Eden Resort is a contemporary take on luxury
Italian living. Designed by Matteo Thun, it’s a happy compromise
for those attracted to the area’s natural beauty but who draw the
line at well-worn accommodation. Stonewashed brick walls, towering
pines and olive trees nod to authenticity but furniture is sleek
and interiors are polished. Dotted further up the hillside are
privately-owned and rented villas as well as a helicopter pad
primed for those accustomed to arriving in style.

Rooms

The main hotel comprises just nine rooms, all decorated in a
crisp, neutral palette of white and soft-grey. Each has a private
balcony, a waterfall shower and floor-to-ceiling windows, but it’s
the little touches that make it special; handmade pillow
chocolates, a turn-down service and fresh orchids both inside and
on the balcony make it feel homely while art-deco lampshades and
ornate mirrors add a touch of opulence. Larger suites are split
into two rooms, but privacy isn’t an issue anywhere in the hotel so
unless you’re one of the guests arriving by helicopter, the more
modest-sized options are perfectly comfortable.

What’s for breakfast?

It’s no secret that Italian coffee is good and, despite relaxed
surroundings, it’s worth factoring that caffeine hit into your
morning ritual here. The buffet breakfast offers a typical European
spread of cured meats, cheese, a colourful array of fruit and warm
crusty bread. There’s also a hot menu that features everything from
a tiger-prawn omelette to tempting Nutella pancakes.

How about lunch and dinner?

Head chef Peter Oberrauch sources local produce where possible
and updates the hotel menus seasonally to use the best and freshest
Italian-grown ingredients. It is, of course, the secret to making
the simplest of dishes taste extraordinary. Choose from
fresh pasta
and salads at lunchtime and explore the evening
tasting menu to enjoy small but flavoursome dishes you never knew
you’d love.

Is there a bar?

When it comes to regional wine, Oberrauch recommends Lugana
Denominazione di Origine Controllata to compliment his dishes.
Alternatively, a well-stocked spirits selection accommodates just
about any cocktail, each of which comes beautifully presented and
served alongside juicy olives or petite, artful bruschetta plates.
Sit on the lounge terrace, poison in hand, and watch the sun dip
below the trees.

Amenities

Both hotel and villa guests have full use of the spa and
wellness area. Surprisingly spacious, the steam room and sauna are
tucked away at the end of a 20m pool and indoor loungers sit
beneath relaxing deep-blue lighting. Private or group yoga and
pilates classes are available to book and take place poolside, and
the spa treatment menu is extensive but specialised, offering
massages, waxing and more. If it’s an activity holiday that you’re
looking for, bicycle tours and climbing excursions can be arranged,
and if you’re keen to sample more of the local produce, wine
tasting trips also come highly recommended.

Things you should know

Villa Eden’s location is blissfully remote. Its lush green
surroundings and proximity to the water combined with the on-site
facilities make it ideal for a restorative break. The chiming of
local church bells and the choppy sound of an incoming helicopter
are the only external noises, so take the short journey to the
waterfront and dine in Restaurant Casino where the lively atmosphere and
unrivalled local cuisine are brimming with character. Overlooking
the lake, it offers a taste of old-world Italy.

Within a short walk you can find…

Take advantage of the hotel speedboat and arrange an afternoon
on Lake Garda, stopping off at the town of Sirmione for fine
Italian gelato before escaping into the water for a dip.
Alternatively, a short walk will take you to the Gardone Riviera
where you can experience the hustle and bustle of village life and
visit Vittoriale degli Italiani, the historic home of
Italian poet Gabriele d’Annunzio.

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