In-Depth Review of Grand Hotel Fasano in Lake Garda, Italy - AFAR

"Steeped in history since 1888—as a Habsburg hunting lodge that later became a World War II hospital—this polished, family-run lakeside retreat (now operated by the Mayr family in its third generation) blends neoclassical grandeur with contemporary comforts. Reopened for the 2025 season after adding a new wing of four suites and a renovated Aqva Spa, the property’s 86 rooms and suites across the main building, the Villa Principe and the new wing feature a muted, elegant aesthetic with tufted headboards, shell-shaped seating, freestanding bathtubs and balconies that offer postcard views of Lake Garda. Dining ranges from a lavish breakfast buffet on a lemon‑dotted terrace and alfresco lunches beneath centuries-old magnolias (the citrusy maccheroncini riff on cacio e pepe is a highlight) to seaside dinner dishes such as inky cuttlefish linguine with black‑bread cream, plus an intimate, wood‑lined one‑Michelin‑star restaurant serving items like celeriac ravioli and a bold spaghetti brightened with oyster and raspberry; evening rituals include cocktails in a dark lounge and sunset drinks on a sprawling terrace. The upgraded Aqva Spa emphasizes relaxation with Sothys treatments—including a signature 110‑minute 1888 scrub, mud wrap, massage and facial—an indoor pool framed by regal columns, canopied beds and sunlit loungers with complimentary dried mango. Service is polite and enthusiastic, the concierge is knowledgeable, and practical touches include elevators and six ground‑floor rooms for guests with limited mobility; the property participates in the Leaders Club (Leading Hotels of the World) and rates start from around $741." - Alia Akkam