CAPE OF SENSES – New spa hideaway on the serene Lago di Garda

With a little help from George Clooney, Lake Como has become synonymous with Italian glamour and elegance. Its neighbour Lake Garda, by contrast, has long been the understated sibling—overshadowed, but filled with even more charm. Surrounded by authentic lake towns and offering plenty of activities year-round, Italy’s largest lake is definitely worth a visit. The arrival of luxury spa retreats such as Cape of Senses signals a new era, positioning Lake Garda as a destination where nature’s serenity meets five-star wellness.

Opened just two years ago, Cape of Senses sits high in the hills above Torri del Benaco, a location that immediately sets it apart from many of the lake’s other luxury addresses. Its elevated position offers one of the widest panoramas on Lake Garda—so expansive it could almost be mistaken for the Mediterranean. Whether from the suites, the restaurant or the poolside loungers, the horizon is dominated by water and hills. At 370 square kilometres, Lake Garda has the scale of a sea, while the olive groves and the sound of crickets lend it a distinctly Mediterranean feel.

Cape of Senses is a family project. Brothers Johannes and Christian Margesin grew up watching their father run Alpiana, a successful spa retreat in the Dolomites, and dreamed of creating one of their own. For years they searched the shores of Lake Garda for a site where wellness and landscape could meet. The breakthrough came in 2018, when they discovered a neglected olive grove above Torri del Benaco. Within five years, it was transformed into the contemporary hideaway that now welcomes guests from around the world.

Beyond its hillside setting, the spa is what truly defines Cape of Senses. More than an amenity, it becomes the main event: 2,000 square metres of wellness with heated indoor–outdoor pools that allow guests to swim easily from indoor to out. Saunas, private spa suites and whirlpools extend the sense of retreat, while the adult-only policy ensures a quiet atmosphere. Guests can choose from different treatments, inspired by local ingredients and Alpine healing traditions.

Lake Garda’s dramatic setting is also a magnet for sports enthusiasts, whether sailing, cycling or hiking. Cape of Senses serves as an ideal base for these pursuits, with the added luxury of returning to a restorative spa afterwards. Guests can rent electric bikes to explore the area, perhaps stopping at a lido (the Italian version of a lakeside beach club). Back at the hotel, a daily programme of complimentary wellness activities includes fitness classes, guided meditations and breathwork sessions. The highlight? Yoga beneath the cypress trees, held at sunrise or sunset.

Throughout the hotel, the aesthetic is one of elegant simplicity—minimalist yet inviting. The 55 suites combine natural materials with an olive-green palette, reflecting the philosophy of blending indoors and outdoors. Some open directly onto the pool, where evenings can be spent watching the sunset from bed with the terrace doors drawn wide. The effect is spectacular, casting Lake Garda in an entirely new light.

All suites feature marble bathrooms and generous showers, with calming colours and pared-back lines that calm the mind. The hotel’s very concept is built around the idea of disconnection and recharge—a goal it seems to achieve, judging by the easy smiles around the breakfast tables. For couples, the Sky Suites offer an added layer of decadence: private infinity pools, whirlpools, and cabanas that can be prepared as outdoor beds for a night under the stars. Waking together to the rising sun over Lake Garda is an experience made for memory.

Dining is central to the experience at Cape of Senses. At the poolside Osteria La Pergola, light Italian dishes are served in a relaxed setting, perfect for an easy lunch between swims. Breakfast and dinner take place at Al Tramonto on the hotel’s top floor, where mornings begin with airy pancakes and evenings unfold with a refined, seasonal take on Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel’s sommelier, Vito, pairs meals with standout local wines and leads one of Cape of Senses’ signature experiences: an e-bike tour through olive groves and vineyards to the family-run Facci estate. There, over plates of focaccia, cheese, honey, and olive oil, you’ll taste the region’s best wines and learn their stories. A little exercise, exceptional wine, and good company: it’s the definition of a win-win.