Cape of Senses: A Sleek New Spa Retreat Overlooking Lake Garda

| Mon, 06/10/2024 - 13:07

Views at Cape of Senses

Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.

Why we love it

Opened in 2023, Cape of Senses is a tranquil spa retreat with a privileged position overlooking Lake Garda. Stress melts away on arrival as you’re ushered to a terrace and given a welcome drink to sip while taking in the views of the property, with its two outdoor pools set against the backdrop of the lake.

What to expect

This adults-only five-star resort — a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World — was built from the ground up with a sleek, modern design that spotlights the lake views above all else. Floor-to-ceiling windows, clean-lined furnishings, and a neutral color scheme soothe the eyes while letting nature steal the show.

Background

This is the first new luxury resort to open on Lake Garda since 2021. The owners are the Margesin family from Alto Adige, who run the 25-room hotel ALPIANA. They love Lake Garda and looked for the right location to open a hotel there for years. When this location on a hill overlooking the village of Torri del Benaco became available, they grabbed the chance to create their dream hotel.

Location, location, location

Cape of Senses is in a quiet area overlooking the Veneto side of Lake Garda. It’s a ten-minute drive to the lakefront part of Torri del Benaco, which has some nice restaurants, and about a 45-minute drive to Sirmione and Malcesine, two of the lake area’s loveliest towns. The area is popular for outdoor activities, like sailing, hiking, cycling and windsurfing. It’s about a 45-minute drive from Verona.

Where you’ll sleep

room at cape of senses — *Room with a view at Cape of Senses*

The 55 rooms and suites feature plush beds, contemporary furnishings, parquet floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. My room had a sofa, desk, and an outdoor terrace where I could sit and enjoy the views. The walls separating the bathroom from the bedroom are glass, so privacy could be an issue if you’re traveling with anyone who isn’t your significant other.

Dining & drinks

There are two restaurants: the casual Osteria La Pergola and the more formal Restaurant Al Tramonto. We didn’t get to try the osteria because it’s only open for lunch, but we had a nice dinner at the restaurant, which serves modern Italian cuisine, featuring creative dishes like potato fagottello filled with whipped stockfish mousse, chicory, coffee-flavored butter, anchovy sauce and herb extract. Breakfast — served at Al Tramonto — offers a nice buffet with pastries, yogurt, meat, cheese, fruit and vegetables.

Service notes

Service was good across the board. The general manager, Alina Deutsch, is a young woman who puts a lot of hard work and passion into managing the hotel and a team of mostly young staff members.

Family perks

Teenagers 14 years old and up are allowed. Small dogs are allowed in a limited number of dedicated rooms.

You should know...

The hotel has e-Vespas, e-bikes and a Fiat 500 available to rent for three-hour time slots or for the whole day for guests who want to explore the area without renting a car for their entire stay.