Lefay Lago di Garda is a trailblazer in sustainable hospitality, set on a lush hillside estate above Italy’s largest lake. Opened in 2008, it was one of the first resorts to prove that five-star luxury can be earth-friendly. The property sprawls across 11 hectares of natural parkland filled with olive groves and lemon terraces, which not only lend a Mediterranean magic to the ambiance but also supply ingredients for the kitchens and spa.

The resort runs on 100% renewable energy: a massive biomass furnace converts olive pruning remnants and wood chips into heating (covering ~70% of energy needs), while an extensive solar panel array helps power the pools and lighting. Lefay was also an early adopter of carbon offsetting – it has been completely carbon-neutral for years, with verified reforestation projects balancing any emissions it cannot eliminate. At the heart of the resort is its 4,300 m² wellness temple, where East meets West in treatments inspired by Classical Chinese Medicine.

The spa’s pools (including a salt-water thalassotherapy pool) and saunas are maintained with minimal chemical use and warmed by solar and biomass energy. All spa products are 100% natural, many by Lefay’s own organic skincare line, and are provided in refillable containers (no single-use plastics).

Wastewater is recycled through a modern treatment plant, and rainwater is collected for irrigation, ensuring the landscaped gardens stay verdant without draining local resources.

Lefay’s two restaurants offer “Vital Gourmet” dining, emphasizing healthful, seasonal cuisine. The gourmet La Limonaia restaurant highlights local lake fish, citrus, and Garda DOP olive oil, while the more casual Trattoria serves farm-to-table Italian classics – all ingredients are organic and sourced from regional farms or Lefay’s vegetable garden.

By integrating elegant design with sustainable technology (even the architecture uses locally quarried stone and natural lime plaster to blend with the landscape), Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda provides an immersive escape where every indulgence – whether a lakeside massage or a glass of organic Franciacorta – comes with the peace of mind that you are caring for the planet.