The Scientific Committee of SPA Lefay has renewed and enriched the innovative method of well-being at the Lefay Resort & Spa in Lago di Garda, Italy, with two new health programs. The zero-emissions five-star resort is a prime example of “new luxury”, winning hotel of the year in 2020.
The 5-star luxury Italian Lefay Resort & Spa has responded to the COVID era by adding two new health programs to the menu, developed by the Scientific Committee of SPA Lefay: “Immune system and intestine” and “Longevity“. By combining the principles of classical Chinese medicine with Western scientific research, the committee has created the basis of the Lefay SPA Method, aimed at fully restoring the balance between body, mind and soul through the search for conscious health, taking care of the body in a responsible, natural and healthy way every day.
Since its opening in 2008, the Lefay Resort Lago di Garda has won more than 70 international awards in 10 years, ranking among the best SPA destinations in the world. Its health methods, beautiful architecture and divine location have all contributed to this achievement. It is the first of its kind in the collection of Lefay Resorts & Residences founded by entrepreneur couple Domenico Alcide and Liliana Leali in 2006.
The couple’s objective was to become the Italian brand of reference in the international market of luxury holidays focused on well-being, thanks to the creation of a collection of eco-resorts in line with the Italian lifestyle and the new Lefay luxury concept. The brand’s most recent addition, which opened in Pinzolo in 2019, Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti has been recognized with more than 15 international awards in just over a year.
Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda and Dolomiti are both totally zero emissions and certified by the most reputable organizations in the world. The Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda was the first hotel in southern Europe to obtain the Green Globe environmental certification, the first worldwide certification program to have developed international reference standards for structures operating in the wellness sector.
The resort includes swimming pools, saunas, a saltwater lake, a fitness center and treatment areas and extends into the surrounding park for open-air activities.
READ SLH Hotel of the Year 2020
Italian-born architect Hugo Demetz and his studio Demetzarch are behind the design of the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda. The studio specializes in the design and renovation of wellness and spa hotels, focused largely on a new concept of luxury, overall well-being, environmental sustainability, support for the local community and the revival of regional traditions.
The team designed a series of individual two-story units, constructed on the hillside. The rather open central structure houses the main services, while 93 suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces extend along the hillside. This openness allows for an abundance of calming views and natural sunlight, reducing energy and heat dispersion.
Through a southward orientation and large glass walls, the rooms and public areas achieve an extremely high level of thermal insulation from the winter cold thanks to the production of passive solar energy, and from the summer heat owing to mobile shading systems installed in front of the balconies. The heating and cooling of rooms and common areas are achieved through silent low-temperature radiant systems installed on ceilings and floors. The suites have green roofs, allowing them to blend into the parklands.
Technologies such as a biomass plant, a microturbine CHP plant, absorption cooling system, natural gas boiler and photovoltaic panels are used to produce electricity and reduce energy consumption; while natural light is the principle lighting in the relaxation areas around the pool. Downlights and wall-mounted luminaires with daylight-based control deep inside the room discreetly supplement the natural lighting, only when needed.
The lighting in communal areas, passageways and outdoors is monitored and controlled by sensors for energy savings. Rainwater is collected and stored for irrigating the gardens, and the water emptied from swimming pools is reused. Efforts are made to reduce waste, and the resort only uses recycled and ecological paper and glass bottles. Seventy percent of the hotel’s suppliers come from the immediate area, and preference is given to those that operate in compliance with environmental certification systems.
As it is located in an area known for its lemon house constructions for the cultivation of lemon trees, made of wood and stone pillars; the architectural design of the resort highlights this cultural aspect with its suites on high wooden pillars.
The interior exemplifies the use of local, natural materials. The rooms feature olive tree wood from the Garda area for the parquet flooring, Italian walnut for the furniture and red Verona marble for the floor of the entrance hall and the bathroom. All fabrics, including bed linen, are made from untreated cotton fiber, and chemical-free water-based paint has been used for the walls.
COMING SOON: A third resort by the brand will be located in Tuscany, one of the most beautiful areas in Italy. At the same time, the Group is developing a fee-based model by seeking well-chosen opportunities, particularly abroad, to act as an operator under management contracts.
