images courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
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Soak in your private onsen in serene surroundings just outside Tokyo
An Adults-Only Luxury Getaway at Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
Perched on the sun-kissed hills of Lake Garda above Torri del Benaco, this luxury hotel is a serene escape designed to appeal to all the senses. Surrounded by lush greenery studded with olive trees, it’s practically impossible not to feel recharged here as you take in the panoramic views of the lake while enjoying stellar service and exceptional cuisine. Here’s what to expect from the Small Luxury Hotels resort in northern Italy.
The
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Who should you bring?
The crowd here is the “quiet luxury” type, consisting mostly of couples. The setting is secluded and the sense of tranquility is only heightened by the adults-only policy. (To preserve the overall zen atmosphere, the hotel doesn’t allow children under 14. )
What’s the food like?
Breakfast is a complimentary buffet served on the Terrazza degli Ulivi terrace overlooking the lake. As you enjoy the view and the sounds of birds chirping, tuck into seasonal fruit, pastries from the pasticceria and farm-fetched eggs (the homemade Nutella croissants and fresh apricot juice were clear highlights).
For dinner, a meal at Restaurant Al Tramonto (meaning “to the sunset” in Italian) is a must—it’s the perfect spot to admire Lake Garda’s incredible sunsets. Its cuisine includes Mediterranean recipes with a special focus on vegetables and locally sourced ingredients (we’re still dreaming about the tomatoes and stracciatella appetizer and vitello tonnato).
For more casual dining, Osteria La Pergola focuses on traditional Italian dishes and recipes such as prosciutto crudo with melon and trofie pasta with pesto alla genovese.
Did you get a good night’s sleep?
The hotel exudes an air of elegant simplicity and modern tranquility. Each room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces that offer uninterrupted views of the lake, seamlessly blending the indoors with the natural world outside. With a soothing color palette and warm, inviting lighting, the ambiance feels perfectly curated for restful, rejuvenating sleep.
What amenities are available?
whirlpools, in addition to a range of treatment options available). Gym buffs will enjoy the 24/7 fitness enter, as well as the many wellness activities on offer such as hiking along the bluff, cycling classes outside, meditation, beach yoga and more. Speaking of the beach, the Monarch Bay Beach Club is exclusively available to members and guests and has everything you need to surf the waves, paddle board, SUP and more. Or hey, if you’d just like to kick back on a beach chair with a glass of wine, then that’s cool too.
Senses Spa is an extensive and calming 21,000-square-foot relaxation center featuring all the classic spa facilities (including three saunas, a steam room, a curated library, a relaxation room and a state-of-the-art fitness center). And while food offerings at even the nicest of spas can sometimes be a little stale, you’re in Italy remember? The snack area here is equipped with delicious dried fruit, vegetables and homemade biscuits, plus the usual herbal teas and flavored waters.
How was the service?
This is the type of place where you feel pampered from the moment you walk in. Every member was friendly and attentive, and we also loved getting a sweet treat every evening when our bed was turned down.
What was your favorite part?
As the name suggests, the property aims to arouse all your senses. As such, it always smells incredible, there is silence or soothing music throughout, every surface is very tactile, the stunning lake views are everywhere and the tasty snacks are plentiful.
Even if the hotel is fully booked, it never feels that way thanks to the expansive surroundings—you can always find a place to sit by the pool or in the garden where you can take in the sounds of nature and nothing else.
Know before you go:
Book your spa treatments early! Due to late booking we were unable to secure their signature 120 minute treatment, Senses Pinda. Also, Torri del Bennaco is a romantic and charming town that can be easily reached by car in under 10 minutes. It is perfect for a morning or evening stroll and eating by the water is highly recommended. The hotel is also a great distance for visiting nearby Verona where there are many cute shops and great restaurants.
book it
Accommodation options:
suites
Price:
from $502 per room, per night
Location:
Torri del Bennaco, Italy
Property:
Cape of Senses
Basics
Details
Two shimmering outdoor pools offer opportunities for relaxation and activity—one is a heated infinity pool with a view of Lake Garda while the other is a stand-alone pool kept at cooler temperatures to encourage laps and other exercise.
Yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions can all be add-ons. Outside of the hotel, you can take a hike or e-bike along the hills, go sailing on the lake or take an excursion on a Vespa or Fiat 500 down Torri del Benaco.
Top-notch: The service was beyond what you’d expect from a five-star hotel. From the around-the-clock concierge that can help you book those hard-to-get reservations and private tours to 24-hour laundry/drycleaning and in-room dining, the Four Seasons is known ‘round the world for their attention to detail. Expect twice-daily housekeeping, free water in-room and nightly turndown service (complete with slippers and a mat to wipe your feet placed next to the bed).
What’s the food like?
Cape of Senses Is an Italian Retreat for Mind, Body and Soul
Two shimmering outdoor pools offer opportunities for relaxation and activity—one is a heated infinity pool with a view of Lake Garda while the other is a stand-alone pool kept at cooler temperatures to encourage laps and other exercise.
Yoga, meditation and breathwork sessions can all be add-ons. Outside of the hotel, you can take a hike or e-bike along the hills, go sailing on the lake or take an excursion on a Vespa or Fiat 500 down Torri del Benaco.
