Travel

The Grand Hotel Fasano: A Belle Époque Sanctuary on the Shores of Lake Garda

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by Natalia Bezruk Senior Contributor
May 06, 2025
The Grand Hotel Fasano: A Belle Époque Sanctuary on the Shores of Lake Garda

The Grand Hotel Fasano is a rare jewel that blends aristocratic charm with modern indulgence. Nestled in Gardone Riviera on the western shore of Lake Garda, this 5-star heritage property evokes the poetic romance of the Belle Époque while offering guests refined comfort, haute cuisine, and soul-deep relaxation.

Built in 1888 as a hunting lodge for the Austrian imperial family, the Grand Hotel Fasano quickly evolved into a haven for European nobility, artists, and intellectuals. After enduring the scars of two world wars, the hotel was lovingly restored in 1948 and elevated to five-star grandeur. Today, it remains a National Heritage Site — an enduring tribute to its storied past and cultural importance.

Exclusive accommodation

The main residence and the adjacent Villa Principe unfold like a neoclassical dream amid manicured gardens and lakefront vistas. Terracotta facades, marble floors, and curated antiques create a timeless atmosphere that invites quiet introspection and creative inspiration. From every terrace and balcony, the gentle shimmer of Lake Garda acts as a meditative backdrop — one that once captivated the likes of Gabriele D’Annunzio, Gustav Klimt, and Paul Heyse.

The 86 rooms and suites are each unique, blending old-world elegance with contemporary refinement. Deluxe, Executive, or Suite with Lake View. At Villa Principe — perfect for those seeking privacy without compromise.

The Grand Hotel Fasano has recently unveiled newly renovated luxury accommodations with stunning views of the lake and pool. Designed with both elegance and comfort in mind, these ultimate rooms are ideal for a romantic weekend escape or a refined family retreat.

Michelin-Starred Dining and Italian Traditions

Gastronomy is at the heart of the Grand Hotel Fasano experience. Il Fagiano, awarded its first Michelin Star in 2024, takes guests on a culinary journey through Italy’s regional flavors, elevated by Chef Maurizio Bufi’s creative precision. Set within an intimate, marble-clad dining room, each dish tells a story of heritage and innovation.

Beneath the sweeping branches of 200-year-old magnolias, Magnolia Restaurant offers a more intimate affair. Chef Claudio Santini’s seasonal menus pay homage to Mediterranean tradition, infused with international flair. His touch extends to Trattoria Il Pescatore, where lakefront dining is enhanced by moonlight, fresh seafood, and fine wines.

For lighter fare or aperitivo hour, La Terrazza serves herbal infusions, elegant snacks, and curated drinks. And at Rama’s Lounge Bar, the artistry of mixologist Rama Redzepi transforms each cocktail into an experience, whether inspired by Havana's golden age or the pulse of a Manhattan evening.

La Darsena 

La Darsena offers a refined dining experience that gracefully marries elegance with effortless charm. As part of the prestigious Grand Hotel Fasano in Gardone Riviera, this lakeside restaurant delivers not only postcard-worthy views but also a thoughtfully curated culinary journey. 

Returning to the helm this season is Chef Renith Fernando, whose international expertise and locally rooted philosophy shape La Darsena’s menu. Fernando’s cuisine is a study in simplicity elevated by quality—each dish crafted with precision, using seasonal produce from trusted local artisans. His approach is inclusive and contemporary, with combinations that cater to various dietary preferences without compromising flavor or finesse.

Evenings here are particularly magical. Guests can begin their experience with an aperitif in the garden, where the soft breeze off the lake sets the perfect tone for a relaxed yet elegant dinner. As the sun dips below the horizon, La Darsena transforms into a quietly luxurious retreat—where nature, flavor, and hospitality align in perfect harmony.

A Sanctuary of Well-Being at Aqva Spa

Wellness at Grand Hotel Fasano is an immersive, sensorial ritual. The 3,500 square meters Aqva Spa — a temple of calm located at the water’s edge — merges Eastern philosophies with the prestige of French skincare house Sothys. Treatments range from Ayurvedic massages to rejuvenating facials and bespoke rituals infused with rare oils and aromatic elixirs.

Indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish baths, sensory showers, and relaxation areas extend the experience, while the panoramic lake view reminds you that peace isn’t just found within — but also just beyond the glass.

The Spirit of Lake Garda: Adventure, Culture, and Discovery

While the hotel provides every reason to stay in, Lake Garda invites exploration. Embark on a vintage-style excursion aboard a classic Riva motorboat or historic sailing ship, visit nearby vineyards and olive groves for tastings of Garda’s award-winning wines and oils.

Grand Hotel Fasano is more than a luxury resort — it is an emotional return to a gentler era. Here, the pace slows, nature whispers, and art lives in every stone and sunset. It is where stories begin, where memories linger, and where travelers — past and present — discover that the most enduring luxury is the rare ability to feel completely at peace.

Address: Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli, 190, 25083 Gardone Riviera BS, Italy

Phone: +39 0365 290220


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Natalia Bezruk

Senior Contributor

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