We review Cape of Senses, an adults-only spa hideaway perched above Lake Garda in Italy

The hotel scene in Italy features something for every kind of traveller, from stays in charming heritage icons to exquisite new builds in the mountains. And for those looking for an idyllic retreat where views of the lake and surrounding hills can be glimpsed from every inch of the property, then Cape of Senses, Lake Garda is the place to be.

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While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

Cape of Senses review, Lake Garda

Hotel: Cape of Senses
Address: Località le Sorte, 37010 Torri del Benaco (VR), Lake Garda, Italy
Number of rooms: 55 suites
Brand: Independent luxury wellness hotel; member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Year opened: 2023
Style: Contemporary lakeside wellness retreat with minimalist Italian design, panoramic glass architecture and an adults-focused spa concept inspired by the five senses
Best for: Couples, wellness escapes, slow travel on Lake Garda and design-led spa breaks
Family amenities: Adults-only atmosphere for guests aged 14+; no dedicated family facilities
Wellness facilities: 2,000m² Senses Spa with heated infinity pool, indoor sports pool, saunas, steam bath, private spa, Technogym fitness suite, yoga platform, meditation spaces and daily wellness classes including yoga, Pilates, and Aufguss
Dining: Restaurant Al Tramonto, Osteria La Pergola, rooftop terrace and cocktail bar with seasonal Mediterranean cuisine
Prices starting from: Approximately €470 per night for a Junior Suite

Setting the scene

It’s 5 pm on a Wednesday, and I’m sitting in the sun on the terrace above Lake Garda. A bartender with an impressively shaped moustache has just made me an Italicus Spritz and dropped off a tasty bread morsel topped with anchovy mayo. Below me, the sunlight dances on the lake as a couple of boats sail by. Luscious greenery stretches up to the water, and the hills stand majestic, cutting striking figures across the blue, blue sky. The only sounds are the music playing at the bar and the birds chirping in the surrounding olive trees.

Am I in paradise? Close, I’ve actually just checked into Cape of Senses, an adults-only spa retreat nestled above Italy’s Lake Garda.

The architecture and design

Created by the Margesin family, a family with a strong history of hospitality in South Tyrol, the idea for the hotel had been to design an escape that deeply respected its natural surroundings. They finally found the perfect location in 2022 and were keen to create something that sat as one with the landscape, rather than detracting from it.

It’s immediately clear that the architecture for the property has been carefully considered. The design, by Hugo and Alessia Demetz creates an amphitheatre, echoing the neighbouring hills and ensuring that every single suite has a captivating view of the lake. For interior spaces, natural and local materials, such as stone, tiles and wood, are the heroes. 

A sustainable design ethos permeates the property, from the use of eco-friendly local cleaning products to renewable energy sources, and water served in glass bottles that are recycled directly to the manufacturer. Even all of the olive trees that were excavated during the build were replanted in the garden, with many not being moved at all.

Sauna and spa

The spa facilities here are elite, and I spent most of my time happily perched on a comfy lounger by the pool. There are actually two swimming pools, three if you include the indoor part of the heated outdoor infinity – they’re connected by an automatic door that opens as you swim nearby. As well as having a glorious view, there’s a section on one side that’s kind of like an internal Jacuzzi. The other is known as the sports pool. Unheated, except by the sun, it’s where people braver than me do laps and cool off.

Every day, guests can enjoy an array of activities such as sound baths, yoga and Pilates. On the days I was visiting, I tried the Aufguss, and I’ve got to say it was one of the best I’ve ever enjoyed. Our Master, Jody, a transplant from Switzerland, created a blissful twelve minutes where music, aroma, choreography and heat came together in perfect harmony. Add in the garden vista with birds darting to and fro, and I don’t think I could have designed a more ideal afternoon.

There are several saunas available in the spa: one Bio, one Finnish and a hammam. Plenty of relaxing zones feature cushy loungers and sofa beds alongside water infusions, tea, and snacks like dried fruit and nuts for when you’re feeling peckish.

The fitness centre is generously sized, with a selection of cardio machines, free weights and plenty of space for stretching. There’s also a yoga mat in every suite, which I took advantage of every morning to set me up for the day.

When it comes to treatments, Irene worked magic on my body, managing to massage away a pain in my back that had been plaguing me for days. With a blend of sweet almond and mandarin, I felt more relaxed than I had in ages after her 50-minute session.

Rooms and suites

There are only 55 suites here, yet the property feels much larger, and besides meals, it’s almost as if I have the place to myself. I’m in room 112, a suite on the first floor with a lovely outdoor terrace complete with views of the garden and the lake. Sitting here in the morning and reading my book in the sun quickly becomes my favourite ritual. The aroma of the plentiful lavender adds to the allure.

Inside, there’s a huge bed that’s super comfy, a daybed for indoor reclining, and a minibar complete with a coffee machine and a selection of drinks, teas, and snacks. There’s also a desk space for anyone who has the unfortunate luck of having to do work during their stay.

Though there’s no bath, the shower is spacious and offers both rain and regular options. Amenities are the hotel’s own, and bath towels are generously sized.

Oversized robes feel luxurious, and I basically live in them for the three days I’m here, tottering between the pools, the spa, and my room. I was thrilled to come back from dinner to a turned-down room: curtains pulled, water refilled, and my bed attire laid out.

The only downside is the TV, which, despite numerous attempts, refuses to connect to any app and only offers news channels in English. Luckily, I have copious amounts of books, plus the view of the lake is its own special kind of entertainment.

Food and drinks

Dinner is served at Restaurant Al Tramonto, the hotel’s fine dining establishment with sweeping views of the lake. The wine list is hefty at 30 pages, including a range of natural and alcohol-free varieties, so I suggest letting the sommeliers do their thing by suggesting to your preferences.

The menu here has a little something for everyone, and each dish was perfectly executed and crafted with high-quality, fresh, local ingredients. For me, the seafood dishes were the standouts; a beautiful squid stuffed with shrimp and finished with teriyaki sauce was a sensational start to the meal, plus the crispy seabass was sublime.

At the bar on the ground floor, live music can be enjoyed on certain evenings throughout the week. Sitting there, with nowhere else to be and nothing else to do, with the views and the vibes is its own kind of therapy, one that touches deep into the soul and leaves a lasting memory.

Crafted with local ingredients, breakfast is also served in the restaurant and offers an array of delights. There’s an à la carte menu with rotating daily specials. I tried the scrambled tofu and the shakshuka eggs, which were both delicious.

There’s also a generous buffet of fresh fruit, charcuterie, pastries, cheeses, homemade jams and a scrumptious local butter from Monte Baldo that made a wonderful accompaniment to my toast. I don’t usually do sweets at breakfast, but the homemade tortino di riso had me breaking my own rules.

Indulging here with the exquisite backdrop is an absolute dream way to start a day, and I seriously feel like doctors should be prescribing this as an antidote for modern life.

What else?

For those who have time to explore, there are plenty of medieval villages around the lake just waiting to be explored. The hotel has bikes and Vespas that can be taken out for a day of activities, and throughout the week, guests can join activities such as cooking classes.

Enjoy a cruise on a sailboat on the lake, sample local wines on a vineyard tour, plus there are plenty of golf courses close by

Getting there

I travelled from London to Milan Malpensa and took the Malpensa Express to Milan Centrale. From there, the train took about an hour to Pescheria del Garda, where the hotel arranged a transfer for the final 30-minute car ride.

Alternatively, flying into Verona is closer, with the transfer taking only 40 minutes by car from the airport.

Frequently asked questions: Cape of Senses