In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the importance of wellness, both mental and physical. To bring you an insider’s perspective on what a wellness retreat should offer, we sat down with Monica Mescoli, the SPA Manager at Lefay Resorts & Residences. Her insights provide a fascinating glimpse into the holistic approach to well-being that Lefay offers its guests.

A Retreat for the Senses: Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
Nestled within 11 hectares of lush countryside in the Riviera dei Limoni, Lefay Resort and Spa captivates with its verdant gardens, olive groves, and ancient trees. Guests are treated to uninterrupted views of Italy’s largest and world-renowned lake, Lake Garda. The modern, spacious suites are finished with luxurious, elegant touches, and each comes with its own private terrace offering sweeping views of Lake Garda.
The Lefay Experience
Whether it’s mountain biking along stunning trails, taking boat trips on Lake Garda, enjoying opera at the Arena di Verona, or sailing, the resort offers a diverse range of experiences to satisfy every taste. For those interested in fitness, the hotel hosts an array of classes, as well as postural and breathing activities such as Pilates, yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Qi, and meditation.

Culinary Delights
Culinary experiences at Lefay are a feast for the senses. The resort’s two spectacular restaurants, a lounge, and a pool bar offer a gastronomic journey that combines traditional Mediterranean flavors with locally sourced ingredients. Whether it’s the light and airy atmosphere of La Limonaia or the plant-based gourmet cuisine at Gramen, dining at Lefay is an experience you won’t forget.
The Essence of Wellness: An Interview with Monica Mescoli
How would you define a wellness retreat?
A wellness retreat helps the Guest to actively improve his or her global wellbeing and enhances the consciousness for healthy living. What we try to offer the Guest is an experience with a life changing power, doing our best to offer the chance to discover something hidden about himself or herself, something new, creating new habits or small revolutionary acts.
What sort of retreats are available at Lefay Resort & SPA Lake Garda?
We offer one 3 night programme for approaching the personal change called “Discovery” and eight 5 night- or 10 night programmes with a specific focus: Relax (Destress or Sleep), Rebalancing (Immune system or Detox), Reshape (Weight or Fitness) and Renew (Beauty of Body and Mind or Longevity).
What are some of the key factors which people need to consider when choosing a wellness retreat?
They should consider:
- What is my focus?
- What kind of change I want to achieve?
- How do I want my schedule to be organized? (Time preferences, day free request etc.)
- Do I have gender preferences?
- Do I have to inform about nutritional issues?

How do you work with your clients to create a personalized wellness plan that fits their individual needs and goals?
Pre-stay contact to know about focus and individual preferences of the Guest. Introduction meeting to know about updates and finalize the programme organizational wise. Medical consultation with customization of programme.
What is the most important aspect of a wellness retreat?
At Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda it is the synergy of holistic treatments: energy balancing massages, mind calming activities, herbal therapy, acupuncture, comprehensive and holistic medical advice and a well-equipped SPA with beautiful facilities and experienced therapists and doctors.
How important is it for people to consider wellness retreats in the future?
We believe people are investing more and more time, energy and money on personal wellbeing. Our way of life has driven us away from personal care and self-listening. Guests need to stay healthy, to improve their mental and physical wellbeing, to be balanced nd, above all, to age in a smart and healthy way.
Mental health is now so important… What makes a wellness retreat at Lefay Resort & SPA Lake Garda a good option for those struggling with mental health?
We offer a holistic wellbeing experience, based on Classical Chinese Medicine and western scientific research, according to which body and mind are integrated. First, the wonderful nature surrounding the Resort helps to find emotional distance and calm the mind. Secondly our medical team is made by experts specialized in different holistic disciplines, including also psychological and psychosomatic consultations. Thirdly the empathy and the specific training make our Guests feel confident and well looked after.

What would you say is the biggest myth when it comes to wellness retreats?
This is a hard question… Maybe, the myth is the fact that most people think they go to a place where to change or being healed, experiencing a retreat as a unique event. On the contrary, a retreat must be the starting point of a journey of personal transformation and evolution that must be brought on when back home. Progress needs to be tracked and self-awareness is key. Also, sometimes people think they will encounter some “gurus” and abandon themselves to them: it’s important to meet skilled people and trust them to be guided through change, but nothing is going to happen if the Guest himself/herself does not open up to take actively part in the process of change.
Retreats at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
Health Travel can support with arranging any of the programmes on offer at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda – as well as helping you to decide which is best for you. Here are some of the most popular programmes we arrange:
Weight Management Retreat at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
Dedicate some well-deserved time to self-improvement and self-care among the lush olive groves and 11 hectares of verdant countryside. The Weight Management retreat aims to modify your eating habits and lifestyle with a sustainable approach. Detoxifying treatments and physical and energy rebalancing activities assist your body on its journey to optimal weight.
Explore the Weight Management Retreat at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
Stress Management Retreat at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda

Modern life can present a multitude of stresses, and the Stress Management retreat is the ideal solution for those who want to reconnect with themselves. This program combines neuroscience with classical Chinese medicine to stimulate internal energy flows and regain equilibrium.
Explore the Stress Management Retreat at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
Detox Retreat at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
For those wishing to detoxify their bodies to rebalance their mental and physical health, the Detox program is perfect. A carefully chosen range of treatments, combined with nutrition consultations and personalized healthy meal plans, help to re-establish better organ functioning and restore the body’s natural ability to remove toxins.
Explore the Detox Retreat at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda
Why Book with Health Travel?
When you book your stay at Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda with Health Travel, you enjoy a plethora of exclusive benefits. These include
- Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
- Daily buffet breakfast for two
- Complimentary lunch or dinner for two people
- $100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit
- Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability).
In Conclusion
As Monica Mescoli eloquently described, a stay at Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda is not just a vacation; it’s a transformative journey. If wellness is what you seek, there’s no better place to find it.
It’s time to kick off or accelerate your wellness journey. Contact our wellness specialists on WhatsApp or our online enquiry form to start planning your next wellness adventure.