When staying in the Lake Garda region, superior accommodation will be along the palm-lined shore, taking advantage of the vistas offered by the shimmering waters of Italy’s largest lake. Thus, the reopening of lakeside Grand Hotel Fasano is a notable event in the holiday calendar for travellers seeking renowned elegance and aristocratic flair in Northern Italy.
This is especially so for 2026 when, for the first time, the hotel’s season includes the Christmas and New Year period. In addition, there is a new lakefront beach bar to experience, plus special events and fresh menus in its exceptional restaurants and spa.
Poolside and lakeside at Grand Hotel Fasano
Beautiful gardens of historic interest almost touching Lake Garda
Grand Hotel Fasano is an authentic heritage property, now part of the Leading Hotel of the World but a hunting lodge for the imperial House of Hapsburg dynasty when its doors first opened in 1888.
In less than two decades the lodge developed the stately grand form so integral to the Germanic tradition and by the early 1960s, following repairs and renovation, the property became known as the Grand Hotel Fasano. It remains a place of distinction and the new offerings for this year enhance its appeal without forgoing the decorum of the buildings and the beautifully maintained historic gardens.
Evening time approaches at Il Fagiano restaurant
Two of the restaurants, Magnolia (named after the 200-year-old trees that provide it with shade) and Osteria Il Pescatore, have a new Executive chef, Valerio Dallamano, with menus that build upon and elevate the region’s artisanal products; expect fish direct from the lake in a dish like Gigante di vercelli (rice with lake perch, nettles, lime pickle, crispifolia kosho, chervil and alpine honey).
Dallamano’s colleague, Chef Maurizio Bufie, maintains the reputation of the hotel’s Michelin-starred Il Fagiano restaurant with a Spring 2026 menu that includes, for instance, lamb with sea lemons, asparagus and broad beans. Novel cocktails grace La Terrazza and Rama’s Lounge Bar and make the most of local ingredients like Malcesine truffles and Riva saffron.
Old-world glamour and new cocktails at Ramas Lounge Bar
A room with timeless appeal
Matching the new culinary delights, the hotel’s spa has been completely renovated and alongside the swimming pool, connected via tunnel passage, a sauna, Turkish baths, a state-of-the-art gym, and a serene spa garden on the lake entice guests to relax and take it easy. Suitably refreshed, you can also enjoy Grand Hotel Fasano’s cultural programme curated by art historian Elisabetta Bresciani.
by Sean Sheehan
Nightly rates at Grand Hotel Fasano start from €600 (£522) for an Executive room with lake view and balcony on a bed and breakfast basis. The hotel opens for the 2026 season from 27th March. For more information and to book, visit www.ghf.it/en/