NESTLED into the foothills of the Dolomites and often referred to as the Valley of Dreams, the Garda Trentino region is a veritable smorgasbord of Northern Italian flavours, culture and sports.
Sitting at its epicentre is Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake. Acting as a giant central heating system, the lake absorbs the sun’s heat in the summer and keeps the Garda valley mild throughout the winter. As such, the landscape looks more Mediterranean, with ancient olive groves and citrus orchards, rather than something you would expect from its pre-Alps location.
Castel Toblino in Valle dei Laghi
Lake Garda
But as soon as the valley turns a corner, the warmth is shut off and production is more akin to the region’s Austrian and Swiss neighbours: berries, Torbole broccoli (a recognised Slow Food product), vegetables organically grown in Val di Gresta, Dro plums, which have recently been granted DOP (protected designation of origin) status, and walnuts which are a Slow Food Presidium, meaning that they are part of a community initiative to protect small-scale artisanal produce which is at risk of disappearing. (Walnuts are a staple in traditional Neapolitan pastries.)
Haute cuisine at Locanda 53
The region is close to the birthplace of the Slow Food movement and the passion of producers, chefs and restaurateurs for high quality, real food is palpable. If you talk to any restaurateur, they know exactly which valley each of their wines came from and how they were made, which farmer grew their vegetables and who made their cheese.
It’s possible to visit many of these producers for tours and tastings such as Pravis, a family-run winery whose name comes up in every restaurant in the region, or Foletto, a centuries-old family-run pharmacy, which make its own herbal remedies, syrups and liqueurs from local mountain herbs and fruits.
Monastero Arx Vivendi
Thanks to the culinary diversity, foodies from all over the world are drawn here, such as chef and sommelier team Evelyn Dalgliesh from Australia and Carlo Faggionato from Italy’s Veneto region, who opened Locanda 53, a supper club with just three tables in the pretty, historic town of Arco. The couple have earned a Michelin recommendation for their exquisite and creative tasting menus highlighting the region’s seasonal produce.
They said, “Here you reconnect with nature. The waters of Lake Garda restore your balance, while the lush green mountains offer a breath of relief. It’s a place to rediscover your natural rhythm, but with just two hours to Venice or 40 minutes to Verona (both with international airports) we didn’t have to give up the stimulation and inspiration of an international perspective.”
Arco castle
The lakefront at Riva del Garda
Evelyn and Carlo also stage monthly takeovers of the kitchen at the stunning Monastero Arx Vivendi Hotel. Formerly a mediaeval monastery, this is the most beautiful hotel in the region and features a spa, stunning grounds with an outdoor heated pool, stylishly appointed rooms and a homemade breakfast buffet worthy of any insta feed.
Arco makes the perfect base from which to explore the region. The ancient villages of Canale di Tenno and Rango have been ranked among the most beautiful in Italy and are within 20 minutes’ drive. The gorgeous, colourful old town of Riva del Garda on the shores of Lake Garda is only 10 minutes’ drive; not to mention the world-class climbing, hiking and cycling routes throughout the region and lake-swimming, sailing and water sports in the summer.
Where Lake Como has become over-exposed, over-priced and saturated with tourists, Lake Garda is truly an untouched gem and is the perfect choice for the authentic Italian experience.
By Nicola Kavanagh
To plan a trip, visit gardatrentino.it
LUX rooms at Monastero Arx Vivendi starting from €270 at monastero-arxvivendi.com