Cape of Senses

With arguably one of the most magnificent infinity views across Lake Garda, the all-suite hotel and wellness retreat Cape of Senses is anchored to the sleepy Torri del Benaco hillside on Italy’s largest lake. Harnessing lake views, the design is informed by the contours of the hillside, mirroring the land and water in a startling architectural form, employing a holistic approach to sustainable design.

This sanctum of modernist calm is etched along the terrain, the low-slung building coexisting with Lake Garda’s topography, created by architects Hugo and Alessia Demetz from Demetz Architects. Wanting a harmonious solution to the structure in respect to its deeply natural location, Demetz designed the curved structure to be clasped into the hillside, allowing not only panoramic views over the lake from every aspect, but also for scalloped terraces to create pooled spaces for dining, drinking and relaxing. The glazed main building is characterised by carved wooden columns, topped by a crown of wooden beams. Demetz describe it as “reserved and simple, arranged in a harmonious concept.” 

The verdant roof gardens, greenery and lawns reflect traditional Italian landscaping with olive trees juxtaposing with cypress pines and scented herbs and shrubs overflowing in lush borders. This was another deliberate ploy by Demetz to, in their words, “bring the outside world inside and the inside reality outside, to create a connection between the structure and nature where guests will be at the core. Our design gives a feeling of calmness and harmony immersed in the surrounding nature.” 

This is further enforced by a pared-back palette of taupe, glinting greys and chestnut brown, allowing the views, nature and Italian design icons to stand out, like the Talenti furniture. When colour is applied, it takes inspiration from the language of Italian medieval architecture as seen in Torri del Benaco – a colour currency that talks of clays from the lake, rich terracotta, dusky pastels and stucco wet plaster. 

Nearby is the small Italian town of Torri del Benaco - perhaps a microcosm of that all is agreeable about Lago di Garda, a region that has bewitched visitors since Roman times. A covetable lakeside setting, a historical heart, a pretty harbour, pebbly beaches, a medieval castle and fragrant citrus groves, backed by forested hills, is all within reach of Cape of Senses. 

A sense of space, luxe furnishings and uninterrupted lake views are the characteristics of the suites at Cape of Senses, which come in six different categories. With a minimalist aesthetic, the suites trade on their environment with use of local materials and a natural colour scheme, allowing an easier blend of indoor and outdoor, also facilitated by large terraces and balconies. 

The Sky Pool Suites are a cut above with outdoor rooftops spaces that allow for uninterrupted mountain and lake vistas, a private pool, gazebo and Mediterranean garden, meaning you can sleep under the stars. All the suites from Junior to Deluxe are layered with the trappings of luxe living: free standing bathtubs, coffee machines, a spa bag and welcome treats on arrival to help you settle in.

Capturing the true essence of their Italian lakeside location, the food under the helm of Executive Chef Francesco Pavan ushers in the flavours sourced from Italy and infused by rich bounties gathered from the Alps and stretching down to the Mediterranean basin.  Modern, balanced and creative, Chef Pavan adds a nod to nostalgia, serving redefined classics and new exciting tastes from the fine dining restaurant that comes with stunning rooftop sunset vistas, or in the more casual passion of the Osteria, which also sits alongside the shimmering lake.

The Restaurant Al Tramonto's menu showcases elegantly presented regional delicacies with headliners like Pavan’s 'Carrot Mosaic' of roasted carrots, nori seaweed, mustard leaves and honey, or a signature dish of beef fillet, umeboshi, Belgian endives and Périgueux sauce. In the Osteria La Pergola, the food offering slips into the country kitchen with a delicious 'Bigoi coe Sarde' or a guinea fowl supreme with ratte potatoes. 

Breakfast is a feast of the senses - herbal teas, the scent of lemons, coffee and Nonna’s bakery bread usher in the new day alongside more gourmet temptations such as Italian cheeses and sausage, plus eggs cooked to order. Lunch can be a picnic among the olive groves, and afternoons are a good time to take a cookery class to create a traditional lunch menu including antipasto and Italian dessert. 

Set in such tranquil surrounds, it’s no surprise that Cape of Senses decided to major on wellness and their modus operandi really is set to chill. Demetz Architects decided to make the most of the hotel’s setting and panorama in creating the spa areas, which all face the lake, sky and mountain views; outside a yoga platform is set amid the fragrant garden to help yoga bunnies connect with nature.

Inside the Senses Spa, essential oils and lemon permeate the air and around the saunas, pool, spa library and tea corner which is a lovely spot after a massage infused with medicinal herbs or Inner Sounds treatment accompanied by the Tibetan singing bowl. 

The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda has drawn visitors since Roman times to enjoy unrivalled views, lakeside living and these days – world-class restaurants, a thriving wine-making industry, olive oil production and of course, beautiful hotels.

Just over 40 kilometres from Verona, Torri del Benaco on the east coast of the lake, is a lovely spot – quieter than the spa towns of Bardolino and Sirmione so it retains a more authentic feel, although the lake and its towns, gardens, restaurants and history are easily explored by boat from its central position. Although if you stay rooted in Torri del Benaco, you’ll get a good feel of what Lake Garda is all about – the town has a pretty harbour and pebbly beaches for sunbathing before swims in the lake, and it has more than its fair share of historical monuments. Wander the town and spy the domineering Scaligero Castle, the Torre dell’Orologio clock tower and 13th century churches among artisan shops, cafes and boutiques.

Like everyone that comes to Lake Garda, owners and family Margesin from Lana in South Tyrol were enchanted with the setting and site of Cape of Senses in Torri del Benaco. As seasoned hoteliers, they knew instantly that the natural charm and unfiltered lake views would be the perfect contemporary concept for Lake Garda.

Not without their own experience within hospitality, the Margesin family brought their knowledge to Lake Garda from Lana where they own ALPIANA Green Luxury in Völlan, an eco-friendly resort which no doubt influenced their design plans for Cape of Senses.