VILLA SOSTAGA

Hilltop villa with fabulous Lake Garda at your feet

THE VISTAS FROM VILLA SOSTAGA are knock-your-socks-off sensational. You'd be hard pushed to find better views of Lake Garda than from the gardens of this former ducal hunting lodge, high on a ridge above the glinting lake waters.

We followed the road snaking up the hillside from Gargnano, glimpsing snatches of the town's terracotta rooftops at every turn. After rumbling along the hotel's private forested drive – where there is even a little traffic light to ensure you don't meet another car and have to back up – we suddenly emerged on a sun-drenched slope with inky-blue Lake Garda flung below us.

Woodland shelves away steeply to the sweeping shoreline below and on a clear day from this hilltop eyrie, you can literally see for miles. No wonder Villa Sostaga was once a summer residence for Venetian aristos hungry for fresh mountain air.

Pretty gazebo

Villa Sostaga has been transformed into an alluring hilltop retreat by owners the Seresina family. It has all the feel of a lordly private villa, with views to match.

Named after some of the places you can see from your window, rooms and suites come with elegant period furniture and original parquet floors. Colours range from dramatic reds to pinky pastels. All have a quiet glamour, and the best have a fabulous lake terrace. Other (more contemporary) rooms are housed in a separate wing yards from the villa.

The Campla room has provencal shades and a terrace suspended over the lake. Margia has buttercup yellow walls and cheerful checks, while Mezzane – with a jacuzzi bath – is done out in tasteful florals. Le Volpi sports dramatic Baroque style reds and golds while El Lama has a more bohemian-attic feel.

We woke up to seventh-heaven views next day from our bedroom terrace. You can soak up more of those lake views from Villa Sostaga’s glass-walled Verandah restaurant, whether it’s over an ample breakfast or a candlelit supper watching lights twinkle on the water below. Guests dine al fresco in the pretty gazebo on warm summer nights, where a Latino music quartet adds a touch of after-drinner brio at weekends.

Outside, it’s all about chilling. Sip a glass of vino in the gazebo or bag a lounger on the wonderful grassy pool terrace. Have a soak in the downstairs Turkish bath if you’d sooner melt into the steam.  

Friendly staff and Villa Sostaga's hospitable owners go the extra mile for their guests. You're ten minutes from the resort town of Gargnano –  setting for a slice of the latest James Bond movie Quantum of Solace – and there's plenty to explore on Lake Garda.


Villa Sostaga was reviewed for Room for Romance by Amanda Kingston

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
The stunning views are a match for the food at Ristorante Sostaga, where classic Italian dishes are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Specialities include lake fish such as grilled swordfish, perch served with capers and black olives, and fresh prawns. Start with a glass of prosecco, then choose a bottle of Bardolino wine from the excellent cellar.

Dining out
Cosy La Tortuga in Gargnano (8km) serves great traditional dishes. There are also plenty of other eateries in town, serving Lake Garda fish and local specialities such as skewered chicken and pork.

See & Do
Hit the walking trails encircling Lake Garda for heart-stopping views and a glimpse of local wildlife. Go windsurfing, jet skiing, paragliding or sailing on the lake, or get booted up and go riding.

For a lazier afternoon, hop aboard a steamer to chug around the lake (it will take you full circle), stopping to explore pretty spots like Sirmione, with its cypress-lined shoreline walks. From Malcesine, you can take a cable car from here up the steep slopes of Monte Baldo, with its brilliant flowers and sweeping views. If you want to head further afield, the cities of Mantua and Brescia are well within reach.

Shop
Stock up on some local Bardolino wines, or take a day trip (and your plastic) to Milan, label capital of the world. Verona is closer, and famous for its locally made silks.

After dark
Star-gaze from the garden gazebo with a chaser. For some more energetic nightlife make tracks for the Gardone Riviera, packed with bars and cafes. La Torre disco is a favourite with locals.

Dates
September
Grab your deck shoes for the 100-mile, Centomiglia sailing regatta in Bogliaco.

GETTING THERE

Location
Via Sostaga, Navazzo di Gargnano, Lago di Garda

Parking
There is free guest parking. The hotel is 7km uphill from the lakeside town of Gargnano.

Trains
Desenzano station – 40km

Taxis
EUR 60 from the station.

Airport
Verona – 76km, or Bergamo – 100km.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
EUR 130 – 360

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
Midday

Check-out
10am

Minimum night stay?
No

Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10:30am – in the gazebo on summer days.

Room service
Available morning and evening.

Children
Welcome

Pets
Welcome

Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms

Languages
Italian, English and German

Wedding license?
You can celebrate here with up to 80 wedding guests on an exclusive use basis.

Eco conscience
Much of the power at Villa Sostaga comes from solar panels.

Your contact
Francesco Seresina – owner