Break at Lake Garda: Relax under the vines and olive groves

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Shortly after our train crossed the Italian border, I began to feel like I was on holiday. Our destination is not far from the border and you can already feel the Italian dolce vita when you look out the window. Vineyards and olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see give me an idea of ​​the delights that await me in Lake Garda this weekend.

Natiia Relais, where we were allowed to stay for three nights, is located between Peschiera del Garda and Lazise, ​​two picturesque villages directly on the shores of Lake Garda. When I arrived I was pleasantly surprised by the manageable size of the hotel. The facility looks more like a large house than a hotel. Luca Pannone (39), founder of Natiia, explains that I was not entirely wrong in my assessment. The house is an old Venetian villa called Villa Veneta. With only 12 double rooms, it offers a pleasant and quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxing.

Gourmet-level regional cuisine

Relaxing and enjoying seems to be the motto here. None of my requests go unanswered at the on-site spa, with indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam bath and massages. The exclusive size of the hotel also stands out here – we have the entire spa area to ourselves.

Of course, the sense of taste is not neglected during the pampering program at Natiia Relais. Osteriia, the culinary center of the site, is open not only to hotel guests but also to outside visitors. Chef Andrea Vitali prepares a new 4-course gourmet menu every evening. What is particularly special is that the aim here is to achieve complete self-sufficiency. On our first evening, we are served bignè made with salami, cod ravioli, Veneto sirloin and hazelnut cake, among other treats.

More than 70 percent of the products are produced in the on-site herb and vegetable garden. The remaining products come from the immediate surroundings. “This way small local retailers support each other and at the same time we can bring the best products in terms of freshness and seasonality to our plates,” explains Luca. You won’t find avocado or pineapple here, but given the high level of the cuisine, you won’t miss it at all.

Years of family tradition

Not only can we enjoy the many in-house products on our plates, we can also try them ourselves. One rainy afternoon, Dennis (37) and a pair of scissors set out for the herb garden. “Take whatever you want. We can use anything,” he instructs us. In a workshop, we use our own award-winning olive oil and the products we collect from plants and flowers to make tea, three different body scrubs and body cream.

The entire Natiia property spans over 10 hectares. The guesthouse is located among vineyards and olive groves. The Pannone family has a long-standing tradition behind cultivation. Luca, who still lives on part of the historic estate, tells us about his winemaking family, his passion for his products and Natiia, as he tours the grounds and drinks a glass of his own wine. “It has been my lifelong dream for Natiia to come true.” Attention to detail is felt in every corner here.

This article was created as part of a press tour.

Source : Blick