Review: Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti, Italy spa review

Set the scene

In the shadow of Italy’s majestic Dolomites, Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti draws gilded youth from Milan for long-weekend getaways, Italian celebrities (hello Chiara Ferragni), and wellness disciples for the full Active and Balance programme. Plus those looking for entry back into a healthier lifestyle, whether with a la carte treatments, or by using the multiple pools, saunas, steam rooms, and free daily activities included in the cost of a stay.

What’s the backstory?

This chic sister to the established Lefay Garda opened in 2019 and, alongside its older sibling, by 2023 had snaffled a place in the top 20 European spas category in Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

What’s the wellness concept?

One can do treatments here a la carte and reap great benefits, but for a profoundly healing and rejuvenating experience, book the Lefay Active and Balance programme. Based on the five elements of Chinese medicine (we won’t ruin the surprise, as they will explain why five instead of four when you get there), treatments emphasise balancing the elements into balance, once it’s been determined which element dominates your body, mind and spirit. (For example, water, corresponding with winter, is called the Black Tortoise and is associated with the kidney, with its own specific treatments and dietary considerations. Wood speaks to spring and the liver, and is called the Green Dragon.) In addition to the therapies, activities are also based on time of day, with the mornings for more active endeavours like mountain hikes, and afternoons kept for massages and yoga.

What are the signature treatments?

Enrico Milani’s stretching class in the Finnish sauna made me feel more flexible than I had in years, and I loved doing the cold plunge and garden walk afterwards. A “Green Dragon” massage with Elisabetta Leonardi was transcendental – I felt like I had left the room for the fourth dimension. The “Path to Detox” with Martina Lorenzi (which involved a scrub-down on a warm mattress followed by an olive oil massage) allowed for a huge amount of blocked muscle release, as well as leaving my skin softer than it had been in an age. Lefay’s therapists are so kind and gentle that any type of emotion that comes up from past trauma tends to disappear.

Which therapist should I book?

Dolomiti Lefay is full of incredibly talented therapists, but a health evaluation with Dottoressa Colombini is a must. The MD and Chinese-certified doctor not only glows with good health herself but explains the elements of Chinese medicine incredibly clearly. Her consultation is followed by an unforgettable session of acupuncture. When she says emotions and blocks are cleared, take her for her word.

What makes it different?

Lefay Dolomiti is obviously not the only spa in the world that offers a combination of Eastern and Western philosophy with beautiful amenities and facilities set in natural beauty, but it really fulfils its promise to balance the body and mind. From the pristine landscapes one hikes through, to the rooms’ custom mattresses for a full night’s sleep, the views from the pool of the mountains, the yoga classes and personalised treatments, it doesn’t miss a beat when fulfilling a 360-degree concept of health and relaxation.

What else do they offer?

If you book the Active and Balance programme, the menus will also be catered to the element you are concentrating on that day. While the programme food was good, I ended up going off-menu now and again while still staying healthy. The trout with radish and wild dried edible flowers, for example, was unforgettable.

We would go back just for hiking. From alpine trails with pine forests and quartz-lined translucent rivers for natural Kneipp to flower-filled meadows, the walks here give new meaning to moving meditation. Ask for Martina Cimarolli to lead the way – she comes from the next village and her love of nature and knowledge of her region is inspiring.

Yoga classes are excellent and suit every fitness level with a particular emphasis on alignment. One can also get a personal trainer to navigate the state-of-the-art gym, open 24 hours a day.

If you didn’t have time to get yourself coiffed, manicured or waxed, the spa offers all these services and more.

Where do you stay?

Rooms are spacious and luxurious but not over-stuffed, with large terraces, smart televisions, walk-in closets, private saunas and jacuzzis, and spongy-soft beds.

Accessibility

All areas are reachable through lifts and spaces are wide enough for wheelchair users, and the resort also has some suites specifically designed for these kinds of needs, with a loo and shower equipped with handles.

Eco effort

Lefay Resorts is the first Italian company in the tourism sector to sign an agreement with the Ministry of the Environment for projects aimed at neutralisation of CO2 emissions. This is achieved through the purchase of CERs credits (in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol), intended to reduce emissions in Italy and in developing countries.

Final word

When can we go back? From a weekend to a five-day programme, Lefay Dolomiti really does sign, seal and deliver.

Healing Holidays (healingholidays.com/condenast; 020 7843 3592) can arrange a 4-night Purifying programme from £1,609 per person sharing, including transfers, accommodation, daily breakfast and inclusions of the programme.