28 May 2021
Lake Garda’s newest spa draws inspiration from nature, Celtic mythology and minimalism
BY Megan Whitby
A new five-star hotel and spa named Eala has opened in the Italian town of Limone sul Garda. Set back into a cliff face, the new destination gazes out across the iconic Lake Garda.
The hotel’s namesake and philosophy are inspired by a swan-like creature from Celtic mythology that interprets dreams, called Eala. The hotel’s team wants guests to feel the destination can do the same thing and transport them to the retreat of their dreams.
The location was realised by architecture firm Studio Gesia and influenced by the surrounding landscape’s natural beauty – well known for abundant lemon groves and impressive panoramas.
The studio has characterised the 67-room hotel and 1,500sq m spa with curved and enveloping lines, recalling the shapes of the lake, sun and moon, alongside a palette of neutral tones.
The two-floor spa is accessed using a deep blue spiral staircase which leads guests in front of the majesty of the lake thanks to large floor-to-ceiling windows framing the indoor pool.
Spa guests can explore a menu of cellular treatments by Team Dr Joseph alongside facials, scrubs, wraps and massages, plus services for hair, nails, waxing, eyelashes and make-up.
Its core offering consists of eight unique rituals inspired by different Lake Garda towns and created by spa manager Veronika Miotto.
Each bespoke treatment harnesses the power of fragrant natural ingredients, such as tonka bean, bitter orange, lemon, mint leaves and lavender flowers.
Luxury Italian wellness consultancy and supplier Starpool helped animate the spa journey with a steam bath, ice fountain, experience showers, heated loungers, Kneipp pathways and two unique saunas.
The first Finnish sauna offers views of the lake and is completed with deep dark wood reminiscent of local Alpine trees. Meanwhile, the second option is a Meditteranean sauna – offering a less intense thermal experience – which incorporates a refreshing citrus scent powered by local lemons.
In addition, guests can access a whirlpool, relaxation nest, Technogym workout space plus two indoor pools and an outdoor infinity pool with dramatic views of the lake.
The hotel also includes five spa suites equipped by Starpool, with open-plan bathrooms, steam baths and outdoor saunas.
Opened in May, Eala is owned by the local Risatti family which has been running accommodation around Lake Garda for three generations.
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