Past the entrance, guests receive a fresh rose. The lobby of A-Rosa, the first five-star hotel to open in the Gulf of Salò on Lake Garda, is pervaded by a pleasant scented fragrance and is surprisingly welcoming. A welcome drink served by the retro-designed three-wheeled bar-bee punctuates the short wait for room assignment. If the weather is nice, the advice is to sip it on the splendid lobby terrace, which reveals to the eyes in advance the soul of the place: the hotel is conceived as a natural balcony overlooking the Benaco, far from everything and, at the same time, just a step away from the life of the historic center of Salò, which can be reached with a walk of about half an hour.
From above, the view is breathtaking: a garden of green terraces that blend harmoniously into the hillside, so much so that from the center of Salò the hotel’s presence is almost invisible to the eyes. Green is the absolute protagonist: 130 different types of plants flow as one from inside to outside, strategically covering even roofs and balconies. Light also becomes an architectural element: the large windows that are an integral part of the entire complex capture it and bring it inside, not only in the rooms, the scenic lobby or the restaurant, but also in the spa area and meeting rooms.
A connecting factor between spaces and structural blocks, chromatically integrated with the surrounding environment, is bio-stone. A certified green building material that is environmentally friendly and sustainable, it comes largely from the local area. Used to cover surfaces, it is free of harmful emissions and creates healthy and long-lasting environments.
The interiors are designed by a Berlin-based studio, Bost Interior Design, specializing in upscale hôtellerie, in a mix of Nordic-inspired and Mediterranean-style brands. The color palette gives soft and natural tones, always recalling the territoryin a continuous dialogue.
A-ROSA, discreet luxury
The brand-which is part of is part of DSR Hotel Holding GmbH-began in 2004 from the river cruise company of the same name and currently has resorts in Kitzbühel, Travemünde, Sylt, and Kleinwalsertal in addition to the resort in Salò. There are 99 rooms here, with one watchword: space. All accommodations, with a minimum size of 31 square meters, have access to a private garden or balcony, and are designed as extensions of the interiors, with pergolas, elegant seating, panoramic hammocks, and swings to enjoy the beautiful view. For private wellness, 10 Wellness Superior rooms include an outdoor hot tub.
Suite A-ROSA is located at the highest point and offers a rooftop terrace with an outdoor hot tub, from which there are commanding views of the gulf and the Alps. Of the rooms, we loved the fact that they remain intimately tied to the local area in details such as the dark ochre of some walls, shades of curtains and some upholstery is that of the roofs of Salò; the closet doors are similar to the shutters of local houses; or, again, the silvery green of the bedheads is an homage to the olive trees; the deep blue details are to the lake.
The Spa, a retreat in nature
Let’s start with the spaces of the A-ROSA, which are also very generous here: the spa spans more than 1,900 square meters of wellness, including indoor and outdoor spaces-there are in fact, also the garden and outdoor pool with pool bar, solarium, view of the lake, chaise lounges scattered amidst the greenery, and the herb garden for treatments. In the indoor area, guests can enjoy a small heated indoor pool, which is connected to a large outdoor pool, which is also heated.
Four sauna types are available: organic herbal, salt, exfoliating and Finnish. A cold-water reaction tank and an ice fountain complete the spa experience. And to pamper yourself, there’s the Private Spa Suite, with a sauna, large sun terrace, healthy snacks, herbal teas, bubbles, and customized treatments.
The heart of the SPA is the SPA “Remedy” Bar where you can enjoy freshly prepared detox drinks and fine artisanal coffee blends, and where you can choose precious oils and special fragrances for peeling and massage. Special mention for the brand chosen for the treatments: this is Vinoble Cosmetics, a niche brand created by a small laboratory in Styria, which processes the antioxidant-rich elements of grapes to create a precious and effective line of cosmetics. The spa is also open to the outside public, who can book a Day Pass to enjoy an exclusive day of wellness.
Food Experience with a local flavor
The restaurant, headed by chef Enrico Fiorentini, pays homage to Italian cuisine with a menu focused on enhancing local excellence. In particular, olive oil, pasta and cereals, seasonal zero-mile fruits and vegetables, dairy and fish products, interpreted in a creative way. Baked goods are also prepared by master pastry chefs and bakers. The kitchen is open, and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows and a large terrace dominate the garden.
The air of “dolce vita” is also breathed in the trattoria space, which is also ideal for an aperitif among the colorful majolica tiles, the counter with agri-food products in view, the artisanal pizza oven and the fresh pasta station.
Special space for the striking glass walls, the wine bar where individual and group tastings can be organized, taking advantage of the special wooden table scenically surrounded by bottles.
Finally, the highlight of the outdoor area is the Poolbar offering light meals inspired by the best of Italian cuisine. Also ideal for garden events.
Event locations
Organizing a Mice event or team building on Lake Garda has never been easier. At the A-Rosa, in addition to event rooms and a lounge with co-working spaces, there is also the multifunctional “Creavista” area, which can be used, for example, for creative workshops or classic set-ups, suitable for seating up to 90 people with a theater layout. A foyer, ideal for coffee breaks, completes the space.
