A romantic luxury retreat to forget the frenzy and regain balance enveloped by a 5-hectare private park and the beauty of serene Lake Garda.

The Pearl of Lake Garda, the picturesque, fortified village nestled on a narrow peninsular stretching into Lake Garda has been for a long time the dream destination for those visiting Italy’s largest lake.

From the spectacular entrance through the drawbridge of the imposing 13th-century Scaligero Castle to the narrow cobble-stoned alleys, town squares lined with restaurants and cafés, the thermal spa and the communal parks, including the stunning ruins of the 1st century Roman villa Catullo, there is no surprise Sirmione at the southern tip of Lake Garda has been one of the most popular locations of Lake Garda, loved already by poets (like Catullus) and artists in ancient times including famous opera singer Maria Callas (more recently, in the 1950s).

Having visited regularly since I was four years old (with my parents in tow, obviously) and later living nearby for nearly 10 years first in Valpolicella (a short 20 minutes’ drive) and then in Milan (less than an hour away), for me the little village turned into something like a second home.

While living in Valpolicella, I used to come here simply for a coffee in the morning, or a late afternoon stroll followed by an aperitivo at one of the local bars overlooking the lake. Driving over from Milan, it would be for a weekend, spending two days walking around the little peninsular and relaxing poolside before dinner at one of the restaurants near the castle.

However, there has been one location in the little village I’ve never explored before, but which had been on my radar for a while. The acclaimed luxury Villa Cortine Palace Hotel and its stupendous park, accessible only for guests of the hotel and its gourmet restaurant. It is one of the rare luxury retreats independently owned and managed, and the level of dedication clearly shows.

This clearly is reason enough for a stay if like me, you fancy refined luxury and gourmet dining experiences. The cherry on top for me personally was the fact that Villa Cortine is part of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux alliance. It’s one of my favourite associations, requiring from member hotels high quality and sustainability measures, including a strong commitment to local communities.

Read on to learn this hotel which is perfect for a special retreat experiencing romance, wellness, relaxation and stupendous dining options.

What it’s like staying at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel in Sirmione, Lake Garda

It is hard not to fall in love with this beautiful place. Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is an oasis of calm and clearly what you’d call the epitome of luxury, wellness and slow travel. Yet, what appears to be a world of its own is only a short walk away from the crowds filling the small alleys and squares in the historic town centre.

I mean, a 19th century neoclassical-style villa (plus a more modern wing hosting most of the rooms), a stunning 5-hectare garden, private lakefront access, gourmet dining and flawless, friendly service along with some of the most amazing views over the serene lake from nearly any angle of the property is clearly hard to top.

The historic villa was built in the late 1890 by German Count Kurt Von Koseritz as a holiday home for his family. Forced to leave Italy in 1914 at the onset of the first world war, the property changed ownership a few times and even became a lazaret during the first world war and military headquarters in the second. Finally, in the late 1950s it was converted in a luxury hotel. At that time, it was also enlarged with the modern wing creating what today is Villa Cortine Palace Hotel. 

Hotel design and rooms

Villa Cortine clearly exhales 19th century grandeur with marble floors, frescoed walls, high colonnades, coffered ceilings, beautiful paintings and elegant furniture present throughout all the public spaces.

All of the 54 rooms feature a neo-classical style, and each includes modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a minibar, coffee/tea maker, a safe, and luxurious Acqua di Parma toiletries in the bathroom.

I stayed at the Deluxe room with balcony and lake view, which was spacious and elegant, featuring parquet floor, Maggiolini style furnishings, a reading chair, desk, and Murano glass chandeliers. With around 32 sqm, it is one of the smaller rooms but considering you will want to spend your time exploring the park and village (and perhaps further around Lake Garde), along with the private pier, I felt the size was perfect. Plus, there was ample storeroom for clothes in the large wardrobe, an aspect I highly value and that is not always guaranteed at hotels. 

The marble clad modern bathroom (renovated last year) was a joy, including a spacious shower.

I loved the panoramic lake view from the balcony and room, ideal to enjoy both a beautiful sunrise and particular spectacular sunset. Nevertheless, even the garden rooms will offer you a glimpse of Lake Garda, with the hotel sitting on an advantageous location, surrounded by the lake on both sides.

For the most spectacular view over the lake and surrounding park area, pay a visit to the upper-floor terrace at Villa Koseritz.

The garden, pool and pier at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel

Situated on a little hilltop, rising around 100 metres from the tip of the peninsular, the property offers stunning Lake Garda views from the rooms, the pool area and the large park.

The 5-hectare park, considered one of northern Italy’s most splendid private parks, is filled with cypress trees, statues, fountains, small ponds and cascades of roses.

A private pier on Lake Garda allows for scenic lounging and swimming, with a private boat available for excursions as well.

Dining at Villa Cortine Palace Hotel

Villa Cortine offers different dining options, and each is superb.

The Michelin-starred La Gardenie restaurant is clearly the star. The indoor area is defined by refined luxury while during the warmer months of the year guests can enjoy dinner on the terrace or “belvedere” by the pool, overlooking Lake Garda.

Options are between two tasting menus (with wine pairing optional) of which one is vegetarian, and a choice of a-la-carte dishes, each featuring creative Mediterranean-style cuisine, including fresh fish and local ingredients.

For a more relaxed setting or perhaps a quick lunch or snack in-between, Koseritz Cocktail Bar and Bistrot offers charcuterie and cheese platters, along with a choice of pasta dishes, pizza, and delicious desserts. Located – as the name suggests – at Villa Koseritz, it features two smaller dining rooms and a small room entirely dedicated to the bar, which are lovely locations in case of colder weather (or rain). The most spectacular part however is the outdoor terrace overlooking part of the gardens and lake.

If you order one of the pizzas, it will be prepared for you in a quirky oven just next to the terrace.

For an entirely different setting, lakeside Al Molo Bar & Grill features an open-fire kitchen serving expertly grilled meat and fish dishes. Al Molo is open daily for lunch and during the summer months (from June to September) on two evenings per week.

Meanwhile, your day at the hotel could not start any better than with the amazing breakfast buffet, including a wide range of fresh homemade pastries, breads, fresh fruits, charcuterie, smoked salmon, and cheeses along with freshly prepared eggs any style, porridge, pancakes and waffles.

Final thoughts

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at several luxury hotels and had many wonderful experiences, but Villa Cortine Palace Hotel is clearly operating in its own league, ticking all the boxes that will make your stay exceptional and unforgettable.

In addition to attentive and friendly service, for me, it’s the little things that make a hotel outstanding.

A bottle of excellent sparkling wine from the Trentino region accompanied by a plate of fresh strawberries arriving just minutes after stepping into our room, which comes in addition to the large homemade chocolate chip cookie already sitting next to a welcome note on the writing desk, the large and fluffy towels (as opposed to rather smallish and thin like I have seen in various other luxury hotels), turn-down service during evening hours when we were out for dinner (contrary to many other hotels where it’s carried out in late afternoon invariably clashing with guest coming back from sightseeing/the pool or beach) clearly puts Villa Cortine on the next level.

And did I mention, staying over the Easter weekend not only meant a special menu was offered for lunch and dinner at La Gardenie (as you might expect). At breakfast, beautifully decorated chocolate Easter eggs were offered to each table/room, all made by the hotels own pâtissiers.

It’s safe to say, I will return.