Europe’s most luxurious lakeside spa retreats

Nestled in the idyllic setting of Alto Garda National Park, the award winning eco-luxe hotel and spa overlooks the majestic lake, and shoreline of the Riviera de Limoni. Influenced by local lemon houses, the stylish, nature-inspired eco rooms are crafted into the hillside completely blending-in with their serene surroundings.

Lefay has developed its own ‘Spa Method’, which combines the preventative principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern scientific western techniques. The extensive range of innovative wellness programmes on offer are designed to restore guests ‘psycho-physical’ well-being and help with common western problems such as stress, anxiety and premature ageing. The star of the spa is the “World of Water and Fire” – a vast hydro and thermal area boasting private thermal grottos, a blissful star-lit private salt floatation room and an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit. For ultimate relaxation and meditation head to the spa’s Energy and Therapeutic Garden.

Penned in the little black books of elite Swiss wellness fans, Michel Reybier’s five-star establishment sits on the banks of Lake Geneva with a stunning Alpine backdrop. Luxury rooms and stylish lodges scatter the retreat which also boasts a ‘healthy cuisine’ restaurant, Café Lauren, headed up by celebrated Michelin star chef Eric Canino.

Devoted to the ‘art of wellbeing’ and spanning over 2000 square metres, Nescens Spa at La Réserve is a ‘better-ageing’ destination conceptualised by Michel Reybier himself. Facilities include 17 treatment rooms, a sauna, Hammam, relaxation areas, fitness area and tennis courts. Created by Professor Jacques Proust, a pioneer in the biology cellular and preventive anti-ageing medicine, The Nescens brand offers personalised programs which include medical consultations, joint-health evaluation, and a health and diet lifestyle assessment. A full medical team is on hand, including a doctor, dietician and osteopath.

Perched on the banks of Loch Lomond, and just a 30 minute hop from Glasgow airport, Cameron House is an idyllic lakeside escape. Scottish charm and tradition are abundant as soon as you step foot inside the hotel – think roaring fires, cosy sofas, wood-panelled walls and tartan prints. Much more than a traditional Scottish retreat, family-friendly woodland lodges fringe the edge of the colossal Loch – which sports two seaplanes should you wish to explore the waters and islands in style.

Spanning three floors the vast Cameron House Spa is housed in the estates Golf Club. Candle-lit corridors lead to an extensive thermal and hydrotherapy circuit, complete with a multi jet-stream pool. Facilities include an infrared sauna, aroma steam, Hammam, mud rasul, spa cafe, 17 treatment rooms and the spa’s piece de resistance – a bubbling outdoor rooftop infinity hot tub, complete with breathtaking views of the woodland, mountains and Loch.

Located on the western side of Lake Como, a stone’s throw from Villa Carlotta, with panoramic views of Bellagio and the Gringe mountains, the elegant Art Nouveau palace dates back to the early 1900’s. Tranquil fountains, three swimming pools, a pizzeria and an uber-cool cocktail bar dot the hotel’s exotic gardens and beach.

Housed in the 18th-century Villa Emilia, The T Spa by ESPA offers bespoke treatments in stylish surroundings with panoramic views of the lake. Facilities include 5 treatment rooms, an indoor infinity swimming pool, a hydrotherapy circuit, with five different types of Jacuzzi (some hidden away in a private grotto!) a salt relaxation room, Hammam, yoga studio, and The Mosaico Beauty Studio.

Regular host to royalty, dignitaries, and hollywood a-listers – President Reagan, Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan and John Travolta have all graced the grand doors of Ashford Castle. Set in 350 romantic acres of ancient woodland on the stunning shores of Lough Corrib, elegant rooms, suites and a lakeside cottage, scatter the resort. Owners Red Carnation Hotels recently invested €75million in the castle making it one of Ireland’s elite retreats.

Housed in the bronze conservatory, the spa offers uninterrupted views of the Lough. Notable design features in the state of the art spa include exquisite seashell chandeliers and a mesmerising Tree of Life mural stretching the length of the relaxation pool. Facilities include five treatment rooms, Hammam, steam room, fitness centre with PureFlow™ technology and a serene relaxation room with views of the flowing waters.