Vacation Inspiration

Grand Hotel Fasano Italy

• Paula Prickett

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Join me as I speak with Alice Lancini, the sales and marketing manager at the Grand Hotel Fasano. 

The Grand Hotel Fasano a 5 stars luxury hotel perched on Lake Garda and set within a 12,000 sm lake-front park. Located on the edge of the Dolomites, halfway between Venice and Milan, the iconic property has welcomed guests with exceptional service since 1888. Once a splendid residence that served as a hunting lodge of the Austrian royal family, the hotel now offers a family-run oasis for travelers in an exotic setting. Tradition and modernity are combined harmoniously within the resort.

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Netflix: The Empress https://www.netflix.com/title/81222923

Black Dog Luxury Travel Website: https://blackdogluxurytravel.com/

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Black Dog Luxury Travel Website: https://blackdogluxurytravel.com/

Want to connect? I'd love to hear from you!
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackdogluxurytravel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blackdogluxurytravel/

Paula:

Welcome to the Vacation Inspiration Podcast. I'm Paula, your host and owner of Black Dog Luxury Travel, where we design custom vacations for the discerning traveler. If your vacation plans are in need of some serious inspiration, you are in the right place and I am so glad you are here. Okay, it's confession time. I rarely ever watch television. Rarely watch tv. In fact, I had to have my friend Pam teach me how to turn on my television. So there is that. But that being said, when I saw the Empress Series on Netflix, like I knew I had to watch. And I don't know if maybe it's because I've been to Austria or maybe there's just something fascinating about royalty and their lives that people have been attracted to for generations. But that series in particular talks about the Habsburg family. and the property that we are going to be discussing today was once a hunting lodge for the Royal Habsburg family. And so I don't know this for sure, but in my beautiful imagination, I would like to believe that this is where Cece killed the boar while on the hunting expedition in that series. It's like I said, it's fun to imagine and it was super fun today to talk to Alice, the sales and marketing manager for the Grand Hotel Fasano, which is located on Lake Garda in beautiful, stunning northern Italy. So please join us today and see if your next visit to Italy will involve a stay here too, so you can also feel a royalty. Hi, Alicia. Thank you so much for joining me today.

Alice:

Thank you Paula for inviting me.

Paula:

So Alicia is here and she is the, sales and marketing manager for the Grand Hotel Fasano located in Italy. So tell us a little bit about your property, like where are you located and how do we get there?

Alice:

So we are located in the Southwest, shore of Lake Garden. and it's very easy to get there because we are located ex exactly in Garden Riviera, which is a really small town on the lake shore. But not so far from the main highway. So I mean the highway connecting Milan and Venice, we are actually halfway between Milan and Venice. To come to our place is easy by car, of course, because as I said, is only about 30 minutes away from the main highway. otherwise there are Austral stations close by one in Embracia or the Zano, the closest ones. so that's it actually. of course if I can say I recommend driving because otherwise you may need to change several al transportations and it is not ideal. But I also understand that we have never roads in Italy, so it's up to you of.

Paula:

Sometimes it can be an adventure. Can it

Alice:

Exactly. Indeed. Yeah. So that's it. And closest airports. we have Verona Airports and, Bergamo Leonard, sorry. Milano. Bergamo. So, they are the closest one, but they are not major airports, otherwise Mal Pena or Venice Internet ones. It's about two hours driving distance

Paula:

From both about two hours cuz you're in the middle

Alice:

are. Right in the middle. Halfway. Yeah

Paula:

love that. I absolutely love that. so I love your property. It, when I first saw it, it just, I was like, okay, this is the place. If you're going to go to Italy, this is where you want to go. Like it, it just looks so storybook and just looks so magical. So can you tell me a little bit about the history of your property?

Alice:

Of course, it has indeed a long history. So this year we are celebrating actually the 100th. 35th anniversary. So the hotel was built back in 1888, backwards in time. It was the, hunting lodge belonging to the, Austrian Emperor family. So the Habsburg, the last Emperor family. Family in Austria. So it has noble roots. Indeed. from the beginning it was like, a winter residence for the noble families from both Germany and Austria because of the mild climate that we have, in our destination. So we are. we have, yes, this Mediterranean climate, let's say, which is odd to be so north in Italy, and this was the reason why they used to come there and stay for the wintertime. What happened? Of course more than 100 years of history means. A lot to say. A lot to tell. in the meantime, two main World war were going on as well. So, during both world Wars the hotel was converted into a hospital. Our hospital, especially during the first War, we were actually on the border with the. So we were in a war zone, to be fair. But it was yeah, it was even worse during the second World War because the British Army came here and they really destroyed and they took everything. Also delo the wood from the floor. So let's say yes it was, yeah. So let's say just after the two main war wars the of the time. Was Mr. Meyer decided actually to buy the whole house. And from that moment, the same family has been running the hotel. So now it's more than of family business. and that's great. And of course it was. Immediately needed to extend to be extended. So they decided to, enlarge the room facilities and the whole, the Hotel was enlarged. And from 50 rooms we passed to 70 rooms. And nowadays we have 79 guest rooms. we are actually building five more rooms coming next. So still expanding as you see. yeah.

Paula:

And I love that. Yeah, I love that size. It's big enough, but it's not too large. Like it still feels still homey and is, and especially with a stately property that you have. And so can you tell me a little bit about the climate? Because like you said, you're located north and you're somewhat close to the Dolomites, aren't you?

Alice:

Exactly. Yeah. Actually the best triangle for us, it's like for multi-stop journeys, like combination with Dolomite and La Garda or LA Garden Milan, or LA Garden, Venice, or any of these three destinations. Is just two hours away from, let's say the Southeast DO area zalo mad. Okay, so pretty close to the US distances.

Paula:

Absolutely. I absolutely love it. So, so with 79 rooms, it's, and do you have suites? Are they good for families who should come and stay with you?

Alice:

So we are definitely both a family hotel, also romantic hotel. So we have a mix of couples honeymooners anniversaries, but also families depending on the time of the year, of course. As you said, yes, we have suites solutions, but we only have few of them. So the ground suite is for sure the best solution for families or for group of more than five people, let's say, because they are very wide. They're about 100 square meter size with two bathrooms and bedrooms, so

Paula:

Nice

Alice:

with a connecting living room. So it's ideal to get privacy, but to stay together with your family.

Paula:

Yeah. Oh absolutely. And when you're traveling with a few people, it's always nice to have extra space and definitely extra bathrooms for getting ready. So that's always a lot

Alice:

yes, it's very important. And when you come from abroad or for a long journey, you have, you want to have space for your luggages as well,

Paula:

Yes absolutely. Oh for sure. And I believe you guys have just renovated your spa area. Can you talk to me about the spa? Cuz every girl loves a good spa.

Alice:

Of course we are so excited for this good news. We are actually still working on that, but is almost ready as we are opening for the summer season on March 31st. So we have to be ready in a couple of weeks.

Paula:

You will

Alice:

no it was needed as we go farther with with all the renovations and it was really asked from our guests. Our goal is actually to extend the season a little bit more so to be also open in wintertime. And for doing that, we need a bigger and better. Wellness area for sure, and that's why we decided to do.

Paula:

I love that

Alice:

yeah after 15 years it needed a refresh. And I can't wait to show you the pictures when I have them, but we still need them to finish a few little things. but it'll be very nice with like a family area and our old area also divided for the relax. It'll be more than 3,500 square meter. Altogether. So pretty good size now.

Paula:

Beautiful. Beautiful And can we get all sorts of wonderful, amazing treatments there?

Alice:

Yes, we actually have two partnerships together. We work with Avida,

Paula:

Nice

Alice:

known, well known in a us.

Paula:

Yes

Alice:

and we also added a new partner, which is from France, and the name is Sothy's,

Paula:

Oh

Alice:

very high level. Yeah,

Paula:

I love them. I love them so much. I have them in my house. I love them. Yes

Alice:

really?

Paula:

Yeah

Alice:

so

Paula:

Yes

Alice:

qualities are very high. We needed the new partners well to to meet all the guests needs and the requests. So yeah, we have actually two spam menus, one from Aveda, one from Sothy's. So you can really just choose

Paula:

I love that. And now I know I don't have to go back to France when I need to restock so I can just come see you

Alice:

yeah.

Paula:

I absolutely love that. What about dining? What do we have for restaurant options? Because I know we are not gonna go to Italy and starve.

Alice:

We have two restaurants open for dinner. We always talk about a la carte restaurants. Okay, so we have a gourmet restaurant. With ex starred Michel land chef. But we are looking forward, actually we are working on the Star also tower restaurant,

Paula:

Oh awesome

Alice:

crossed.

Paula:

Yeah. Great.

Alice:

Great. so we have that solution or fish restaurant, which is called Pesca. So we have yes, these both solutions for dinner, and then we also have one lunch restaurant in our beautiful garden.

Paula:

Wonderful

Alice:

every day. And it's amazing for a very traditional Italian meal, like tomato, spaghetti or lasagna or this kind of tasty things.

Paula:

Wonderful.

Alice:

Also, we have like two bars. So one is like a Teraza bar, which is. My favorite place at the hotel because it's like lakefront. It reminds a little bit of Capri because you can see Lake, which at our at our destination, at our place, it looks like a sea. it's very wide over there. It's not like in the north part of the lake where it gets narrow. So it looks a more like a com lake feeling, let's say. So for sure it's different. And with these palm trees, because of the climate, as I was saying, it looks like the, you are on the seaside,

Paula:

I love that. sounds like a great place to just wind down and relax and have a fine cocktail.

Alice:

I lost you. I lost you for a.

Paula:

Yep, I got you. We're good. You're back. It's perfect. It's perfect. Awesome. Okay, so let's talk a little about what we can do when we come to stay at the Grand Hotel Fasano. What kind of activities do you guys have? Either on site, at the property or nearby, because I know we will not be bored at any given point when we're there

Alice:

We are also very lucky with local providers and activities. For sure. Our lakefront location helps us also to en for the clients to enjoy the lake, like the water. So exactly from the hotel they can really get access to the lake water. So, For example, private boat tours is something very fancy and appreciated from our guests. They can just really walk down to the, our private pier and take their boat. And come back after two or three hours cruising maybe at the sunset time. It's amazing, of course. But not only there are a lot of activities for families. So as I said, we are a family hotel as well. So this is very important. We have like tennis courts close by, or a lot of go golf course as well. So golf is also something very famous in our destination. We have a few famous golf places. but not only if you go up like 20 minutes from our place, let's say up to that area, there are also like kite surfing international schools, where in few days you can also get your license. So really we are 40 minutes away from the biggest amusement party in Italy, Garland. So really anything you want, you can tracking. There are a lot of biking routes around anything for sportive people is great. For

Paula:

Awesome can you get bikes at your property and take them out? Do you have those available

Alice:

We have few bikes available at a small charge at the hotel. We have both bikes or e-bikes,

Paula:

Sometimes I feel lazy and I wanna take the E-bike. I'll be honest.

Alice:

I know I don't blame you at all,

Paula:

I mean, come on. So Yeah, absolutely

Alice:

have to enjoy. You are on holiday so don't

Paula:

works

Alice:

yourself.

Paula:

I worked hard. Yes. So I know you mentioned you're gonna open again for the season, March 31st. Is your season whenever you open

Alice:

At the moment we open close to Easter Times, depending on when Easter is this year. That's why we open on the 31st, so we anticipate a little bit and the goal is to anticipate even. More you, so you know. So yeah.

Paula:

later

Alice:

In the next couple of years we're able to open mid-February till end of the Christmas holidays. At the moment we open around Easter time and we close the first week of November.

Paula:

Okay. Okay. So we have some beautiful, you've got some beautiful seasons then to come visit, even though you're in a more mild temperate climate, I'm sure it's just stunning. And do you have some changes on your own? Yeah.

Alice:

Yeah. Now is, I mean, we are at the beginning of March, right? And I was out on a balcony on a guest room balcony before, and it was so nice with this sun. It was really warm and relaxing, so it was like, we should be open this time because it's amazing. And the climate. it's something that other northern lake in Italy, they can't say to have. So we, we should take advantage of this like,

Paula:

yeah. I look forward to that. I look forward to that. So what is your personal favorite thing to do on your property, at your property, at your hotel?

Alice:

So, as I said, I'm in love with the La rata bar. It's amazing anytime of the day, but the best is the sunset time, even if we are located on the Sunrise Shore. And luckily, but the color that it gets when it sounds, that time is amazing and it's so, it's like time stops and you can really enjoy a beautiful view with your beloved one and enjoy a nice cocktail as well. I also read that you are a gin, passionate, and guess what? We have a gene expert.

Paula:

Oh, you,

Alice:

Yes, a very good barman. He is like he won a lot of international know, awards, let's say for the parman stuff. And he's always there. And we also make like gene experiences

Paula:

Yeah

Alice:

what we do

Paula:

I love that. I love a good craft gin. It just brings me joy and I love doing that when I'm traveling Yes. Yeah

Alice:

so this is my best, the best activity. Also, I li I like to enjoy a drink on the sunset with this view. So this is for sure the what I suggest really, and you can take your spine off and just relax is amazing.

Paula:

love that so much. I love much. Is there anything else that you would like to talk about the Grand Hotel Fasano that you'd love to share with us? We really need to know.

Alice:

Yes, of course. We ha we, we have an historical hotel, so can say a lot.

Paula:

A lot

Alice:

Also very famous people around here backwards in time. But this is not what I want to talk about. Something I really like to share is this family feeling that you have You, when you walk into a hotel. So, personally, I've been around quite a bit. I've worked and visited many hotels but I never, ever. The feeling that I felt here wa the first time that I walked into the hotel store. You can really feel it like this flare something special in the air. and also when I found out that every piece. Of refurbishment here was selected and chosen from the owners. I was so impressed. Oh my God, your taste is so good. And they're two brothers oh my God, and you best have any designer anything. Everything is chosen from them. And this is something that I always like to.

Paula:

Yeah.

Alice:

What else

Paula:

I

Alice:

We, we are actually divided into two buildings. So we have the main house, the grand hotel with the majority of rooms, all the guest services and uh outlets. But we also have a little dependance, it's called Villa, and we have smaller room categories there, 12 of them. We usually suggest it to European clients because they are used to smaller. Anyways, that Dependance the mother of the two owners still lives there

Paula:

Oh really

Alice:

to run the hotel before when she was younger. She's 86 years old now and

Paula:

Wow

Alice:

Living at the property.

Paula:

Wow

Alice:

this is, and we have, she's an artist and we have some of her paintings around the villa print. So this is also something nice to say

Paula:

I. love that. That is so cool. And it, it really says a lot and I know probably everyone has been to a hotel or a property and you walk in and you're just a number. There's, it doesn't really feel good. So when you experience the exact opposite and you experience basically like you're coming into a family and you're coming home and what a better, I mean, I could not think of a better place to call home than the Grand Hotel Fasano, quite frankly. It is. It's just magical. The location, the people, the property. I love that everything is so intentionally selected like that. I didn't know that. I think that is super cool. And I just, I love that. I just absolutely love that. It's it's a very special place to be definitely yeah. That's just amazing. I love that.

Alice:

Yes, and the way the, they the owners preserved the authenticity of a classical building, yet modern and contemporary also in the the choice of the materials. So they did a very good job. I

Paula:

Nine

Alice:

to say that, but that's feeling. And I think, as you said, you. This is something which is very valuable, that you feel somebody, you feel not only a number, but you feel like a person. And this is also something belonging to the Leading Hotels Of the World since they are, like most of them, independent family, business, hotels. that's why I love to work for this brand. I love to work with the leadings of the world and everything is just so, so nice.

Paula:

I love that. I love that. I am ready to go right now, even though you aren't open. Soon thank you so much for your time today and I really appreciate this. Thanks for telling us all about the Grand hotel Fasano. I just, I know I can't wait to go visit you and when you're open, and I'm sure everyone else can't either. So thank you so very much for this.

Alice:

Thank you, Paula. Thank you so much,

Paula:

If you are ready for your Royal stay at grand hotel Fasano, please contact your favorite travel advisor and they will arrange everything for you. Or reach out to grant hotel Fasano at their website, www dot G H F dot I T. And they can also be found on Instagram and Facebook at grand hotel Fasano. Thank you so much for joining me this week on the podcast. If you're looking for some help with your next vacation, why don't you go ahead and book a free consultation from the link in the show notes or off my website, black dog luxury travel.com. I look forward to seeing you again very, very soon.