Villa Madrina Lovely & Dynamic Hotel

Villa Madrina has no course of its own. It does describe itself as an ideal hotel for a golf holiday on Lake Garda, because it is a partner of the seven most renowned greens in the area. The nearest is Ca' degli Ulivi, 1 km away: according to the hotel it has an 18-hole par-72 course, the 9-hole par-28 Mirabello, a driving range, putting green and approach green, in a landscape of olive groves and small lakes.

The approach is the tailor-made package: guests state the length of stay, number of people, club, playing days, type of green fee and any golf cart rental, and the hotel replies with a dedicated offer. Other clubs in the network include Paradiso del Garda (18 holes, designed by Jim Fazio), Chervò Golf San Vigilio (27 holes, open all year) and Bogliaco, also open all year. The hotel says it is passionate about golf itself.

In Garda, on the eastern shore, the hotel stands among olive, cypress and oleander trees; the lakeside promenade and the historic centre are a short walk away. There are thirty-four rooms: 29 junior suites and 5 suites, all with lake views and furnished, says the hotel, with antique pieces that belonged to the Tondini family.

The Suite Hibiscus measures 35 m² with a 29 m² terrace; the Orchidea and Oleandro junior suites have 26 m² and a 9 m² balcony. New for 2026 is the Junior Suite Deluxe Bouganville: 26 m² with a 15 m² terrace. The hotel is family-run: the story began with an aunt of Graziano, the current owner, who opened the B&B Villa Madrina. It calls itself "adults designed" but welcomes everyone; dogs are not allowed.

The Acquamarina spa has a sauna reaching 90 °C, a Turkish bath up to 50 °C, a relaxation area scented with pine and a Himalayan salt wall; it can also be booked for exclusive use. The garden holds the pool, and the gym with Technogym equipment is open every day from 9 am to 7 pm. On Tuesdays at 8:30 there is yoga with instructor Diana Caterina, who lived in India for seven years: one lesson a week is included in the services.

The Madreperla restaurant displays the pottery of artist Toni Fertonani. Half board includes a buffet breakfast with eggs made to order and local cheeses, an afternoon snack buffet and a four-course dinner. The jams come from fruit grown around Bussolengo, the oil from the hotel's own olives pressed at a trusted mill, and the cellar leans on Veneto labels such as Bardolino Classico. Once a week in summer there is a sunset aperitif followed by a gala dinner by the pool with piano bar music.

The nearest airport is Verona, 32 km away; the hotel arranges a transfer on request. By car from the north, leave the A22 at Affi and continue towards Garda. Check-in is from 2 pm and check-out by 11 am; parking is free and a city bike is included. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before arrival.

• From B&B to hotel. It all began with an aunt of the current owner, who opened a B&B called Villa Madrina.
• A town with a king behind it. According to the hotel, Garda's title of "City" goes back to Berengar I, the first King of Italy, who recognised the Rocca.
• A palio of rowing boats. The Palio delle bisse, with its long traditional boats, still carries the name "City of Garda".
• Murano glass for sale. The hotel sells jugs and glasses handmade by Massimo Lunardon.
• Yoga with a view. The weekly lesson is held in the garden or on the terrace, weather permitting.