Lake Garda Boutique Apartments
Toscolano Maderno, Italian Lakes & Verona, Italy

Reviewed by
Leah Page
Huddled just below the breathtaking Italian Alps, Lake Garda has long savoured a reputation for beauty, majesty and romance. From the cobbled streets, vibrant piazzas and medieval grandeur of lakeside towns such as Sirmione, Riva del Garda and Limone del Garda, to the cool turquoise waters of the lake itself, and the mountains with their panoramic views, small wonder that people flock here to sample la dolce vita.
Nestling on the less touristy west side of the lake and enjoying spectacular water views are the Lake Garda Boutique Apartments. After stumbling across an old church whose buildings were in desperate need of some TLC, it took husband and wife duo Gianluca and Francesca two years to breathe new life into the place. Now they have 13 apartments across three locations, forming the perfect base from which to explore all the area has to offer. The main complex has seven stylish Lakeside Apartments on the banks of the lake, and a couple of handsome Old Rectory Apartments in an adjacent building, all boasting views either of Garda, the mountains or the nearby golf course and set in sprawling gardens with a heated pool.
The other two sites are 2-3km above (the vistas only get more impressive as you ascend the slopes) – Hillside Lodge in the Alto Garda Park also has its own swimming pool, the other is in the village of Fornico – with a pair of chic apartments in each location.
There's plenty to keep the active-minded occupied. On the lake itself there’s swimming, sunbathing, sailing, and watersports including kitesurfing and windsurfing; the mountainous backdrop is perfect for hiking or cycling, and there’s a golf course next door. And with the beaches and back alleys of bustling, picturesque Gargnano just a short stroll away, you have everything on your doorstep.
Nestling on the less touristy west side of the lake and enjoying spectacular water views are the Lake Garda Boutique Apartments. After stumbling across an old church whose buildings were in desperate need of some TLC, it took husband and wife duo Gianluca and Francesca two years to breathe new life into the place. Now they have 13 apartments across three locations, forming the perfect base from which to explore all the area has to offer. The main complex has seven stylish Lakeside Apartments on the banks of the lake, and a couple of handsome Old Rectory Apartments in an adjacent building, all boasting views either of Garda, the mountains or the nearby golf course and set in sprawling gardens with a heated pool.
The other two sites are 2-3km above (the vistas only get more impressive as you ascend the slopes) – Hillside Lodge in the Alto Garda Park also has its own swimming pool, the other is in the village of Fornico – with a pair of chic apartments in each location.
There's plenty to keep the active-minded occupied. On the lake itself there’s swimming, sunbathing, sailing, and watersports including kitesurfing and windsurfing; the mountainous backdrop is perfect for hiking or cycling, and there’s a golf course next door. And with the beaches and back alleys of bustling, picturesque Gargnano just a short stroll away, you have everything on your doorstep.
Highs
- Superb location – Gargnano's shops and markets are a 20-minute stroll away from the main complex and there’s a nearby ferry service to towns across the water
- Exceptional service - as well as catering to every need, Francesca and Gianluca are happy to provide recommendations and organise trips and transfers
- With a good range of one- or two-bedroom options, the apartments work for couples and families alike
- Kitchens come stocked with the essentials and you get a daily delivery of bread and croissants to your door (included in the rates)
- Thoughtful touches include a washing machine in each location, plus electric car chargers
Lows
- No onsite bar or restaurant, but each location has a pizzeria or trattoria within walking distance; locals say the best restaurants on the lake are in this area so you're spoiled for choice
- The Hillside and Fornico Apartments are a further 2-3km up the hill (better views!) so you'll to drive or rent e-bikes to get to the lake
- No pool at the Fornico Apartments (although guests can use the one at the Lakeside Apartments)
- Summer dates get booked early, and require weekly stays (Sat-Sat or Sun-Sun)
- Note there's a refundable EUR500 security deposit
Best time to go
May, June and September are generally considered the best time as temperatures are still high and the Lake isn't as crowded with tourists. In early summer, however, the water can be chilly. July and August are generally hot (around 30ºC) and busy. Also note that all apartments are closed in winter (November-February).
Our top tips
The picturesque 18-hole Bogliaco Golf Club, one of Italy's oldest, is a 15-minute walk from the main complex.
The best view of the entire lake is from the top of the Monte Baldo cable car, which rises 1.5km and rotates along the way, with spectacular scenery on all sides. It is easily accessible from Malcesine town. If you're especially brave, at the top you can also go paragliding.
Steep yourself in history from the impressive Scaliger Castle to the ruins at Grotte di Catullo, the castle at Malcesine and Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, former home of poet d’Annunzio.
The best view of the entire lake is from the top of the Monte Baldo cable car, which rises 1.5km and rotates along the way, with spectacular scenery on all sides. It is easily accessible from Malcesine town. If you're especially brave, at the top you can also go paragliding.
Steep yourself in history from the impressive Scaliger Castle to the ruins at Grotte di Catullo, the castle at Malcesine and Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, former home of poet d’Annunzio.