AQVA Boutique Hotel

AQVA Boutique Hotel

, Via XXV Aprile 4, Sirmione.

The lakefront position of AQVA Boutique Hotel is simply sublime, halfway along the slender peninsula of Sirmione on Lake Garda. The old town is nearby, with the Scaligero castle and also the thermal baths not far away. It’s going to be hard to tear yourself away from the pool and deck area though!

Somewhere beneath the cutting-edge boutique hotel we see today is the core of a 1930s guest house; one of the first in the area. Designed by an architect with an obsession for detail and managed by an owner with a passion for people, it’s clear that this hotel is 50% the building and 50% the staff. The result is something quite exceptional.

The beautiful pool and deck speak for themselves, filled with sun beds, sun umbrellas and deck chairs and hovering right on the edge of the lake with views to the distant mountains. There is also direct access to a private beach area.

Facing out to the lake is the dining room where the day starts with breakfast. The varied buffet caters for all diets and includes fresh pastries, every day organic eggs recipies, an assortment of savoury products like cheeses, meat, quiches and other fresh ideas, as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables. Being Italian there is a certain obsession with coffee at AQVA so you are assured of a top quality espresso, cappuccino or latte macchiato. At lunchtime there is a selection of light meals on offer, like burrata and gazpacho, vegetable curry couscous, bresaola rocket and beetroot salad, salmon, almond and pear salad, quality cheeses and meats and more besides. Finally, the bar has a fine selection of local wines and specialises in prosecco spritzers, gin and tonic and choice cocktails.

The 18 guest bedrooms emphasise elegant simplicity rather than opulent luxury, intimate minimalism over pretention. There are beautiful natural materials like Travertino marble, solid oak, 100% cotton linen & towels. Everything has been carefully handpicked, from the mid century lamps to designer chairs, from fine art pieces to organic toiletries. Each room is slightly different with a unique personality. Most rooms are for couples but a few rooms have space for three. The Superior and Deluxe rooms on the higher floors have a balcony or terrace with lake views.