Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti - Review with my BFF
It’s not every day that you get the chance to holiday with your best friend—especially when you’ve got two kids of your own and your friend is busy running her own business. So, when the opportunity finally came up, we jumped at it. We wanted a place where we could truly unwind (and trust me, we needed it) and, for the most part, just relax without having to move around too much (especially since my friend was in her second trimester). Lefay in the Dolomites turned out to be the perfect escape, and here’s our review.
Name: Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
Location: Dolomiti, Italy
Address: Via Alpe di Grual, 16, 38086 Pinzolo TN, Italy
Accommodates: We stayed in their Family Suite
Type: Family Suite
Minimum stay: None but we recommend 3 nights or more, particularly if you’re undergoing a programme
Best for: Individuals who need to detox, small group of friends who want to unwind together, couples looking to pair wellbeing with skiing.
Kids activities: None
Visited: 2023
We had the opportunity to undergo Lefay’s new programme: Active & Balance Programme, Ying Yang. This unique program was designed to combine the therapeutic power of Alpine nature with the five elements based on Classical Chinese Medicine. The goal of the experience is to ensure balance throughout one’s stay, which starts with an outdoor activity accompanied by expert mountain guides before undergoing a dedicated treatment based on the Lefay Spa Method. The entire program lasts three nights and is suitable for someone that is eager to undergo a detox experience but perhaps doesn’t have the luxury of time. Each guest receives a thorough itinerary upon arrival and, as part of the program, a one-to-one session with a dedicated consultant.
Me and my best friend on our first holiday together
The Room
From the moment we arrived at Lefay, we were immediately captivated by the breathtaking views of the Dolomites, even though the snow was absent. Stepping into the main lobby, we were warmly welcomed by the attentive staff, who escorted us to the cozy Lounge Bar. There, we were offered refreshing drinks and invited to unwind before being shown to our room. We had the pleasure of staying in the Family Suite, a spacious retreat with two separate bedrooms and bathrooms—ideal for families, couples or a friends seeking both comfort and privacy. The suite provided an atmosphere of complete relaxation, equipped with all the luxurious amenities you'd expect from a five-star property. We particularly enjoyed the added bonus of having direct access to our own private terrace, making it the perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning surroundings.
Our cozy and spacious family suite. There is another king bed in the other room which we didn’t really use.
Our ensuite bathroom in the main room. The second bedroom has its own separate bathroom with shower only.
Our welcome gift which was really thoughtful. We actually loved that the hotel kept spelling either or names wrong or addressing either of us as Mr/Mrs.
The Facilities
After settling into the serene comfort of our Family Suite, it was time to dive into our Lefay wellness journey, which began with a private consultation. We were introduced to the spa's offerings and given an in-depth overview of our three-night program. Our first evening at Lefay was more about familiarizing ourselves with the property and exploring the incredible facilities.
The resort boasts four distinct pool and water areas, each designed with a specific purpose in mind. The indoor sports pool, encased in stunning tonalite, immediately caught our eye with its sleek beauty, followed by the indoor and outdoor heated pool, where we enjoyed sweeping mountain views. Then, there’s the expansive aquatic area, featuring a large whirlpool that evokes the spirit of ancient spas, and lastly, the tranquil mineral area of Lefay, nestled within a saltwater lake and grotto.
Each of these areas not only offers a stunning setting but is also thoughtfully designed to serve specific needs. For example, the indoor and outdoor pools, kept at a soothing 33-34°C, are perfect for families or expectant mothers seeking gentle relaxation. On the other hand, the indoor sports pool is adults-only and ideal for those looking to refine their swimming technique or enjoy some uninterrupted laps.
The gorgeous view from the main lobby area.
One of the indoor hydro pools
This is their outdoor/indoor pool suitable for all types of guests, including expectant mothers
I loved waking up super early to take a dip even though the outdoor part was closed.
Lefay’s indoor sports pool
The grotto, where I got to relax in their heated pool before undergoing my treatment
The Food
On our second day at Lefay, we began our Active and Balance Program, which kicked off with a tranquil early morning walk. Accompanied by my friend, who is four months pregnant, our mountain guide tailored the experience to ensure it was leisurely and comfortable. Instead of a more intense hike, we enjoyed a relaxed two-hour stroll around the village, taking in the peaceful surroundings at our own pace.
As part of the program, we were also introduced to the Lefay Spa Menu, a thoughtfully designed culinary offering based on principles of seasonality, nutritional balance, and harmony. The menu is carefully crafted to align with the program’s goals, emphasizing the balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and the yin/yang relationship, as well as the five flavors and fiber content. The dishes are specifically designed to support the activities in the Active & Balance Program, ensuring guests receive the right caloric intake to fuel their day.
Though some of the dishes on the menu initially seemed a bit unfamiliar, we were pleasantly surprised by how flavorful they were. Given that our activities were relatively light, we found ourselves feeling quite full after each course. If we could suggest one improvement, it would be to replace the heavier soup with a nourishing bone broth for a lighter, yet equally rich option. The great thing about the menu is that it changes daily, so we had the chance to sample a variety of delicious, well-balanced meals throughout our stay.
Each day we would receive our daily menu which was helpful to know
Carbohydrates are part of the meal plan given the loss of calories a guest undergoes in this particular program.
The meal was surprisingly good, but we had hoped for it to be a bit lighter as each dish felt quite heavy.
On some mornings, we even brought little pastries back into our rooms and decided to stay in and watch a netflix show
A highlight for me is always that morning coffee and a stunning view
Our Programme
The next phase of our journey led us to the Black Tortoise Path, a day dedicated to the water element. This element, when blocked, can lead to lower back pain, feelings of inadequacy, and even panic attacks. The Black Tortoise Path focuses on realigning and re-centering energy that becomes scattered during stressful times. My treatment began in the serene salt grotto—a tranquil, dark space designed for meditation, purification, and recovery. As I settled in, I felt an immediate sense of calm, and within minutes, I found myself drifting off into a peaceful doze. After 15 minutes of deep relaxation, I was escorted to my next treatment: a full-body scrub made from mineral-rich salt harvested from the Val di Genova Valley.
This treatment is ideal for anyone looking to quickly detox and reset their body, and I highly recommend it for those in need of a revitalizing cleanse. Following the scrub, I experienced the Black Tortoise Energy Massage, which works to nourish and rebalance the energy lines that support the body's structure.
The final day of my wellness journey introduced me to the Red Phoenix Path, an experience centered around the element of Fire. When this energy flow is blocked, it can manifest as agitation, palpitations, and even sleep disturbances. To begin, I had the Red Phoenix Massage, which utilizes traditional Chinese massage techniques to clear the energy lines. This was, without a doubt, one of the most relaxing massage experiences I’ve had, and I truly appreciated my therapist’s expertise in guiding the treatment. After the massage, I took some time to enjoy the resort’s stunning facilities before my final session: sauna stretching. This unique experience took place in a Finnish sauna, where I was guided through gentle stretches by an expert personal trainer. The addition of essential oils during the session enhanced the relaxation and helped open up my body’s energy pathways. Once the stretching session was over, I was encouraged to plunge into the ice pool to close the practice and allow my body to recover fully. It was a truly revitalizing and innovative experience—one I’ll be eager to try again.
As my best friend was in her second trimester, the hotel were able to adapt her treatment based on her pregnancy. She got to enjoy some light massages without any heat-related activities such as the use of saunas and jacuzzi’s.
Our Final Thoughts
Overall, Lefay’s Active & Balance Programme might seem a bit overwhelming at first, especially when you receive your itinerary. However, once you have your personal consultation and introduction, and after experiencing the first few sessions, the program’s philosophy begins to make sense. Rooted in both Chinese and Western wellness practices, it aims to create a harmonious balance throughout your stay by aligning your energy with the five elements. Each day starts with a 3-hour cardiovascular activity, followed by a restorative detox and relaxation session at the resort.
As you work through the treatments, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore Lefay’s outstanding wellness facilities and fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings of the Dolomites. It’s the perfect place for a quick mountain getaway, combining luxurious accommodations with expert wellness programs. Here, you can unwind, rejuvenate, shed a few pounds, and ultimately leave feeling recharged, restored, and rebalanced.
Needless to say, my best friend and I returned to London, refreshed and ready to tackle our daily chaos.
