Lefay, situated in the heart of the Dolomites is a luxury wellness resort that fuses nature, space, silence and discreet service to offer its guests a wholesome respite from their busy lives. With 5000 square meters of stunning wellness spaces overlooking the Dolomites in addition to a very comprehensive treatment menu, Lefay has managed to redefine the concept of luxury through the wellness lens.
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 anyone 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.
On arrival to Lefay there's no doubt that one will be captivated by the remarkable views of the Dolomites, even by the lack of snow. As you enter the main lobby, you’re greeted by the very hospitable staff who take you to the very inviting Lounge Bar where they offer you refreshments and the opportunity to relax before escorting you to your room. We had the pleasure of staying in their Family Suite - a generous space consisting of two separate bedrooms and bathrooms, perfect for families that want that space and privacy. The Family Suite offers pure relaxation and comfort and contains all the features you would expect at a five-star property. Families will enjoy the amenities and the direct access to their own private terrace.
For those seeking a full R&R experience, Lefay has designed a unique program that requires only three nights. The program, also known as the Active & Balance is for those wanting to realign their health and nutrition through a dedicated itinerary that involves cardio-intense activities combined with full body therapeutic treatments. Each day, the program focuses one one of the Chinese elements and their accompanying energies, as a result, treatments and facilities are tailored towards the program a guest will have for that day.
Before undergoing the program, client's are given a detailed introductory to their itinerary in addition to a full consultation to understand one's current lifestyle and the goals that they would like to achieve. The first night gives guests a chance to fully relax and make use of Lefay's remarkable and beautiful facilities - the indoor sports pool covered in tonalite is the perfect place to fully unwind and perhaps get a few laps in, whilst the indoor and outdoor heated pool overlooking the mountains is a real site to behold. There’s the aquatic area replete with a large whirlpool that recalls ancient spas, in addition to Lefay's unique salt-water lake and grotto located in their mineral section of their spa grounds.
The Active and Balance Program commenced with the Black Tortoise path which is essentially a program based on the water element. This particular element, if obstructed, causes lower back pain, feelings of inadequacy and even panic attacks. The path of the Black Tortoise refocuses and gathers dissipated energy in times of stress. This program's treatment begin's with a visit to the salt grotto - a dark and relaxing enclave dedicated to meditation, purification , rest and recovery. Once you've been in here for 15 minutes you're taken for your first full body treatment consisting of a scrub enriched with trace elements and salt from the Val di Genova valley. This is then followed by the Black Tortoise Energy Massage which helps to nourish and rebalance the energy lines that reinforce the body’s structure. The Black Tortoise program is a truly detoxifying session and one that we highly recommend for those wanting to recalibrate and rebalance their lifestyle over a short period of time.
As part of the programme, guests are also put on the Lefay Spa Menu, which has been designed to follow a particular set of criteria: seasonality, high quality, the relationship between carbohydrates, fats and proteins, the relationship between Yin/Yang, the harmony of the 5 flavours, without neglecting the importance of fibers. The menus have been put together to guarantee an adequate caloric intake for carrying out the activities envisaged by the Active & Balance Program.
Although some of the items on the menu didn’t sound as appealing, guests will be very pleased to know that the dishes are very flavourful, innovative and nutritious. The menu also changes daily and guests are of course allowed to order side dishes from the main menu should they feel like it.
On the final day of the Active and Balance Program, guests are introduced to the Red Phoenix Path which is associated with the element of Fire. When this flow of energy is obstructed, symptoms such as agitation, palpitations and sleep disorders may be experienced. The day begins with a cardiovascular activity up the mountains which lasts for approximately three hours, after which, guests on the program will undergo the Red Phoenix Massage which is carried out using Chinese massage techniques and works on the energy lines. This was perhaps one of the most relaxing massage treatments experienced.
The final activity on the program was a real highlight: sauna stretching. This was such a new and unique experience as it consisted of light stretches inside a Finnish sauna. The session is carried out by an expert personal trainer who guides you through each stretch whilst adding different essential oils during the workout. Once the session is over, you’re advised to go into the ice pool so that your body gets a chance to recover.
Overall, Lefay’s Active & Balance Programme can seem confusing at first particularly when you first receive your itinerary. However, once you’ve had your personal consultation and introduction and once you’ve undergone the session, you’ll come to a greater understanding of how they’ve put this program together based on the Chinese elements. . It tries to encourage wholesome balance throughout your stay using Chinese and Western philosophy by starting each day with a cardiovascular activity for approximately 3 hours before heading back to the resort for a full-on detox/relaxing session. As you undergo each treatment, you’re also able to discover all of the wonderful wellness facilities on site and really appreciate and take in the Dolomites. This is the ideal place to come to for a short break up in the mountains where luxury living and expert wellness programmes combine, allowing you to completely decompress, perhaps shed a few pounds and ultimately feel like you’ve regained your lost energy.
