Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, overlooking Lake Garda in Italy, has created a series of gourmet events throughout December.   The luxury eco spa resort is beginning with an 80s-inspired event to celebrate the feast of St Ambrose on 7 December followed by Christmas and New Year with the finest Italian food and traditions.

80's Throw Back

In the mid 1980's, Milan was the centre of the world's fashion industry.  It was a city of extravagant parties where famous names in the worlds of fashion, finance and football met in cocktail bars and restaurants, creating a rich celebrity party scene. Lefay Resort has teamed up with Ceresio 7, the cult restaurant and Amercan Bar in Milan to recreate the excitement of the time with an 80's gourmet evening.  The event is taking place on 7 December to celebrate the Feast of St Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan.

Luca Pardini, co owner and master barman at Ceresio 7, will mix four fabulously Italian cocktails  using Campari, Sanbitter, Amaro Ramazzotti and Fernet Branca.  Dinner created by Lefay's Executive Chef, Matteo Maenza and Elio Sironi, Executive Chef at Ceresio 7 will recreate the flavours of the 80s with a modern twist.  Dishes include Cauliflower Mornay with anchovies, Taggia olives and broccoli rabe and Truffle 'Cappelletti', San Secondo ham and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Three nights at Lefay including breakfast and the event on 7 December costs £464 (Euros 590) per person.  The price includes one Lefay Spa Method signature massage and one session in the saltwater lake.  Flights are excluded.

A Gastronomic Italian Christmas at Lefay

Celebrations begin on Christmas Eve with mulled wine and spiced biscuits and music from the 'zampognari' bagpipe players in traditional dress.

Dinner on Christmas Eve is an authentic Italian menu, with dishes including scallops Carpaccio with Oscietra caviar and risotto with prawns, herbs and 'Toma ai tre latti' cheese.  After dinner, the celebrations continue with Christmas carols, gospel music and gifts from Santa Claus.

On Christmas Day, guests will experience a five course tasting menu for lunch, with traditional Italian dishes such as scampi tartare, 'Venise' caviar and burrata cheese, duck foie gras, lychees and lemon from the village of Gargnano on the shores of Lake Garda and tortellini stuffed with Fassona beef and broth.

Three nights at Lefay over Christmas costs £385 (Euros 490) per person including breakfast and the traditional Christmas eve dinner and Christmas lunch.  The price includes one relaxing candle massage and one session in the saltwater lake. Flights are excluded.

A Taste of Italy on New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, the celebrations begin with champagne, oysters and appetisers, accompanied by live music at the Lounge Bar, which has views overlooking Lake Garda.  A gala dinner follows with a six-course gourmet menu served with the finest Italian wines. 

The menu includes lobster, Parmigiano Reggiano, 'Vacche Rosse' mayonnaise and traditional balsamic vinegar, guinea fowl terrine, foie gras Royale, red chicory from Treviso and pomegranate reduction and homemade ravioli stuffed with pecorino cheese from Pienza, watercress eggnog and black truffle. As the New Year begins, the party continues in the Lounge Bar with music and a traditional 'good-luck' buffet.

Three nights at Lefay over New Year costs £778  (Euros 990) per person including breakfast, the Gala Dinner (excluding drinks) and a traditional Italian lunch of 'Capodanno'. The price includes one relaxing massage using the essences of Lake Garda and one session in the salt water lake.  Flights are excluded.

For reservations visit www.lefayresorts.com.

Notes to editors

Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda is set in 27 acres of woodland and olive groves in the Alto Garda National Park overlooking Lake Garda. The resort features five different types of sauna; a salt water lake for flotation therapies; a state-of-the-art gym; and outdoor and indoor swimming pools.  

The resort has developed its own Lefay Spa Method with treatments and therapies dedicated to restoring balance, improving energy levels and achieving overall wellbeing by combining the preventative approach of classical Chinese medicine and modern Western techniques.

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