Montecolo Resort

This development has a lot going for it. The modern and well-equipped apartments are ranged on a hillside around a pool complex overlooking the lake. The centrepiece of the development is an infinity style pool complex with a separate safe area for children and plenty of lounger space on a wide terrace which was drenched in summer sunshine while we were there in August. We also know the place to be dog friendly since we had been given clearance to bring ours although, as it happened, she had to stay home because we had failed to keep her rabies vaccination in date. The grounds are well maintained and include a play area, football pitch and walking paths through some wooded areas. It's a bit of a stretch to call it a resort: the Italian description of Residenza seems more apt: perhaps condominium might be a better translation. There are a couple of exercise rooms and common areas but no restaurant or bar facilities on site unless you count the self-service drinks machines. The guest booklet in our apartment was full of rules and regulations for managing the garbage and using the pool including an apparent closure for three hours in the middle of the day. The main Italian words used in the instructions were 'vietato' and 'obligatorio'. Happily, the draconian rules were honoured principally in the breach and overseen with sensible tolerance by the lifeguards. Early evening closure of the pools did not seem to deter anyone from making continued use of the pools by the simple expedient of climbing over the gate. That also seemed to be the time of day to ignore the topless rule. We would agree with Stefano's Tripadvisor assessment that the resort is generally quiet, ideal for families or simply for chilling out. We also agree that Salo is an excellent lakeside town to visit and would also add a recommendation for the Parco Termale di Garda which is a little further away but well worth the trip. Despite the implications in some of the promotional literature, Montecolo is not actually on the lake and it's a good quarter of an hour uphill hike from the small stoney beach at Dusano where the bar and restaurant are frankly rather average but friendly enough. Montecolo is some way outside of the hill town of Manerba and we would think that a car is essential unless you are a cyclist in training for the Giro d'Italia or content just to soak up the sun for a week or more. There is adequate parking on site but not directly next to the apartments: we had to lug our baggage up some two dozen steep steps and along a walkway from the car to the house.

Montecolo Resort is a new high quality development of apartments with stunning views over lake Garda. The apartment we stayed in was beautifully furnished, with a washing machine and dishwasher. There was also ample car parking The resort has a magnificent large pool with a separate pool for the kids and a large sunbathing terrace. The resort is quiet and ideal for families or those wishing to chill out. I would recommend hiring a car to go shopping or visit other lake resorts. There are bars and restaurants within walking distance in Port Dusano - the food was excellent. We also visited Salo which was beautiful. All in all I would strongly recommend this resort and area for a great holiday.