Lake Iseo is one of the four great lakes in the Lombardia (Lombardy) region of northern Italy. It is situated at the southern foot of the Alps between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia.
Though not as popular with tourists as Lake Garda or Lake Como, Lake Iseo is actually where those in the know go to experience the gorgeous landscapes of Lombardy’s lakes without the crowds or the high price tags.
If you are one of the more discerning travellers to Italy’s Lake District and you are planning on staying in Lake Iseo (Lago D’iseo), then you’ll want a hotel that makes the most of the stunning scenery. The Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa is one such place.
Disclaimer: this was a press trip organised by the Visit Lake Iseo tourist board and Visit Brescia and Visit Bergamo. I did not have to pay for my accommodation or food. However, this is an honest account of my experience and all opinions expressed are my own.
Click here to read my Lake Iseo travel guide.
Located in Sarnico a comune in the Province of Bergamo, the Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa is about 20 kilometres east of Bergamo at the southern end of Lake Iseo. Positioned on the lakeshore, the Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa has stunning, sweeping views of the sparkling water and lush surroundings. Unless you sleep on a raft, you can’t get any closer to the water.
The hotel’s proximity to Lake Iseo is one of the main reasons to stay here, but that’s not the only reason. The hotel also has a terrific roof terrace with a large pool overlooking the lake. It is exactly the type of glamorous setting you’d picture your Italian Lake holiday having. Sun loungers full of bronze bodies, pastel-coloured cocktails, shimmering blue waters – it’s a throwback to the vibrant, bon vivant days of la dolce vita.
Just in case the lake and the terrace pool don’t supply enough wet and wild fun, there is also a fabulous heated indoor pool complete with hydro-massage, air pool circuit, massage fountains and hydromassage chaises longues. It’s pure bliss!
As the hotel’s name suggests, there is also a spa. If you know me, you know I love thermal suites and this one is a good one. It has a sauna, bio-sauna, Turkish bath, chromotherapy showers, a Kneipp path, bi-thermal tunnel, a scrub and savonnage area and a relaxation area.
There are also lots of lovely treatments to help you relax and recharge and feel rejuvenated. I had a 30-minute full-body Royal Thai massage where I was pummelled into submission and sublime relaxation. I felt brand new when I rolled off the massage table.
With incredible facilities like this, you really do feel like you are away on holiday. It is a real treat to have an outdoor and indoor pool and Thai spa at your disposal. You’ll feel totally pampered and won’t need a holiday to recover after your holiday.
When it comes to the rooms, one of the best things is the size. They are huge with the biggest beds I’ve ever seen in a hotel. I know European hotels have a reputation for having poky little rooms but this is most definitely not the case here. With lots of closet space, a large desk and a sitting area, these bedrooms will not feel cluttered or claustrophobic no matter how much luggage you bring or how long you stay.
Another reason for booking this Lake Iseo hotel is that the rooms have big balconies with gorgeous views over the lake. Sitting here, sipping an espresso in the morning listening to the birds as the sun rises is a wonderful way to start your day and exactly what an Italian lake holiday should involve.
As for the practicalities, well, the room has lots of wardrobe space, a microwave, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar, safe, tv with English channels, really good wifi, robes, slippers, lots of towels and a big bathroom with nice toiletries.
The only thing you need to bring is a hairdryer. The ones in the bathrooms here are those that look like a vacuum cleaner stuck to the wall. My sighs are more powerful than the air that limps out of these.
Breakfast is good, not spectacular, but, I did stay here in October at the end of the season, so it is quite possible that the breakfast is a much more lavish affair when there are more guests during the summer months.
There was plenty on offer including hot options like eggs and bacon, cold meats and cheeses, fruit and yoghurt, cereals and a gluten-free section. All pretty standard. However, the real highlight of the breakfast for me was the fresh cakes. Yes, plural! There is a great selection of homemade cakes that kick-started my day with a delicious sugar rush. Having cake for breakfast always makes me feel like I am on holiday. The really great coffee was another highlight of breakfast. Espresso, cappuccino, whatever you want, the staff are only too pleased to make. With big windows in the restaurant, you can eat breakfast whilst enjoying the views of Lake Iseo or sit outside and dine al fresco.
The staff here are super friendly and helpful and very cheery too. Lots of smiles and chat and nothing was too much trouble.
Overall, if you are looking for a lakeside hotel in Lake Iseo with lots of top-rate facilities, the Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa should be top of your list. With two pools, a glamourous sun terrace, a spa, large rooms with balconies and cake for breakfast, it is a hotel that makes you feel like you are really on holiday.
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I highly recommend coming to this hotel and experiencing everything it has to offer for yourself. You won’t regret it.
Thanks for reading my Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa review.
So, what did you think of my Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa review? Have you stayed here or in any other Lake Iseo hotel? Is there anything I left out? I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
If you liked this Cocca Hotel Royal Thai Spa review, you might also like my Lake Iseo Travel Guide. If you are visiting the Lombardy region, have a read of my guide to the best things to do in Brescia and the best things to do in Bergamo. When in the region, drink as much of the local wine as possible. It’s delicious. Learn more about this sparkling Italian wine in my Franciacorta Wine Guide. Then, enjoy a tour and tasting at the Guido Berlucchi Winery where sparkling Franciacorta was invented.
YouIf you’d like to learn more about wine, have a read of my understanding rose wine guide and my rose wine pairing guide.
If you are looking for another hotel with great views, check out my review of the W Hotel in Barcelona.
Looking for more lakeside hotels? Here is my review of the Glenlo Abbey Hotel on the bank of Lough Corrib.
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