Interested in holistic subjects since a young age, Monica Mescoli, spa manager at Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda first joined the spa as a therapist in 2009. Earning several diplomas in Western massage techniques, Mescoli has long been passionate about the human body and psychosomatic subjects. In 2011, she earned a degree in naturopathy. With a growing passion for classical Chinese medicine, she began studying with Dr. Corradin and at the Shenti Association for five years. She specialized in Tui Na and collaborated with the medical team to create the Lefay Spa Method treatments. Upon passing the necessary exams, Mescoli progressed from junior therapist to a senior therapist, then trainer, and finally Lefay Spa Method manager. After six years, she gained further experience in the five-star spa sector in Milan and on Lake Garda. She continued her studies at business school, graduating with a degree in business coaching and as an NLP practitioner. She then worked as a consultant for cosmetic and spa companies in Italy until she returned to Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda. Here she shares the role wellness plays in her own life.
What does wellness mean to you?
For me, wellness means being in balance with one’s values, feeling aligned with one’s desires, and respecting one’s connection with nature.
What are your favorite things to do to maintain your personal wellbeing?
Rest—first and foremost mental rest—giving the mind a break, listening to one’s inner self, spending time in nature, and experiencing it through the senses: its scents, colors, temperatures, breezes, and rhythms. And then going underwater, focusing on hearing and listening to the sounds of that world.
Is there a specific fitness activity that you love and why?
Walking, mainly, because moving the body at a pace closest to that of the mind helps calm anxiety and overthinking. Walking outdoors is especially important to me. I live by Lake Garda and consider myself very fortunate for this. When possible, I love snorkeling. It brings me peace and joy. I love watching fish move, search, and hide in their world.
What is your favorite healthy food, and do you have a favorite way of preparing it?
I love vegetables, especially raw when well prepared, combined, and seasoned properly. And why not risotto with vegetables? I find it heavenly. Vegetables are simple yet very complex: their preparation, washing, cooking, cutting. All of this takes time, which makes simple, healthy food even more precious for our wellbeing.
What is the best piece of wellness advice you have ever received and from whom?
Perhaps I’ll disappoint those expecting great gurus’ advice, but the best advice I ever received came from my family. My parents are not perfect human beings, but the combination of their teachings introduced me to wellness. My father was extremely sporty, both physically and mentally active. My mother was attentive to health, curious, and focused on preventive care to avoid problems later in life. A blend of gentleness and determination, strength and setbacks followed by resilience, training, and personal fulfilment. And the word most often used was “forward,” not dwelling too much on events but moving “forward.”
What do you think is the most exciting wellness innovation you have recently discovered?
The power of the mind in everything, especially in wellbeing. I don’t believe true wellness exists without a strong and conscious mental intention. The mind guides perception and often distorts reality negatively—so why not project it positively instead? This does not mean the absence of suffering or anger, but rather the choice of how we want to feel and doing our best to support that choice.
What is your idea of balanced healthy happiness?
Feeling it within. When we learn to listen to ourselves, understand ourselves, and make peace with our darker sides—accepting and forgiving them. We simply need to live and observe ourselves from the outside.
Often, when I am with others—because I love sharing—I find myself observing the moment from the outside: a sunset, dear friends, a good glass of wine, a warm atmosphere, harmony between people. I feel a deep inner serenity that makes me almost wants to stop time. In those moments I stay, I observe everything from the outside, and I tell myself: “I am truly happy.” We need to say it to ourselves sometimes, otherwise, we don’t train our brain to recognize that emotion as real.
What do you think is the most overused word or words in wellness?
The word “balance.” In truth, I believe it is the challenge of a lifetime. It is simple in form, but complex in action.
What is your favorite place for a healthy vacation or escape?
The sea—on a boat or not—but always in contact with water.
Is there a particular wellness company or brand that truly impresses you with their efforts and why?
Lefay Spa, because it was a pioneer of a deeper concept of wellness, moving beyond the idea of personal services and instead embracing a profound understanding of the self—starting from where each person’s path to wellbeing begins, which is unique for everyone.
What is your go-to for de-stressing?
Breathing, listening to restorative sounds, and using essential oils that feel aligned with the moment.
What wellness-related books or authors do you recommend, and why?
I have several books that have shaped my life and gradually influenced who I am today. I recommend: The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle, Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek, Ikigai by Yumi Takeuchi, The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life by Robin Sharma, and Who Moved My Cheese? An A-mazing Way to Deal With Change in Your Work and In Your Life by Spencer Johnson.
How do you celebrate small victories?
First of all, I always celebrate them. My father taught me this—both for sports and school achievements—and I have carried it forward. He used to firmly shake my hand to congratulate me; now I do the same with myself, looking myself in the eyes in the mirror. Then I celebrate with the people most important to me, with a toast or a refined dinner in a special setting.
What brings you joy?
Life itself and the connection with human beings, whether guests or an amazing work team.
