Nestled on the Brescia shores of Lake Garda lies Camping della Colombaia, one of the hospitality facilities that, in recent years, has focused the most on renewal—completely transforming its structure to meet modern, high-quality standards of service and sustainability. At the heart of this transformation is the installation of next-generation mobile homes built by Crippaconcept.
This journey was strongly championed by Dr. Valentina Beretta, the young daughter of long-time owner Dr. Mario Beretta. In 2020, Valentina decided to take over the family business, which had until then been run in a traditional manner, to breathe new life into it.
Valentina Beretta
“My father inherited the campsite along with his brothers. It was originally purchased by my grandfather in the 1950s from local farmers who considered the lakefront land to be of ‘lesser value’ compared to plots further inland,” Valentina explains. “We come from a family of pharmacists—I’m one too—and the campsite was never our main business. In the beginning, it was leased to a Dutch team who mostly catered to their fellow countrymen arriving in tents and caravans. In the 1970s, management returned to the family, and we began targeting Italian guests. Until 2020, the campsite paid for itself thanks to the long-term residents. But when we decided to buy out my aunt’s shares and become majority owners, we realized it was time to renovate.
Becoming a mother also shifted my perspective. Although I was still fully engaged in managing our two pharmacies, I began to imagine a new future for this place—one that could become an opportunity for my son. That inspired me to push for a fresh direction.
The Van de Loo family became mentors during this transition—Loek and Leonardo offered invaluable advice. But the real turning point came with meeting Sergio Redaelli from Crippaconcept, who, Valentina says, “gave us the courage to change and helped us understand the real costs and infrastructural implications of installing mobile homes.”
Camping della Colombaia: a privileged location with breathtaking views
Located in Padenghe sul Garda, Camping della Colombaia covers three hectares of terraced land that offers stunning lake views from most accommodations. These natural terraces became a focal point in Valentina’s vision when deciding where to place the mobile homes.
Today, the site boasts around one hundred mobile homes, all with the same exterior design for a uniform and harmonious look. Inside, however, the homes vary in size, layout, and features depending on their area of the campsite—each thoughtfully tailored to meet different needs.
“The topography of this campsite is quite unique,” explains Valentina, “because we have nine terraces overlooking the lake, which on one hand provide pitches with breathtaking views, and on the other hand create a slope that we’ve had to manage with stairways and small steps connecting the higher and lower areas. This slope posed some challenges when it came to placing the mobile homes, but with determination and the right equipment, we overcame the difficulties without major issues.
Another distinctive feature of the area is the presence of more than 500 olive trees, which we have preserved—some have been incorporated into the verandas, while others were replanted in more suitable areas, helping us create high-quality green spaces.
Choosing to change direction and focus on welcoming guests in mobile homes confronted us with many new and unfamiliar challenges. But we faced them with tenacity, always finding solutions that were consistent with our desire to innovate, while showing deep respect for the surrounding environment.”
The site is now divided into zones based on the types of maxicaravans and the services associated with them. The Top Hill area features shaded spots surrounded by trees; the Garden Spa section includes 26 units with private Jacuzzis; and numerous other types are designed for families or groups of friends, ranging from 30 to 44 square meters.
Among the highlights are the Evo Green and Next Generation models, each offering distinct interior designs that guests love for their home-like feel and high-end amenities. The campsite is also extremely dog-friendly, offering special accommodations like the Villa Spa Dog, the crown jewel of pet-friendly lodging.
“From the very start of renovations,” Valentina continues, “we prioritized comfort with spacious 40 sqm mobile homes. The Villa Spa Dog is a real private villa with a garden, outdoor hot tub, and stunning lake views. It’s fully fenced, making it perfect for dogs and small children alike. Our focus has always been on families, so early investments included a restaurant, pool, and spray park. Two years ago, we added a heated pool with hydromassage corners—perfect even during the cooler seasons.”
In addition to mobile homes, the campsite also features several Trend Lodge tents located on lower terraces close to the lake. While the beach is public, the site offers a private dock for boats and dinghies. During summer, guests can enjoy various water sports like SUP.
These activities enrich an already comprehensive offering—one that is constantly evolving thanks to Valentina Beretta and Director Elena Ghidinelli, who are tirelessly working on new, innovative ideas.
“We reopened the newly renovated campsite in April 2021, right after the Covid lockdowns,” says Valentina. “We didn’t know what to expect, only what we had left behind. It was a real gamble. I’m thankful to my father for standing by me. Now, when I see what we’ve built—thanks to years of investment, learning from scratch, and collaborating with industry leaders like Crippaconcept—I can say we’re proud. Our clientele now consists mostly of high-spending North Europeans. Still, I feel there’s so much more to do. This is just the beginning. Elena and I brainstorm every day—it’s a real passion, a deep love for this place, and a long-term vision I’m determined to pursue. I’m sure my son will one day appreciate it.”
Working alongside such bold and determined entrepreneurs is undoubtedly inspiring—even for a company like Crippaconcept, whose mission is grounded in innovation.
And a final curiosity: the campsite takes its name from the small central tower known as “La Colombaia”, once a departure point for carrier pigeons used to communicate between local feudal territories.
Just like the pigeons once carried messages from La Colombaia to faraway lands, today this place serves as a launchpad for new ideas and projects—because every meaningful venture begins with someone brave enough to look beyond.
