Here are five gorgeous places to stay on the Mediterranean island that get our seal of approval…
This is the best time to enjoy Sardinia – when the crowds are departing after peak holiday time and conditions are still inviting. Visitors can expect warm, sunny weather (from 25°C to 35°C), balmy evenings and sandy beaches flanked by rocky outlets.
Its rural regions have been dubbed Europe’s “little Sahara” because of their surreal sci-fi landscapes, where Sardinian deer and turtle hatchings are familiar sights. The island lends itself to activity holidays such as horseback riding through the dunes, or Mad Max-style quad bike excursions. Those in the know enjoy wine tastings on the Costa Verde, or celebrity spotting on the Costa Smeralda, which was made famous by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who, with other investors during the 1960s, developed the coastline into an upscale resort destination.
For the yachting crowd, (who drop anchor in Portofino, Capri and St Tropez), Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda is an essential part of any jet-setting summer holiday. However, you don’t have to have your own yacht to enjoy some sailing excursions as there are so many charters. Do try to visit La Maddelena archipelago, famous for its islands, and isolated beaches including the pink sandy Spaggia Rosa on the island of Budelli. The Isola dei Gabbiani is famous for its windsurfing and other pursuits from fishing to kayaking and scuba diving.
What I like most about Sardinia is its rustic charm and beaches. Liscia Ruja, known as Long Beach, is named after the reddish white sand, while Principe beach, was so named because it was the favourite beach of Prince Karim Aga Khan. North of the village of Romazzino, the sheltered shores and shallow waters of Romazzino beach are popular for families, while La Celvia is known as a celebrity haunt with restaurants, bars and sun beds set along this beautiful long stretch of white sand.
Nikki Beach
Another celebrity favourite is Nikki Beach, in the Cala Petra Ruja. It epitomises the fun and laid-back atmosphere of the island. It’s only accessible by boat but if you don’t have your own they organise shuttles from Cala di Volpe.
One hotel which has done much to perpetuate the allure of Sardinia, especially for families, is the Forte Village Resort & Villas, in southern Sardinia. Set on 50 hectares of sub-tropical gardens, it comprises 13 villas, eight luxury hotels and 40 suites with views of the pristine coastline and neighbouring mountains. It has a reputation for being a sporty resort where guests can receive professional training from experts to acquire skills for the future and potentially ignite new-found passions or to simply have fun with the family. Don’t worry, though, there are plenty of other relaxing hotels to enjoy on the island.
Here’s my top five:
Abi d’Oru
This luxe hotel is on the Costa Smeralda, close to marine parks, harbour towns and the film locations for Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid. The hotel is family-oriented and fans out like a collection of villas, a stone’s throw from the sandy beaches of Marinella. In fact, it’s the only hotel in the area with its own private beach club and gazebos. Other highlights include its newly renovated outdoor pool and its exclusive Spa with sauna, Turkish bath, ice waterfall and relaxation area. There are also three restaurants and a selection of bars to enjoy an aperitif at sunset or after dinner drinks. The hotel’s Bee Happy kid’s club is well equipped and the hotel team can arrange e-bike hire, windsurfing and sailing and snorkelling expeditions around the Capo Figari. Nearby attractions include the charming towns of Porto Rotondo and San Pantaleo and the stunning islands of Mortorio and Mortoriotto, part of La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, as well the Marine Protected Area of Tavolara. www.hotelabidoru.it
Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat
This inland agriturismo has been a labour of love and was established by a former pro golfer. The stazzo or stables were abandoned for half a century and are now fully restored as stylishly decorated standalone suites. This is a good base from which to explore the islands of La Maddalena and Corsica as well as the rural towns and coastal villages. The Costa Smeralda is less than half an hour away. The hotel team can arrange yoga sessions, wine tastings, cookery and painting lessons as well as horse-riding. The owner can help guests with their golf swings and also hosts live jazz nights during which he serves traditional Sardinian mirto (blackberry liqueur). www.gallicantu.it
Le Dune Piscinas
This isolated, beachfront retreat is on the island’s southwest coast. Its rooms and suites are designed to reflect the landscape and are a nod to the region’s mining past – with sandblasted marble floors, original wooden beams, wrought-iron bed frames punctuated with stunning artworks from the owner’s collection. Some suites open directly onto dunes, where guests have the chance to spot Sardinian deer at sunset while sipping on Negronis, from I Gechi American bar. The hotel has a private sandy beach, accessed by a wooden walkway and it has 28 parasols and twin sun loungers – one for each room at the hotel. The cool, minimalist Il Ginepro restaurant is the main one for breakfast and dinner, though other options include Rosso Tramonte in the evening where the chef’s table is a highlight and Il Maestrale beach bar for seafront dining. www.ledunepiscinas.com
Petra Segreta Resort & Spa
This adults-only hotel is a hamlet of tiny traditional stone houses tucked away on five hectares of forest comprised of oaks and juniper bushes. It has a stunning sea view, overlooking Olbia’s beaches and a nature-inspired spa as well as gourmet cuisine (it’s a member of Relais & Chateaux). Head chef Luigi Bergeretto places a priority on local ingredients sourced from the hotel’s organic kitchen garden and farm which are served in the Michelin-star Il Fuoco Sacro restaurant. The hotel has its own goat herd which produces organic cheeses.
For beach bunnies, La Celvia beach is a short drive from the hotel – it’s a hip haunt where celebrities, “men in finance” and politicos like to relax. Don’t leave without visiting the local Sant Pantaleo market on Thursdays, to stock up on Sardinian olives, sausage and sun-dried tomatoes.www.relaischateaux.com
7Pines Resort Sardinia
This newly revamped 76-room resort (part of Destination by Hyatt) overlooks the rocky cove of Cala Bitta on the north-east coast of Sardinia. It’s vibe is laid-back luxury with an emphasis on fine dining experiences. Guests can dine at Capogiro, where its panoramic terrace overlooks the sea, while enjoying one of the new tasting menus created by head chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio. More casual is Spazio, the resort’s new pasta and pizzeria concept in partnership with Franco Pepe (of world-famous Piazzola). Worth trying is culurgiones – a stuffed pasta unique to Sardinia which is similar to dumplings or ravioli.
During the day, the hotel provides a great base for scuba diving and water sports or exploring nearby Porto Cervo. If you prefer to “flop and drop” the complex has gorgeous gardens to wander, a Pure Seven Spa and a multi-sports area for on trend padel, tennis and basketball. www.7pines.com
And …
If you are tempted by a cruise, why not book a seven-night “Highlights of Sardinia including Alghero & Costa Smeralda”, which departs from Cork on October 9. Guests will discover the walled town of Alghero as well as Bosa – a quaint medieval town with cobbled streets and paint-box houses. Other day trips include Costa Smeralda and the picturesque towns of Castelsardo and Sassari. There’s also plenty of free time to explore the Sardinia at your own pace. Prices cost from €1,479 per person with flights, accommodation, half-board, transfers and guide included. www.traveldepartment.com