I was sent on my first work trip with Travelwise this year, a little nervous of what sort of experience I might have. As it turns out, there was no running around like a headless chicken! Sardinia is a beautiful sanctuary of blue waters and winding mountain paths. Up until now I had only been to Italy for skiing, so this was a pleasant way to see a much sunnier side to a beautiful country.
On arrival we had time only for introductions and a “light” dinner… four courses later I was finally able to check into my hotel room. We stayed first in the Cala Dei Lepre which is a lovely family friendly resort with spacious rooms and yet more wonderful food. The beach at this hotel was quite wide with the hotel having its own sun loungers and parasols reserved for hotel guests only, making it perfect for those with families to relax on the golden expanse without being on top of each other. The next morning, along with a death defying golf buggy ride, we began our exploration.
One important thing to note when travelling to Sardinia is that it is a very beautiful and natural paradise, however, it is also full of hills which meant that all the hotels and towns I visited were accompanied by many steps and hills to negotiate so it may not be best for anyone with small children or walking difficulties (however that meant I racked up a lot of steps on my counter meaning all the amazing food was well earned!).
During our first few days we were staying in the Palau area and visited some lovely hotels, each suitable for different kinds of holiday makers. There are beautiful Italian 5* hotels as well family friendly resorts and apartments on lush, green hillsides. Everything is very natural and picturesque and due to the hilly terrain of Sardinia, you are never far from a stunning view and prime photograph opportunity!
If I was to pick a favourite hotel, it would be the Capo d’Orso Hotel Thalasso & Spa in Palau. It is a couples retreat and the perfect escape for some time together with a loved one of a small group of friends to enjoy a luxury retreat in a stunning location. There are seemingly endless amounts of little alcoves scattered around the hotel with hammocks and sun loungers, nestled amongst the trees and on little bathing platforms on the hillsides plus wooden pontoons over the sea. The hotel had an abundance of beaches to choose from, all beautifully golden and inviting. We even took a short walk down a trodden path to get to a small secluded bay where there was not a soul in sight making it my favourite beach of the trip. There was a lovely, serene atmosphere within the hotel, never rushed, always peaceful, that I really loved. Yet another four course meal later and I enjoyed, in my opinion, the best food of my trip. Fresh fish, shell fish and pasta in endless quantities kept me very quiet and content. They have an alfresco restaurant shaded by trees with little twinkly fairy lights intertwined in the branches that would make for a beautiful evening setting. This is the hotel I will be looking to return to when I go on my own holiday to Sardinia.
On our last few days we travelled onto the area of Isola Rossa, about an hour drive from Palau. My favourite thing about this area was the beautiful beaches where I spent all of my free time, soaking up as much sun as I could get. We stayed here in the Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & Spa with its very impressive spa that stands at just over 2500m2 which is currently the largest spa in the Mediterranean.
The rooms were a nice size and I was very impressed with the décor which boasts a very traditional Italian style with a modern flair.
I really enjoyed my time here and they were very accommodating throughout our stay, even when our return flight home was cancelled and we had to stay for an extra night (I wasn’t too disappointed!). Needless to say, I spent my extra unexpected day sunning myself on the large, sandy beach across the road from the hotel. Before dinner I took an evening stroll along the wide sandy beach to watch the setting sun.
All in all, Sardinia is a stunning retreat of winding mountain roads, cobbled streets and clear bluewaters. If relaxation and sun is your goal I would highly recommend Sardinia as a destination to consider. I came home having eaten my body weight in delicious food, with the best tan I’ve ever had and a sense of contentment from having had such a wonderful time in a stunning country.
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