15 of the best hotels in Sardinia for a taste of la dolce vita
In Italian, ‘brezza marina’ is a poetic way of calling the salty sea. It’s an expression we use in the Mediterranean, a sensory fragrance that lingers in your hair and clings to your skin, drifting through the air as you live and breathe the coastline, perhaps – if you're lucky enough – from one of the best hotels in Sardinia. It’s how you would describe the coastal part of the island, most notably known as Costa Smeralda, where smooth, sea-sculpted granite boulders, similar to those in the Seychelles, separate the creamy bays from a sea that shimmers in ten distinct shades of blue. The area was ‘discovered’ by Prince Karium Aga Khan IV in the early 1960s; these days, billionaire jet-setters, royals and stars are drawn to this side of the coast.
Other than its waters, Sardinia is characterised by so much wilderness: of fragrant juniper, wild rosemary, and sunburnt myrtle, of an undulated landscape sculpted over time. In the north, the granite coastline of Gallura and Arzachena is carved by centuries of wind and salt, forming surreal boulders that loom like ancient sentinels over turquoise coves. On the north-western side, medieval Alghero has a distinctly Spanish vibe (it was once under the rule of the Catalans), and some of the best restaurants in Sardinia.
The inland treasures include small hamlets such as San Pantaleo, Bosa or Orosei, where Sardinian dialects still echo through narrow lanes. Then there’s the south, where larger cities like Cagliari offer a more dynamic scene, where the city and living by the beach come as one. Whether you're looking to sneak away to the pastel-hued fishermen’s houses of Cala di Volpe or to seek the seclusion of Petra Segreta, tucked into the hills of San Pantaleo, here are a selection of the best hotels in Sardinia to book right now.
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How we choose the best hotels in Sardinia
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.
Hotel Pitrizza
Located along the emerald coastline of Porto Cervo, overlooking the scenic Bay of Liscia di Vacca, Hotel Pitrizza is one of the few remaining icons of Costa Smeralda that seamlessly blends into its surroundings. Its distinctive architecture, inspired by ancient Nuraghi structures, creates the feel of a secluded Sardinian village where granite, wood, marble and wild Mediterranean scrub take precedence. Guests are ferried around by the occasional golf cart, but the pace here is entirely your own. The hotel’s 65 rooms, suites, and private villas are quietly scattered across the juniper-scented landscape, offering a true sense of privacy. Many feature terraces, gardens, or private pools, with the sea never far from view. Interiors are minimalist but warm, with pastel hues and local, custom wood furnishings. Days unfurl slowly here: lounging on the private beach shaded by thatched parasols (best place for watching the sunset), nibbling on light Sardinian dishes, or sipping a chilled glass of Vermentino between swims. As the sun dips, head to The Grill, the hotel’s open-air restaurant, for fresh seafood, wood-grilled meats or pizza baked in the wood fire oven. And if you’re in need of motivation, just peek inside the gym as those panoramic sea views might be all the inspiration you need.
Address: Via la Banchina di Pitrizza, 07021 Liscia di Vacca SS, Italy
Hotel Capo d’Orso
Between the emerald coves of Costa Smeralda and the wild beauty of the La Maddalena Archipelago lies Hotel Capo d’Orso. This resort is a fantastic place for sun-seekers to unwind amidst lush Mediterranean scrub, rocky nooks, translucent waters and thalasso pools. Amidst juniper and myrtle bushes comes a scattering of low-slung terracotta-roofed buildings, floating pontoons, and shady terraces that unfold naturally toward the sea. Originally opened in the 1980s, the hotel has been gently reimagined for modern travellers. Recent updates include elegantly redesigned suites, a cliffside gym carved into the rock, and expanded outdoor spaces made for languid afternoons under the sun. There’s a saltwater pool, a spa specialised in thalassotherapy, open-air massages and a 9-hole Pitch & Putt course. For those seeking a change of scenery (although that’s hard to believe), the hotel offers daily departures to the La Maddalena Archipelago aboard a vintage 1927 wooden sailboat. And come evening, the culinary scene delivers: Il Paguro, a fine-dining restaurant, serves exquisite seafood at the water’s edge overlooking the private marina and Cala Capra beach. L’Île Flottante, floating quite literally on the sea, is perfect for intimate soirées, while Gli Olivastri and L’Approdo are a more casual space for those seeking à la carte selection and freshly baked, Neapolitan-style pizza.
Address: Via Cala Capra, 07020 Capo D'orso SS, Italy
Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, Costa Smeralda
Set between crescent-shaped white sandy bays facing the emerald waters of Costa Smeralda lies Romazzino. This Sardinia hotel was designed in the 1960s by the celebrated architect Michele Busiri Vici, whose emblematic style paints the coast with low-lying whitewashed buildings made of sinuous, curved forms that blend in with the natural landscapes. This is Romazzino’s first season under the helm of Belmond, who commissioned Puglia-based designers Palomba Serafini to spruce up the exteriors with a laid-back, coastal mood that honours the island’s craftsmanship and local materials. There are one hundred rooms and suites, some of which are housed in the main building and featuring balconies or gardens that artfully frame the views of the Mediterranean, while others are in a series of splendid stand-alone villas with private pools. The outdoor spaces are a colourful feast; with fuchsia and bougainvillea climbing the walls and a garden with hydrangeas, hibiscus, and herbs that sprawl out to the private sandy beach lined with loungers and parasols at the water's edge. There are two swimming pools (one salt-water and one fresh-water), an open air gym and a kid’s club for the little ones to play; apparently there’s also a resident tortoise roaming the grounds so keep your eyes out for him. On the culinary front, you can chose between three restaurants but the Sardinian Fregula at beachfront Entú e Mari is a must.
Address: Via Romazzino, 4, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy
Le Dune Piscinas
One hour’s drive from Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, leads to an unspoiled stretch of wild coastline in the island’s southwestern corner. The centrepiece of this 47 km expanse is Le Dune, a 28-room hotel, located on the pale-ochre sands of Piscinas beach. This desert-like area is strongly recognised for its mining tradition, and the hotel stands on the former warehouse of the Ingurtosu mine, one of the most significant in Europe during the 19th century.
Designers Antonio Gardoni and Luca Platto were tasked with reimagining its interiors, achieving a sleek, contemporary aesthetic inspired by the area's coastal surroundings and industrial past. In addition, interiors celebrate Sardinian craftsmanship, with works of artisans like Francesca Frau, known for her intricate wrought iron work, and Mariantonia Urru, who specialises in exquisite traditional tapestries. This thoughtful blend of old and new is evident in the American Bar and lounge, where original stone walls, floors, and a grand fireplace harmonise with bespoke oak and wicker furnishings, complemented by artisanal textiles. Similarly, the rooms and suites thoughtfully introduce local elements; cast iron beds and white linens, harmonise with light, sand-tinted Orosei marble floors, while the walls are characterised by a bas-relief, tone-on-tone pattern that pays tribute to traditional Sardinian designs. At Le Dune, there are two restaurants: casual dining at Il Ginepro, and a more gourmet proposal at Rosso Tramonto, where the walls are entirely painted by Sardinian artist Federico Carta. There is also a gym, a small spa and an outdoor swimming pool.
Address: via Bau, 1, località Piscinas, di, 09031 Ingurtosu SU, Italy
francesco dolfoDue Lune Puntaldia
On the shores of Puntaldìa, in one of the most enchanting corners of Sardinia, home to the Tavolara Protected Marine Area, where Posidonia oceanica meadows and rare marine species thrive, lies Due Lune Puntaldìa Resort & Golf. This coastal retreat was founded in 1978 by Peppino Fumagalli and his wife, who, after a visit to the island, were captivated by its magic: the views over Molara and Tavolara, and the way the moonlight danced across the water at night, inspiring the name Due Lune (“two moons”). The hotel took shape in the 1980s and is now in the hands of the next generation: Peppino’s son Beppe and granddaughter Carolina, who continue the family legacy with a renewed vision. From candlelit dinners under the stars led by Chef Umberto Vezzoli, to mornings that begin with a swim in the crystalline sea or a swing at golf, to evenings spent with an aperitif by the pool or immersed in holistic rituals at the spa, Due Lune redefines the essence of quiet luxury. The resort is light-filled and elegant, dressed in natural Sardinian materials: sun-bleached stone, warm wood, and vibrant fabrics woven with the colours of the island. Recently, five new suites were redesigned in collaboration with Castagna 1939, and this year, the unveiling of the Suite sulla Luna, a collaboration with Teresa Maccapani Missoni, took place. Also new is the resort’s boutique, Caraluna, curated by Carolina Fumagalli and Eva Geraldine Fontanelli. The shop offers a thoughtful selection of Made-in-Italy brands, locally crafted pieces, and vintage treasures, including a curated collection of exclusive objects and vintage numbers personally selected by Teresa Maccapani Missoni herself.
Address: Localita PuntaAldia, 1, 07052 San Teodoro SS, Italy
Hannes KlaegerHotel Albero Capovolto
Located in the northeastern corner of Sardinia, this idyllic location offers a stunning blend of Mediterranean scrub, rugged mountains, and pristine coastlines. The hotel interiors tell a story of the past. It's home to just seven rooms that were once occupied by the owner's parents and siblings. In fact, the property's story is one of family heritage, dating back to the 1970s when Giorgia, a Bolognese fashion designer, and Emmanuel Israelachvili, an Israeli textile producer, fell in love with the landscapes of the Golfo degli Aranci during their honeymoon. Struck by its beauty, they purchased the land and built a holiday home which became the setting for countless cherished memories shared with their five children. Alessandro, the youngest of siblings, transformed it into a boutique hotel to share the beauty of Sardinia with travellers.
Furnishings are thoughtfully repurposed: curtains are crafted from fabrics and embroidery salvaged from their family’s textile business, and vintage trunks sourced from flea markets serve as bedside tables. The setting is tranquil and inviting; the hotel is surrounded by a thoughtfully curated garden, a vegetable patch, an orchard, an olive grove and vineyards. In short, it's ideal for those seeking a serene retreat immersed in nature. Its strong connection to the surrounding landscape extends to its cuisine, where the philosophy centres on using local ingredients. In the morning, the scent of homemade bakes oozes through the air, while at aperitif and dinner, a selection of Sardinian recipes are served under golden sunsets. During the day, guests can unwind by the pool, surrounded by wild olive trees, aromatic herbs, and native blossoms or join one of the wholesome experiences such as spending a day with a beekeeper or learning the art of cheese-making. This is what makes Hotel Albero Capovolto worthy of a spot in the best hotels in Sardinia.
Address: Sardinian Hideaway, Via Su Donnigheddu 13, 07020 Golfo Aranci SS Italy
Casa Clat, Cagliari
This charming Cagliari townhouse, one of two hotels in Sardinia to receive a Michelin key, is the result of the skilful renovation of a historical 19th century palazzo near the central landmark Bastion of Saint Remy. The nine suites, each designed in collaboration with local artists, offer a unique collection of artistic expressions, from monochrome themes to motifs inspired by Sardinian textiles, complemented by designer items such as the Antonio Lupi freestanding bathtub in the Isola Suite. There’s a lovely restaurant on the ground floor with an open kitchen that serves refined seafood and vegetable based dishes á la carte or four and five course tasting menu with the option of wine pairing. Wines can also be tasted in the former horse stable, now a stone-walled cellar. During the warmer seasons the garden is the place to be, with its swimming pool and it’s seated areas for aperitifs and al-fresco dining.
Address: V.le Regina Margherita, 55/57, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italy
Petra Segreta, San Pantaleo
On the heights of San Pantaleo, catching a glimpse of the Gulf of Arzachena is Petra Segreta, a 27-room hideaway surrounded by glorious nature, miles away from the coastal madness. The address is one of the first of its kind on the island, thought up by architect Rosella Marchese and her husband Chef Luigi Bergeretto over ten years ago. The interiors are designed by Rossella herself, whose eclectic but harmonious style brings together pieces collected throughout her travels world-wide. Most of the rooms, or little stone huts spread across the estate, have private gardens and small pools. Luigi oversees the two restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Il Fuoco Sacro, in consultation with acclaimed chef Enrico Bartolini. A must try is the linguine with black lemon sauce, raw local prawns and bottarga. A hidden gem within the property is also the Balinese hut, hidden among the trees, that's set up for massages. There’s also a separate spa and a small, open air gym near the shared pool.
- Corsica which becomes even more spectacular against the ochre sunset sky. This energy is what attracted Golf coach Marco Berio and his partner Raffaella Manca to invest in this abandoned, rural settlement. It took five years to restore the ancient stazzo, the typical Sardinian farmhouse, and create a small village in granite that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. The interiors, curated by Berio and architect Jean Claude Lesuisse, use reclaimed materials like old church doors and roof tiles repurposed as wall lamps, and reference Sardinian and Gallurese traditions. Although there are only nine rooms, the surrounding space is expansive: aperitifs are enjoyed in the courtyard under the shade of an 800 year old olive tree, wine tasting takes place in an airy cave and home cooked meals are served on a terrace enclosed between granite rocks and holm oak trees that overlook the French neighbours. There is also a swimming pool, a small spa with a sauna, hammocks scattered about, plus the possibility to book a massage.\n<strong>Address:</strong> <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Gallicantu+Stazzo+Retreat/@41.0485807,9.2208858,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x4d895174dcd621a2?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111\%22 target=\"_blank\">Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat, SP 14 Località Corrimozzu, 07020 Luogosanto SS, Italy</a>","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/66742602e1ee5eca5cc9981a/master/w_320,c_limit/gallicantu%20stazzo%20retreat-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global1.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/66742602e1ee5eca5cc9981a/master/w_640,c_limit/gallicantu%20stazzo%20retreat-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global1.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/66742602e1ee5eca5cc9981a/master/w_640,c_limit/gallicantu%20stazzo%20retreat-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global1.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/66742602e1ee5eca5cc9981a/master/w_1280,c_limit/gallicantu%20stazzo%20retreat-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global1.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/66742602e1ee5eca5cc9981a/master/w_1024,c_limit/gallicantu%20stazzo%20retreat-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global1.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/66742602e1ee5eca5cc9981a/master/w_2048,c_limit/gallicantu%20stazzo%20retreat-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global1.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/66742602e1ee5eca5cc9981a/master/w_1280,c_limit/gallicantu%20stazzo%20retreat-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global1.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/66742602e1ee5eca5cc9981a/master/w_1280,c_limit/gallicantu%20stazzo%20retreat-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global1.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Gallicantu Stazzo, Luogosanto
An expanse of wild scrub and peculiar geological formations dating back to the Pre-Nuragic era leads the gaze towards a dark silhouette of Corsica which becomes even more spectacular against the ochre sunset sky. This energy is what attracted Golf coach Marco Berio and his partner Raffaella Manca to invest in this abandoned, rural settlement. It took five years to restore the ancient stazzo, the typical Sardinian farmhouse, and create a small village in granite that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings. The interiors, curated by Berio and architect Jean Claude Lesuisse, use reclaimed materials like old church doors and roof tiles repurposed as wall lamps, and reference Sardinian and Gallurese traditions. Although there are only nine rooms, the surrounding space is expansive: aperitifs are enjoyed in the courtyard under the shade of an 800 year old olive tree, wine tasting takes place in an airy cave and home cooked meals are served on a terrace enclosed between granite rocks and holm oak trees that overlook the French neighbours. There is also a swimming pool, a small spa with a sauna, hammocks scattered about, plus the possibility to book a massage.
Address: Gallicantu Stazzo Retreat, SP 14 Località Corrimozzu, 07020 Luogosanto SS, Italy
- hotel in Italy</a>, following Milan, Saragano in the Umbrian countryside and Monterosa in the Italian Alps, it was fitting to offer travellers a sea-view location that extends out to the Maddalena archipelago, nestled amid the rustic, Sardinian landscapes. Only 30 minutes from Olbia Airport and 20 from Porto Cervo, Aethos Sardegna has a laid-back look and feel that encourages travellers to immerse themselves in the serene, Mediterranean lifestyle. The 57 rooms have been restyled following a design-forward approach whilst staying true to traditional Sardinian architecture. There are also two outdoor swimming pools, a Technogym equipped fitness studio, outdoor treatment cabins and a spa complete with a third pool, sauna and steam room. The culinary highlight is Zaia, centred around sustainable, local produce embracing Mediterranean recipes with a twist: think fermented ingredients, superfoods, herbs, nuts and dried fruits that enhance each dish. This philosophy is present throughout the day, from breakfast (the ginger, lemon and spirulina shot to start the day is genius) through to lunch and dinner including the artfully curated cocktail list.\n<strong>Address:</strong> <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.google.com/maps/place/Aethos+Sardinia/@41.1184057,9.4392817,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x1f6b99b8afa0efd1?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111\%22 target=\"_blank\">Via Monti Corru, 07021 Cannigione SS, Italy</a>","contentType":"photo","credit":"ANTONIO SABA","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/667958ccbc7434ea0408d90f/master/w_320,c_limit/aethos%20sardinia-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global2.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/667958ccbc7434ea0408d90f/master/w_640,c_limit/aethos%20sardinia-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global2.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/667958ccbc7434ea0408d90f/master/w_640,c_limit/aethos%20sardinia-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global2.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/667958ccbc7434ea0408d90f/master/w_1280,c_limit/aethos%20sardinia-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global2.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/667958ccbc7434ea0408d90f/master/w_1024,c_limit/aethos%20sardinia-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global2.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/667958ccbc7434ea0408d90f/master/w_2048,c_limit/aethos%20sardinia-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global2.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/667958ccbc7434ea0408d90f/master/w_1280,c_limit/aethos%20sardinia-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global2.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/667958ccbc7434ea0408d90f/master/w_1280,c_limit/aethos%20sardinia-sardinia%20best%20hotels-june20-pr-global2.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
ANTONIO SABAAethos Sardinia, Cannigione
What started out as a honeymoon destination soon became a highly sought after location for Benjamin, co-founder of Aethos Hotels, to expand the portfolio as it perfectly matched the company’s philosophy. As their fourth hotel in Italy, following Milan, Saragano in the Umbrian countryside and Monterosa in the Italian Alps, it was fitting to offer travellers a sea-view location that extends out to the Maddalena archipelago, nestled amid the rustic, Sardinian landscapes. Only 30 minutes from Olbia Airport and 20 from Porto Cervo, Aethos Sardegna has a laid-back look and feel that encourages travellers to immerse themselves in the serene, Mediterranean lifestyle. The 57 rooms have been restyled following a design-forward approach whilst staying true to traditional Sardinian architecture. There are also two outdoor swimming pools, a Technogym equipped fitness studio, outdoor treatment cabins and a spa complete with a third pool, sauna and steam room. The culinary highlight is Zaia, centred around sustainable, local produce embracing Mediterranean recipes with a twist: think fermented ingredients, superfoods, herbs, nuts and dried fruits that enhance each dish. This philosophy is present throughout the day, from breakfast (the ginger, lemon and spirulina shot to start the day is genius) through to lunch and dinner including the artfully curated cocktail list.
7 Pines Resort Sardinia, A Destination By Hyatt, Baja Sardinia
Baja Sardinia might just be a few kilometres away from the glitz of Porto Cervo, but it's a more laidback destination. Instead of the gloss and the glam of the Emerald Coast, here you’ll find fine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, rugged coastal beauty and an understated vibe. 7Pines Resort Sardinia fits right in to its surroundings. In fact, it’s designed to do so. The resort is perched on a tranquil cove surrounded by 15 hectares of lush gardens, native pines and juniper trees. Picture Mediterranean luxury and this might just be it. Elegant suites boast panoramic views of the sea and sky – and surround an adults-only pool. Décor conforms to an earthy palette of stone, light-toned wood and soft blues that feels calming – a prerequisite to the atmosphere at Pure Seven Spa which offers holistic, bespoke treatments inspired by Sardinian tradition and organic natural ingredients.
When it comes to dining, the resort is home to three restaurants and bars. At the Michelin-starred Capogiro, Mediterranean fine dining reaches new heights. Head chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio delivers a work of art for both the eyes and palate with every dish served. It's great for a special occasion, but for something more chilled, pizza at Spazio is hard to beat (don’t leave without trying the Sbagliata).
If it's relaxation, intimacy and elegance without excess you're looking for, this hotel hits all the right notes. It appeals to couples, families, and even a four-legged friend. Debora Donato
Address: Località Li Mucchi Bianchi, 07021 Baja Sardinia SS, Italy
antonio saba photographyCascioni Eco Retreat, Arzachena
Imagine walking along a narrow pebble path that divides an abundance of olive groves and wildflowers to your room dressed in white linen; that’s the mood at Cascioni. All fifteen rooms feature linen curtains, bed throws, and sofas to match this relaxed atmosphere, and are immersed in 18 hectares of Sardinian wilderness. The blessed spot is in the Gallura region up north, nestled amid a natural reserve where a small stream, which you can cross with a guided paddle board experience, leads to the Mediterranean. The farmhouse offers a softer, aesthetic take on traditional countryside dwellings, furnished with natural materials and colours. This essence extends to the cuisine too, which focuses on seasonal, homegrown ingredients or local supplies, reimagined into contemporary Sardinian dishes by chef Salvatore Camedda,who returns to Gallura after experiences around the island. Each room has a private pool but there is also a central, naturally heated swimming pool lined by sun loungers that soak up the shade of the carob trees. This year, the property opened four new suites as well as a new private, independent villa with five ensuite rooms, set amid 1.5 hectares of countryside close to the village of San Pantaleo.
Address: SP 59 bis, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy
Andrew UrwinDomu Antiga, Gergei
Sensitive soul Samuel Lai is adored by Sardinians and anyone who passes through his four-bedroom guest house. Inside whitewashed walls lie sacred objects: dyed sheep’s wool, antique cheese vats and mazzocchio (shepherd sticks), part of the tender revival of the pastoral idyll Samuel dreamt up while serving in Afghanistan. In 2022 he debuted Sinnos, a natural sheep cheesemaking project. Tastings of his Sa Mola olive oil-sealed pecorino take place in the courtyard garden.
Address: Domu Antiga, Via IV Mori, 08030 Gergei Provincia di Cagliari, Italy
Andrew UrwinSu Gologone Experience Hotel, Oliena
Less a rambling hotel than a temple complex worshipping Sardinian pastoral culture, Su Gologone even has a genesis story. In 1967 “Peppeddu” Palimodde opened a rustic food shack in the Nuorese mountains by the sacred spring of Su Gologone. So good was his porchetta that the place soon became a restaurant with rooms, and the rest is history. Under daughter Giovanna, the ever-expanding compound is now a colourful lifestyle concept and art installation, with 68 hand-crafted rooms and museum-worthy collections of Sardinian costumes, ceramics and 20th-century art.
Address: Su Gologone Experience Hotel, Località su Gologone, 08025 Oliena NU, Italy
Cala di Volpe, Porto Cervo
This place has been a magnet for A-listers since the 1960s. A cluster of pastel-hued fisherman’s houses with turrets, arches and porticoes built on the water’s edge, it has its own private marina. Inside, a masterstroke of Mediterranean imagination conceived by French architect Jacques Couëlle. Inspired by Gaudí, the hotel is a labyrinth of curves and colour, where no wall is straight and every corner feels carved by hand. Its 121 rooms are wrapped in terracotta tones, hand-painted tiles, and exposed wooden beams and while recent design updates by Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille have subtly refreshed select rooms and suites, its unique character remains untouched. Eating and drinking options include the Barbecue restaurant, popular with celebrities who roll up by boat and jump ashore for a lunch of fishy fregola. There’s also Matsuhisa bringing Nobu’s signature blend of Japanese precision and Mediterranean flair as well as Beefbar, curated by Riccardo Giraudi, for the ultimate, premium cuts.
Address: SP160, 07021 Capriccioli SS, Italy
