The Place
It’s no secret that hotel prices in Sardinia are eye-wateringly expensive, especially with a weak pound. However, if you’re after a personal and intimate welcome, rather than a cold, front-desk smile, you’ll do well to spend your money here rather than at nearby Costa Smeralda.
Owners Deb and Antonio Manca have clearly gone out of their way to create a pretty and relaxed place. Bedrooms are lovely: muted, pastel colours, whitewashed furniture and billowing white canopies. They’d look a little flat if it wasn’t for some careful attentions to detail to brighten things up: driftwood and shells from the nearby beach, sprigs of lavender and silver storm lanterns for candle-holders.
The same touch is evident at breakfast. This is served out on the terrace (dominated by large lanterns and huge cacti) overlooking the sea and surrounding countryside. The tables are decorated differently each morning, and the meal itself is seasonal, organic, and includes traditional Sardinian pappasini, marmalades, bread, fruit and cheeses. Soft music is played whilst you eat: a well-meaning touch designed to create a calming atmosphere, but perhaps not welcome to all our readers.
The hotel sits on a rocky outcrop covered in bright lilac flowers, and is superbly located for exploring the Sardinian countryside and coast, as well as for spotting some of the island’s rarer flora and fauna. The beach is a ten-minute walk away and quieter than most, and boats can be rented out to explore the Maddalena archipelago. Most towns, villages and restaurants are reached by a ten minute drive.
Best places to visit on the island? See our sister website, www.tripdog,co.uk – https://tripdog.co.uk/italy/exploring-locally-italy/northern-sardinia/.