Reviewed by
Tom Bell
This is a small country estate, a peaceful world of sweeping lawns, old stone barns, ancient olive trees and views over untouched countryside. It sits in 32 hectares of land, 10km back from the coast, and when you wash up at the end of the track you’ll have slipped back in time. Not that you should expect dusty old interiors locked away behind heavy wooden doors. On the contrary, an attractive rustic style runs throughout – colour-washed walls, terracotta-brick floors, beamed ceilings. In short, old and new mix harmoniously together, making the perfect retreat after a hard day on the beach.
Potter about and find a cool main pool, a tasty restaurant and lovely staff. Rooms are scattered about: big Suites with shaded terraces in the old stables; Junior Suites at the top of the hill with their own swimming pool; Private Pool Suites with long views over the hills; a couple of self-catering villas for 6-7 in old stone barns, one with a private pool - ideal for families. All of which gives you reason to linger, but you’re nicely positioned to explore the coast from Olbia to Santa Teresa, so explore by day, then return for a spectacular meal: fresh seafood, homemade pasta, delicious local meat.
Potter about and find a cool main pool, a tasty restaurant and lovely staff. Rooms are scattered about: big Suites with shaded terraces in the old stables; Junior Suites at the top of the hill with their own swimming pool; Private Pool Suites with long views over the hills; a couple of self-catering villas for 6-7 in old stone barns, one with a private pool - ideal for families. All of which gives you reason to linger, but you’re nicely positioned to explore the coast from Olbia to Santa Teresa, so explore by day, then return for a spectacular meal: fresh seafood, homemade pasta, delicious local meat.
Highs
- The estate, a beautiful country retreat, yet close to the coast
- The Suites, big and airy with shaded terraces and good bathrooms; some come with private pools too
- The main pool, a lovely spot to spend a day doing nothing at all, except take in stunning views and order a cocktail
- The restaurant and its romantic terrace for superb food served by friendly staff
- Gorgeous beaches and aquamarine seas nearby: Santa Teresa, the Maddalena Archipelago and Costa Smeralda all await
Lows
- It’s more agriturismo than slick hotel, some might find the rustic style a little simple
- If you want to eat out and explore the area, you’ll need a car
- Prices are high in mid/high season, but so are most places on the Costa Smeralda
- Villa guests will need to pay a refundable security deposit on arrival, and will have a cleaning charge added to their final bill
- We have yet to see the latest Suites in person, but they look gorgeous
Best time to go
May and June are great months to visit - the sun is hot and staff are fresh. It’s easy to get a table in a restaurant or a sunbed on the beach, and you’ll have the place to yourself, so getting about isn’t a hassle. Mid-July through August can get very busy and temperatures can hit 40C. September is good, the water is warm, but some restaurants close by the middle of the month. The hotel is open mid-April to mid-October.