SARDINIA Gabbiano Azzurro, Golfo Aranci
Superior
Owned and run by the wonderful Da Tome family, Gabbiano Azzurro offers exceptional service and a great location, particularly for those who prefer not to hire a car. It is 20 minutes’ drive from Olbia airport and is located by Golfo Aranci, a town standing at the end of a promontory surrounded by crystal-clear waters and with 15 of the island’s best sandy beaches – one of which is right next to the hotel (charges apply for sunbeds in July and August). The hotel is made up of two buildings; one built in the 1960’s which has 80 bedrooms – all with balconies. The second section was completed in 2018 and offers seven suites which are among the most luxurious on the island. Five have private swimming pools on their roofs with magnificent panoramic views – prices available on request. There are two restaurants; the ‘Grill’ by the beach serving freshly caught fish for lunch and ‘Blu’ for a gastronomic dinner. In addition, the cocktail bar by the swimming pool serves light snacks throughout the day. 3 night price from £698 per person low season, £998 per person high season.
Cala Cuncheddi
Superior
The picturesque headland of Capo Ceraso is just 20 minutes’ drive south of Olbia airport and has numerous coves and beaches, the best of which is Li Cuncheddi . Set in six hectares of grounds and just 30 metres from this beautiful, gently-shelved beach (there is no charge to use the hotel’s sunbeds and parasols), Cala Cuncheddi is constructed over three floors and, like much of Sardinia’s architecture, is designed to blend in to the natural topography. There are 80 bedrooms decorated in an elegant modern style and facilities include two restaurants, a spa with sauna, jacuzzi and small indoor pool, plus a large fresh-water swimming pool with wonderful sea view. Prices include dinner each evening. 3 night price from £876 per person low season, £1,198 per person high season.
SOUTHERN SARDINIA Away from the capital, Cagliari, the south of the island is quiet, unspoilt and beautiful.You’ll find long sandy beaches, dramatic mountain ranges and prehistoric sites. Fly to Cagliari; private transfers can be arranged if you prefer not to hire a car. Cala Caterina, Villasimius
Superior
Located on the south eastern corner of the island on a promontory that extends out towards Capo Carbonara, Cala Caterina is beautifully designed in the style of a Mediterranean villa with long shady colonnades and blends perfectly with the natural surroundings. There are 48 bedrooms with balconies or terraces; all have views of the gardens and several have glimpses of the sea through the trees. The chef creates a delicious four-course tasting menu each evening and cocktails are served on the wide terrace by the swimming pool. A short walk through manicured lawns takes you to the sandy beach. The popular resort of Villasimius with its marina is a short drive away and Cagliari airport can be reached in an hour and a quarter. No lift. 3 night price from £798 per person low season, £998 per person high season.
Stella Maris, Villasimius
Superior
Situated on a beautiful, gently shelved beach overlooking the bay of Campulongu and surrounded by pine and juniper trees, Stella Maris is a relaxed, family-run hotel offering great food and warm hospitality. Quirky, modern art adorns the public areas and the 58 bedrooms which are decorated with brightly coloured fabrics and overlook the gardens or the sea. The restaurant is renowned as one of the best in the area and serves typical southern Sardinian cuisine. Facilities include a split-level pool and complimentary sunbeds and parasols on the beach. The location is private and peaceful yet the town of Villasimius is only three kilometres away. Prices include dinner each evening. 3 night price from £898 per person low season, £1,168 per person high season.
OGLIASTRA – EASTERN SARDINIA The province of Ogliastra on the eastern side of the island stretches from the peaks of the Gennargentu mountain range down to the Tyrrhenian Sea and is often overlooked by tourists.This makes it perhaps the most natural and charming part of the island and is characterised by craggy rock formations, Bronze-Age tombs, national parks, steep cliffs and pristine coves where you will find crystal-clear water and underwater reefs offering exceptional snorkelling. La Bitta, Arbatax Located just to the south of the Golfo dei Orosei National Park, the town of Arbatax is the gateway to Ogliastra. From here you can take a boat up the coast to discover the ‘Grotta del Bue Marino’ or head inland on the unique ‘Trenino Verde.’ Located on the edge of town, the charming, family-owned La Bitta was established in 1968 and has always had personal service at its core. It overlooks Porto Frailis Bay and is 40 metres from its own private sandy beach where sunbeds and parasols are offered free of charge. The 63 bedrooms are all decorated in a traditional Mediterranean style; there is a swimming pool, a panoramic terrace, two restaurants (one buffet and one à la carte) and a wellness centre. 3 night price from £668 per person low season, £936 per person high season.
THE SARDINIAN QUARTET We can highly recommend a holiday which combines the distinctive coastlines of the north, east and south in one tailor-made itinerary.The itinerary below features four of our favourite hotels; however, if you would like to discuss alternative properties, combinations or durations, one of our experts would be delighted to tailor-make the perfect holiday for you. Begin in the historic walled city of Alghero with its outstanding architecture and atmospheric old town before heading east to the golden sandy beaches of Golfo Aranci. Here you can explore glamorous resorts such as Porto Cervo and the beautiful Maddalena Archipelago. Drive south to Arbatax, the gateway to the Ogliastra region with its national parks and stunning coastal scenery.Your final stay will be by the beautiful coastal resort of Villasimius, the ‘pearl’ of the south. Price from £2,598 per person (£3,980 in July and August) to include flight to Alghero and back from Cagliari, Avis car hire for the duration, 3 nights in Alghero at Villa Las Tronas, 4 nights in Golfo Aranci at the Gabbiano Azzurro, 3 nights in Arbatax at La Bitta, and 4 nights in Villasimius at the Cala Caterina.
what’s included Return flights Car hire or return private car transfers if preferred Accommodation including breakfast The services of the Kirker Concierge Prices are based on sharing a double room; speak to one of our experts on 020 7593 2288 for advice and the latest prices.
F L I G H T
I N F O R M A T I O N
Direct flights from the UK to Olbia: Heathrow: British Airways; Bristol, Gatwick, Luton, Manchester: Easyjet; Manchester: TUI Direct flights to Cagliari: Gatwick: British Airways; Heathrow: British Airways Charter (weekly service) Stansted: Easyjet; Manchester, Stansted: Ryanair Direct flights to Alghero: Stansted: Ryanair; Luton: Easyjet, Birmingham, Manchester: TUI (summer only)
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