Sardinia’s ritzy resort cities are sought-after spots for a slice of La Dolce Vita. However that’s simply the tip of the iceberg on this sun-drenched Mediterranean masterpiece…
What picture does your thoughts conjure whenever you consider Sardinia? Sweeping golden seashores lapped by inviting turquoise waters? Plucked-from-a-postcard Porto Cervo, with its designed boutiques and upscale eating places? As soon as sleepy marinas now dotted with mega yachts, every the floating playground of somebody wealthy and well-known? Whereas all of those improve Sardinia’s attract, it’s not all glitz and glam. There’s a lot extra soul to this central Mediterranean jewel.
Due to a brand new seasonal direct flight route with flydubai, accessing this breathtaking islet has by no means been simpler from the UAE. The seasonal route, which operates thrice per week till September 30, lands you at Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. This serves as a gateway to northeastern Sardinia, the place limitless glamour and rugged pure magnificence are the shock siblings that give this island its distinctive magic.
Lodge Capo d’Orso
It’s simple to see why the secluded luxuries of this five-star resort have the wealthy and well-known flocking to its shores. Nestled inside the picturesque Cala Capra Nationwide Park, its enchantment extends from the verdant, landscaped grounds, to the country luxe aesthetic and the charming employees. Honeymooners dine on a romantic floating deck, {couples} chill out lazily in hammocks that billow gently underneath the dappled shade of the bushes, whereas the Thalasso and spa is a pampering oasis the place friends can actually switch-off. For one thing with a bit injection of Porto Cervo glamour (the glitzy city is a mere 20 minutes drive away), eating on the terrace of Il Paguro is a sensory voyage that encapsulates the sights, sounds, aromas and flavours of the ocean it overlooks. Its recent oysters spritzed with lemon and large bowls of lobster pasta are every excuses to cancel any additional plans for an extended, leisurely lunch.
Charges from Dhs1,935 per evening. hotelcapodorso.com
Resort Valle dell’Erica
With its spectacular array of eating places, assortment of swimming swimming pools and best-in-class wellness amenities, you’d be forgiven for by no means leaving the resort when checking-in to Valle dell’Erica. Its sprawling 70 acres of personal grounds and virtually mile-long shoreline are aching to be explored. Basically two resorts in a single – the newer La Licciola leads into the historic Erica – round every nook you’ll discover saltwater swimming infinity swimming pools that seem to float into the ocean, sandy seashores dotted with parasols, and a few half dozen eating places. The easiest way to soak all of it in is by getting misplaced amongst all of it, though electrical buggies are on-hand that will help you to your ultimate vacation spot do you have to want. The resort’s aesthetic enchantment comes from its means to mix seamlessly into its environment, and native wooden, cork and stone are massive components of maintaining the standard charms of this former vacationer village alive. From the spectacular culinary array, don’t miss an aperitivo within the picturesque sq. at Nemo, served as much as soulful dwell music.
Charges from Dhs1935 per evening, hotelvalledellerica.com
Lodge Airone
Designed to really feel like a quaint Italian village wrapped round a central swimming pool, this family-friendly keep from Felix Resorts is a handily situated spot no matter your trip fashion. Each the excessive style boutiques and swanky bars of Porto Cervo, situated 20 minutes away; and the array of pure trails and golden seashores that dot the coast, are inside simple attain. Visitor rooms are merely styled and sit in neat rows across the swimming pool, and the grounds are additionally house to tennis courts and a play space for little ones. A continental breakfast of recent pastries and native fruits is an effective way to gasoline up for a day of exploring.
Charges from Dhs625. felixhotels.it
A style of the native flavour at… Frades
A Michelin-pedigree celebration of Italian elements, Frades hails from Milan however packs its luggage for a lofty terrace in Porto Cervo through the balmy Italian summer season. The ensuing restaurant is a near-faultless amalgam of beautiful views, considerate Italian hospitality, and native flavours taking centre stage in dishes like culurgiones ravioli with black truffle and Milanese fashion turbot.
@fradesportocervo
A world haute-spot… Zuma
Identified and cherished for its delectable Japanese fare, Zuma is a staple wonderful eating vacation spot within the UAE. At its counterpart in Porto Cervo, it lands as a seasonal pop-up that pairs a cool and up to date atmosphere with sweeping vistas of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Anticipate energetic DJ units, a collection of aperitifs designed for the jet-set locale, and an distinctive array of sushi.
@zumaportocervo
A shocking place to social gathering… Phi Seashore
Half-restaurant, part-beach membership, part-bar – whether or not you go to Phi Seashore to drink, dine or social gathering, simply be sure you go. The easiest way to expertise this breathtaking see-and-be-seen spot, organized across the craggy rocks of the Baja Sardinia shoreline, is with drinks at sundown to observe the golden orb meld into the ocean, its sorbet hues illuminating the sky. However you’ll need to keep till late into the evening, with an everyday rotation of worldwide DJs headlining a few of the island’s largest events in opposition to the backdrop of the ocean.
@phibeachofficial
Go island hopping to La Maddalena
A seashore in La Maddalena island.
The impossibly aquamarine waters that flank the northeast coast of Sardinia are effectively documented on Sardinian journey itineraries. Nevertheless it’s not sufficient to easily see the limitless shades of azure. Hop aboard certainly one of Poseidon Constitution’s expertly-crewed boats and set sail on a tour of the unspoiled panorama of La Maddalena Nationwide Park. Make pit stops at breathtaking hidden bays like Cala d’Alga and Spiaggia Rosa (pink seashore), the place spectacular rock formations maintain Centuries-old secrets and techniques, earlier than docking within the archipelago of marvels for an inviting dip within the cool waters.
poseidonfishing.internet
Absorb the solar at Nikki Seashore
A barely extra rustic iteration of the hedonistic seashore membership model the place each day is a celebration of life, Nikki Seashore Costa Smeralda is about inside the rugged Cala Petra Ruja bay. The journey begins earlier than you’ve occasion reached this beautiful spot, which is accessible through Nikki Seashore’s swish boat shuttle – or your personal personal yacht. Signature white day beds line the gently lapping shore, the place friends fortunately whereas away afternoons absorbing the atmosphere and sipping on recent Spritz. Past the seashore there’s the restaurant, the place energetic DJ units present the high-octane soundtrack to a menu of indulgent Mediterranean flavours.
@nikkibeachcostasmeralda
Store for native crafts at Cannigione Road Market
A sleepy Costa Smeralda city fronted by among the finest seashores on the island, guests could also be drawn to Cannigione’s untouched coastal charms for crystalline waters and golden sands, however you received’t need to go away with out stopping by one of many markets. From June, the evening market that takes place infront of the marina is a well-liked spot for choosing up items that evoke recollections of the island, from native ceramics to jewelry.
Getting there
Flydubai operates a thrice weekly service to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport till September 30. Return fares from Dhs3,000.
flydubai.com
Photos: Provided/ Getty
