The best luxury hotels in Sardinia
Move over Capri and the Amalfi Coast; Sardinia is the Italian coastal destination to visit this summer
Travelling to Sardinia used to be a bit of a slog. Once a somewhat rural island out in the sticks of the Med, accessed only by a connecting flight from one of Italy’s major cities, you would have had to travel at least eight hours before touching down in Costa Smeralda. But recent years have seen London become a gateway to the southern Italian island, with flights to Olbia now available twice weekly from Stansted Airport and journeys from London City set to increase to up to five times per week thanks to a new seasonal summer route which was launched in May last year.
Don’t be fooled, however, into thinking that these new flight routes mean Sardinia is a new and undiscovered destination – in fact, quite the contrary. Year-on-year growth in flight and accommodation searches shows Sardinia has enjoyed an impressive 63 per cent surge in popularity, making it one of the most exciting lesser-thought-of destinations for holidaymakers in 2026 – but its makings as a luxury locale dates back to the mid-20th century.
Costa Smeralda, a prestigious 55 kilometre stretch of coastline in northeastern Sardinia, is perhaps its best known asset, conceived as an enchanting coastal haven for the world’s elite by the late Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 1960s. It has since drawn the likes of George Clooney, Beyoncé, Leonardo DiCaprio, and the Beckhams, all looking to sample the delights of the ‘Emerald Coast’. Venture beyond to discover lesser-known coastlines and towns such as the Gulf of Orosei, Chia Bay and Stintino, where lagoons filled with pink flamingos and sandy dunes overlooking turquoise sea waters await. Sardinia needs to be on your bucket list this summer – and here’s where you should stay.
7Pines Resort, Baja Sardinia
The Cone Club
Located on the sought-after northeastern coast of Sardinia, 7Pines Resort Sardinia is a luxury beachfront property surrounded by 15 hectares of untouched coastline and nature reserve in Baja Sardinia, overlooking the La Maddalena archipelago. The 76-key resort boasts access to a private beach and four secluded coves, offering spectacular Sardinian sunset views.
Elsewhere, the beachfront Cone Club boasts its own private jetty and offers sun-drenched afternoons filled with music, Mediterranean seafood and socialising, whereas the hotel’s other two restaurants specialise in fine dining fare. Capogiro, led by executive chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio, won the only new Michelin star granted in Sardinia this year and serves inventive dishes of lobster risotto in crab broth, and lamb with glazed morel, samphire and basil flowers. Completing the offering is the Pure Seven Spa, as well as a fully equipped gym, and a dedicated multisports area for tennis, padel and basketball.
From £300 per night.
Valle Dell’Erica, Spiaggia La Licciola
Valle dell'Erica
An Erica Suite at Valle dell'Erica
Set within 28 hectares of pristine parkland and boasting epic coastal vistas over the La Maddalena archipelago and southern Corsica, Valle dell'Erica has been voted Europe’s Leading Green Resort at the World Travel Awards for six consecutive years – so you can trust this five-star resort has both style and substance. It is situated on one of Sardinia’s many premier coastlines, nestled on the eastern La Licciola beach and a collection of nearby pretty coves.
Add to that four swimming pools, an extensive thalasso and spa, kid’s club, gym, and padel court and you have plenty to entertain. There are two beach bars, perfect for sipping and snacking, as well as six restaurants to tempt your tastebuds; for a true taste of the island, head to Li Ciusoni, dedicated to authentic Gallurese cuisine.
From £150 per night.
Conrad Chia Laguna, Chia Bay
Located on the stunning southern coast of Sardinia overlooking Chia Bay, Conrad’s Sardinian outpost is just an hour from the historic capital of Cagliari, and boasts 107 gorgeous rooms and suites overlooking a lagoon that’s home to a large colony of pink flamingos. Nature surrounds this hotel, and in turn it encourages you to visit nearby Monte Cogoni and Dune di Campana beaches – both of which have recently been voted among Italy’s most beautiful beaches – thanks to its private shuttles.
Back at the hotel, hunker down at one of two pools overlooking the scenic coastline, or book a massage, facial or body wrap at the Conrad Spa. Fine dining has long been a mainstay of the Conrad hotel group, and it continues its culinary reputation with four different restaurants: the romantic La Terrazza, the poolside Bioaquam, serving healthy light bites and juices, Sa Mesa, meaning ‘the table’ in Sardinian and specialising in the island’s native cuisine, and Bar Bollicine, which means ‘bubbles’ – and sums it up nicely.
From £250 per night.
Romazzino, Costa Smeralda
Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel, was the brainchild of Italian architect Michele Busiri Vici and was designed to combine historical glamour and relaxation in the heart of Costa Smeralda. First founded by the Aga Khan IV (the man responsible for pretty much all of Costa Smeralda as we know it today) in 1964, Romazzino reopened 60 years later as part of the Belmond group, where the slow living Italian concept of villeggiatura takes on new meaning as you sail along Porto Cervo's aquamarine waters and time-sculpted cliffs, luxuriate in nature-inspired wellness treatments and dine on exquisite chef-led cuisine.
Expect 100 retro-chic rooms and 21 suites, on-site tennis courts and swimming pools, and lush landscaped gardens. Little ones will be kept occupied at a kids’ club offering a fully supervised programme of indoor and outdoor activities for those aged three to 12. Adults, meanwhile, can make the most of the hotel’s state-of-the-art sports facilities, including tennis and padel courts, a Pilates studio and open-air gym, as well as the Rosemary Spa, which offers a rich treatment menu including Romazzino’s signature rituals. Finally, get out and explore the nearby wonders of Costa Smeralda, such as Porto Cervo, La Maddalena islands, San Pantaleo and Nuraghe UNESCO-heritage sites.
From £1,030 per night.
Capo d'Orso, Palau
The thalasso at Hotel Capo d'Orso
A Junior Suite at Hotel Capo d'Orso
At the foot of the Bear Rock monument – a mystical formation nestled between the National Park of La Maddalena Archipelago, Corsica, and Costa Smeralda, telling the tales of ancient Mediterranean navigators – lies Capo d’Orso. Enveloped among wild olive and juniper trees, and coastal paths leading to a lighthouse, authentic Sardinian hospitality is reflected in every detail of this 80-room, adults-only hotel, from fine dining experiences to exclusive suites featuring locally-sourced granite and precious handcrafted pieces by local artisans.
Begin your days here with breakfast soundtracked by a live harpist, before benefitting from one of the Thalasso spa’s relaxing treatments and setting sail at sunset from the private marina to Costa Smeralda and La Maddalena. Alternatively, practice your swing with a nine-hole game on the pitch and putt golf course with scenic ocean views, and dine to your heart’s content at the seafood-centric Il Paguro or L’Approdo, specialising in wood-fired pizzas.
From £200 per night.
Hotel Cala Di Volpe, Porto Cervo
An architectural masterpiece created in the 1960s by Jacques Couëlle, Hotel Cala di Volpe was, from the outset, designed to reflect its surrounding landscape. Modelled to look like an ancient Mediterranean fishing village – think interconnecting terracotta rooftops, turrets, porticos and terraces blooming with bougainvillaea – the historic hotel enjoyed a refresh in 2023 when it emerged from a restyle by Studio Dordoni Architetti and Moinard Bétaille.
For a seriously stylish stay, book the Harrods Suite – regarded as one of the most luxurious suites in the world – developed in collaboration with the Harrods Interior Design team to create a penthouse boasting three separate suites, multiple living spaces, and a secure vaulted wine cellar. Elsewhere, visit the award-winning Shiseido spa or feast at eight restaurants – ranging from the Japanese Nobu-style cuisine of Matsuhisa to fine dining experiences at Le Grand – or head to the concierge desk to book an array of unique experiences. From a boat excursion to discover the La Maddalena archipelago, a shopping session at the designer boutiques in the village of San Pantaleo, or a visit to the famous Nuragic complexes and prominent archaeological sites, Sardinia is truly your oyster.
From £450 per night.
Forte Village, Pula
One of the most family-friendly hotels in Sardinia, if not the world, is Forte Village. In fact, calling it a hotel is quite the understatement: it’s home to eight hotels, ranging from elegant bungalows to five-star properties (book Hotel Costello to rub shoulders with clientele like the Beckhams), alongside 27 restaurants that showcase everything from Michelin-starred dining to relaxed family favourites. The resort is also renowned for its Acquaforte Thalasso and Spa, and an unrivalled offering for children, including a nature park with over 100 animals, a dedicated Children’s Wonderland and much-loved Barbie packages.
One of its biggest pulls for families, and budding sports stars, is its world-class sports academies led by elite professionals. Case in point, the Real Madrid Football Academy sees notable players coaching the stars of tomorrow; world champion Valentina Vezzali helm the on-site fencing academy; and Ettore Messina Basketball Academy by Olimpia Milano EA7 helps players master the art of dribbling and shooting. You’ll need more than a week to even scratch the surface of Forte Village.
From £805 per night.
