Mediterranean Islands
Travelers are looking for the path less taken and showing up for cultural touch points, even in ever-popular spots like Spain, Italy or Greece. Step into laid-back island living with all the luxe trimmings at our picks in Sardinia, Folegandos and Formentera.
All about Sardinia with Alex Dallocchio
Of course, we sit on the most beautiful beach in Sardinia. But it's not just sea and beaches — there's a lot more to it, such as the culinary, the wineries and the historical part as well. We have what we call nuraghi — mysterious constructions that go back to before the Romans and nobody can really tell us exactly how they were built. You find those all over the north part of the island where we are located.
Sardinia is still that undiscovered part of Italy, and we're okay with that. Sicily has big cities — Palermo and Catania — and Sardinia has only one. The main thing here is that the nature is still very wild. We have high mountains, climbing trails and then you have so many undiscovered little bays that you can only reach by boat, like a Robinson Crusoe kind of beaches to enjoy all by yourself.
We are working on a three phases for the renovation project. This past season, we were able to open with a completely brand new beach club and pool club, refurbishing entirely our beach restaurant Entu e Mari (which means the wind and the sea). For opening in the spring, we are concentrating on the public areas, the second restaurant, and we're going to have around 15 new rooms, completely renovated top to bottom.
We also have six private villas on site, each with their own pool and garden, but all very close to the hotel. So you could have a family staying in the villa and their friends are staying in the hotel, a two-minute walk away.
The great thing about about Sardinia is in the high season is connected to pretty much any big European capital with a direct flight. If you want to do a couple of days in Paris, London, Madrid or Rome, then you want to go and enjoy four to six days on the beach, Sardinia's a perfect choice...The hotel is closed usually between the last week of September to the following May.
I would say my top favorite place is probably the island of La Maddalena, which is just north of us. It's a very small island, famous because it used to be a NATO base and is now a national park. The island has water and beaches like you have never seen. It literally feels like you are in the Pacific, surrounded by coral reefs — paradise for whoever loves the water and water sports.
Sardinia
If you haven’t been to Sardinia and think you’ve seen all that Italy has to offer, think again. Located northwest of its bigger sister Sicily, Sardinia is captivating, with its mysterious Bronze Age stone structures, impossibly clear waters and gorgeous pink-sand beaches. After sailing along Costa Smeralda, head inland to hike Gorropu Gorge, explore rustic villages and tour generational vineyards. Winemakers pair their vintages with the island’s well-known pecorino cheese and fregola pasta.
Image courtesy of Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel
Folegandros
Folegandros possesses an untamed beauty difficult to find on more well-known Greek islands. The main town, Chora, sits perched on a cliff, with white-washed buildings and bougainvillea-lined pathways that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. You can spend your days following the island’s network of ancient paths to empty beaches, hilltop vistas and family-run tavernas. Travelers who appreciate long walks, photographing incredible landscapes and delving into Greek culture (without the crowds) will love it here.
Formentera
Formentera is proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages. As the smallest of the Balearic Islands, this laid-back destination is the perfect pairing with its party-loving neighbor, Ibiza. And even though visitors are on the rise here, you can still cycle past pristine pine forests and unwind on unspoilt beaches thanks to robust environmental efforts. Days here unfold at their own pace — morning yoga by the sea, leisurely paella lunches and unforgettable sunsets from the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse. It's the perfect spot for those who believe luxury is about finding paradise in its purest form.
Island hotels we're loving
Images courtesy of Gundari and Teranka