The 8 best hotels in Sardinia

A half hour’s walk from the archeological site of Nora, this family-run hotel is filled with carefully chosen art and sculpture from its owner’s world travels. Set in a lush garden, it’s a typically Sardinian low-rise, with white plaster walls and wooden beamed ceilings, and many rooms overlook the pool. There’s a tiny spa with a hammam and, while there’s no restaurant, Pula, with plenty of bars and restaurants, is a relaxing half-hour’s walk away. Excursion bookings can be made to nearby beaches.

Time Out tip: The beach and the centre of Pula are both around 1km away, so why not hire one of the bikes the hotel has on offer on which to explore?

Cala di Volpe is in an idyllic setting on the Costa Smeralda, not too far from Olbia. It’s a pleasingly low-rise hotel that is a mix of traditional terracotta and white stucco, with sculptures and cool artworks, and all bedrooms come with sea-view terraces. Beyond them lie six restaurants and bars, plenty of facilities, including a Wellness centre, and an Olympic-sized seawater pool. Don’t want to share it? If money’s no object, the Presidential suite has its own rooftop pool.

Time Out tip: If you can drag yourself away from all the laidback luxury, the excellent staff can arrange all sorts for you, from from kayaking to boat trips to La Maddalena.

Once a 19th-century hunting lodge, this five-star gem has a wonderfully aristocratic feel. Surrounded on three sides by parkland or sea, the terrace of your individually designed room or suite may well have a panoramic view. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, and another overlooking the sea, plus a spa and gym, while the slightly formal restaurant majors on seafood. For those looking for more varied options, the hotel is close to the bars and nightlife of Alghero’s centre.

Time Out tip: Visit the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju – otherwise known as the 'fairy houses' – while you're in Alghero. These burial chambers date back as far as 4200 BC and are just a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

Overlooking a beautiful bay, the location of this modern boutique resort is fabulous – especially when you take in the views from its small private beach. Spacious elegant rooms, with balconies overlooking gardens or the sea, are styled in muted tones, and all have a lounge area and luxurious bathrooms. An expansive buffet breakfast can be taken on the umbrella-covered terrace overlooking the pool area, and there’s a creative evening menu. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools and a spa.

Time Out tip: Bookable trips from the hotel include horse riding and cultural tours, as well as trips to La Maddalena.

When it comes to settling down for some serious rest and relaxation, Sardinia is, naturally, a pretty popular spot. And this retreat caters exactly to those needs. Host to not just a spa and wellness centre but also a sauna, Turkish bath and a heated pool with hydromassage jets. The suites themselves are appropriately luxe, with many offering private pools and charmingly rustic decor.

Time Out tip: Fancy something a little different? The Cascioni offers birdwatching and olive-picking experiences.

Looking for your stay in Sardinia to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible? Well, you’re unlikely to do much better than the Palazzo Doglio. The all-star concierge service is happy to help you make the most of the nearby beaches and restaurants, including tips for off-site snorkelling, windsurfing and much, much more. On-site is a spa (with hydrotherapy pool) and, while the Doglio’s rooms are chic and modish, they're also kitted-out with bold artwork and striking design features.

Time Out tip: Look out for the hidden theatre in the hotel. Teatro Doglio hosts all manner of events, from theatre and dance productions to talks and live music concerts.

Set in 1,400 metres of its own piece of coastline to explore, this resort is so well equipped that there’s little reason to leave…everything is here, including seven restaurants, four pools (one with a swim-up bar) and a huge spa centre, but it’s also not far from the groovy windsurfing area of Porto Pollo. Simple rooms, decorated with traditional art and textiles, have modern features, including an espresso machine, and many look out onto the La Maddalena archipelago.

Time Out tip: The hotel has its own boat, on which it provides excursions to La Maddalena.

This secluded five-hotel complex, with each hotel set in its own separate area, has spectacular facilities that include a spa, sports and water sports, ten restaurants, and evening entertainment. Rooms at Le Sabine are well-sized, and most have a balcony or terrace. Beyond the hotel, the resort overlooks the longest stretch of beach in Sardinia, and day excursions can easily be made to Santa Teresa Gallura or the island of Corsica. It’s all within an hour’s drive of both Alghero and Olbia airports.

Time Out tip: Got kids in tow? Ages 12 and under stay free (one per adult staying, excluding July and August).