Best Hotels in Sardinia, Italy

New restaurant by Nobu Matsuhisa, Olympic-size saltwater pool, Riva speedboat, kids’ club, designer boutiques, beach club, Shiseido spa, tennis and padel courts

When Prince Karim Aga Khan set about transforming the northeastern coast of Sardinia from wild, untamed land into a hotspot for the jet set, he had a specific vision. Each of the four luxury hotels he created was meant to blend into its surroundings with architecture inspired by the local vernacular and other Mediterranean motifs. 

Hotel Cala di Volpe, designed by Jacques Couëlle, is the most iconic of the bunch, with soaring arches, stained glass windows, and colorful staircases contrasting with the white stucco walls. It recently emerged from a four-year refresh by acclaimed studio Moinard Bétaille, which added three restaurants: Le Grand, Beefbar, and Matsuhisa. Several big-name brands have small boutiques on the property, including Dolce & Gabbana, which designed a capsule collection inspired by the hotel. Despite the luxe environs, the hotel also has down-to-earth amenities, such as a farm where kids can feed goats. 

American bar on the rooftop, free parking

Carloforte may not be as famous as Costa Smeralda, but if you want to take a laid-back beach vacation, it’s a great alternative to Sardinia’s pricier destinations. Located on the Isola di San Pietro, a 40-minute ferry ride from the main island, this charming town was settled by Ligurian sailors who brought their traditions with them, painting the buildings the same pastel pinks and yellows seen in the Cinque Terre. 

Standing out from the crowd, the cherry-red Lu’ Hotel Riviera is perfectly positioned opposite the port and just a few minutes' walk from the center of town, which is filled with restaurants, shops, bars, and charming piazzas. Inside, the hotel is clean and modern, with simply furnished rooms and a rooftop terrace. The island’s beaches are a few minutes away by car or bus.

20 restaurants (including some by big-name chefs), nine pools, water park, just-renovated spa with thalassotherapy circuit, beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, 17 sports academies (including a soccer academy in partnership with Real Madrid), bikes for rent, water sports equipment, concert arena, designer boutiques

This massive resort in southern Sardinia is extremely popular with families, many of whom spend weeks or even months here every summer. Of the eight hotels spread over the 120-acre grounds, Villa del Parco & Spa—a member of Leading Hotels of the World—might be the most luxurious, with private pools and butler service. Even in the four-star hotels, accommodations are spacious and well-suited to families. 

A kids’ club, for children 2 years and older, includes a Barbie activity center and play area. After dropping their kids off, parents can relax at the spa, which has one of Italy’s few thalassotherapy circuits. At the sports academies, kids and adults can take lessons in soccer, tennis, swimming, fencing, climbing, and much more.

Private beach, four restaurants and bars, spa with yoga and pilates room, outdoor gym, two swimming pools (freshwater and seawater), tennis court

Developed in the 1960s along with much of the Costa Smeralda and now part of the Luxury Collection by Marriott, this whitewashed resort is ideal for travelers who want direct beach access. From the main building, bougainvillea-lined paths lead to the beach, which is one of the area’s longest and is outfitted with sunbeds and umbrellas. The casual barbecue restaurant overlooking the beach is the perfect setting for long, lazy lunches of spaghetti with clams and fresh grilled seafood. The bar, which is located in the main building and has lovely views of the sea, serves one of the best Bellinis around. 

Infinity pool, private beach, outdoor gym

The architecture of this resort, built during the ‘60s and now part of the Luxury Collection by Marriott, references the ancient nuraghi (cone-like towers) found around Sardinia. The low-lying stone villas almost blend into the landscape. Honeymooners could easily hole up in their private villa and order room service but will be lured out by the infinity pool (the world’s first!), the private beach with comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas, and the Grill, which serves Mediterranean specialties and has views for days.

Pool, beach club a 10-minute boat ride away, fitness area

Of the four hotels built during the ‘60s by the Aga Khan, this one in the town of Porto Cervo is the most centrally located. It overlooks the Piazzetta, where you can enjoy spritzes at Bar Il Portico and dine on Italian cuisine at La Pergola in Giardino. Keep an eye out for celebrities. You never know who you might see dining at the restaurants or shopping at the Armani, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, or Prada stores. 

The hotel is also within easy reach of the marina and waterfront, which is home to art galleries, a Riva lounge, and an outpost of Nikki Beach. 

Three bars, a la carte restaurant, restaurant in the herb garden, tennis courts, cooking classes, outdoor swimming pool, gym and spa, yoga classes, arts and crafts studio with pottery classes, horseback riding

The Palimodde family originally opened Su Gologone in 1967 as a restaurant serving traditional Sardinian recipes in the mountains. It’s grown over the years, and now the complex houses individually designed rooms and suites, several bars and terraces decorated with colorful cushions and folk art, and an herb garden where guests can dine. 

It’s also home to Le Botteghe di Su Gologone, where you can buy embroidery, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and other traditional crafts and even take classes to learn how to make them. Wellness offerings include yoga, Reiki, massages, and outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.