7Pines Sardinia: Where The Glamour Of The Costa Smeralda Meets Peaceful Simplicity

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean, and a glamorous holiday destination. But until the 1950s, it was better known for sheep farming. Around the same time, malaria was eradicated from the Italian island, meaning visitors could at last safely enjoy Sardinia’s now well-known bays and coves.

The place really took off in the 1960s when the Aga Khan started developing the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) to the north east of the island. With its stunning stretches of sandy beaches, Sardinia soon became one of the most expensive places to live in Europe – and one of the most desirable destinations to visit. The creation of the village resort of Porto Cervo was the final touch to make it a magnet for the super-rich and their yachts.

7Pines is tucked away around the pretty Cala Bitta cove in Baja Sardinia.

You might not have a mega yacht, but visitors can get a taste of the high life in this part of Sardinia by staying at the luxurious (but effortlessly laid-back) 7Pines resort. Not far from Olbia airport, the German-owned resort is tucked away around the pretty Cala Bitta cove in Baja Sardinia, with many top-notch facilities.

The 40-acre site is planted with lush, fragrant gardens that add to the air of tranquillity upon arrival. And that’s very much the tone of the resort: relax, take it easy. With lovely sunsets on offer, it’s unsurprisingly popular for weddings, honeymoons and romantic weekends.

The 76 bedrooms come in three locations: those clustered in the gardens; those with views of the beach and the village of Cannigione across the bay; and those (adults only) around the resort’s Laguna pool. What they have in common is generous outside space – whether patios or terraces – with tables and chairs, some even with hot tubs.

All rooms come with generous indoor and outdoor space. (Pictured: Sea View Suite)

Inside, well-equipped, contemporary rooms are decked out in natural materials with wooden headboards and cupboards, pale wood partitions and stone floors, with colour coming from cushions and throws. The bathrooms, with walk-in showers (and a few rooms with tubs), are spacious, with underfloor heating and Molton Brown toiletries.

Given the size of the resort, some guests prefer to get around by golf cart, but most walk. The hard-working housekeeping team use bikes and, like the rest of the staff, are unusually friendly and helpful.

The excellent and varied buffet breakfast is served at Capogiro, the resort’s main restaurant, where panoramic views of the bay are visible from both inside and the large terrace. In the evening, the space transforms into chef Pasquale D’Ambrosio’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Originally from Naples, D’Ambrosio presents a series of tasting menus (though à la carte is also available), with an emphasis on fish, seafood and other local produce, including vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden. Everything is beautifully presented.

Expect panoramic views of the bay when you dine at Capogiro.

Spazio, by the main pool, is more casual, featuring pizzas perfected by award-winning pizzaiola Franco Pepe – all made from Sardinian ingredients – as well as pasta, salads and other dishes, washed down perhaps with local Capichera white wine. Spazio also doubles as the pool bar for drinks and snacks. Just swim up and take a seat in the water.

In season, there’s also the lively Cone Club, set apart from the rest of the resort by the sea, with music, cocktails, cabanas and a menu of seafood and raw fish.

If you’re only staying a few days, 7Pines provides enough to keep you fully occupied without leaving the resort. Apart from two pools – the main one with several terraced levels that meanders, and the quieter, shaded Laguna – there’s a white sand beach (with its own bar in season) and peaceful coves for picnicking.

The Laguna pool is quieter and shaded.

The kid’s club focuses on educational activities stressing sustainability and the environment. The gym, with a view of the main pool, offers a full range of equipment, reformer pilates and personal trainers. The peaceful spa, with 5 treatment rooms set around a courtyard (the biggest on the coast), offers health and beauty treatments, plus yoga lessons on the beach.

For those seeking more action, the resort offers a range of water sports and equipment, including jet skis, surfboards, sea scooters, canoeing and fly boarding – with instructors for beginners. There are also tennis courts with high-quality coaching available.

Sign up for a cooking course, vineyard tour and tasting, or boat tours to explore local waters and visit islands such as Maddelena, with its picturesque town.

7Pines resort is one of the best in Sardinia. (Pictured: Beach Suite)

Glamorous Porto Cervo is a mere 10 minutes’ drive away. Deliberately designed to resemble a movie set, it’s impeccably picturesque. Walk the village streets lined with top designer names like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Art galleries are dotted throughout, and while some regular restaurants and cafés offer reasonable prices in low season, there are also several international outposts such as Zuma, Novikov and Beef Bar. Everything changes in season when superyachts arrive, and the quayside becomes home to an array of pop-up shops.

The Final Word

7Pines resort is one of the best in Sardinia, with first-class facilities, a sense of tranquillity, a sandy beach, lovely views – and plenty to do.

Book It

Double rooms with breakfast at 7Pines Resort, Sardinia start from £393 per night. The resort is closed from mid-October to late April. 7pines-sardinia.com