The best resorts in Sardinia

This high-end family-run resort is hidden within the natural landscape, reached via a mountain path surrounded by Sardinian maquis. It has everything you could think of, including a boutique, a pharmacy, a photography shop, and a shop for boat trips and excursions. Four swimming pools, including one with a swim-up bar, and a huge Thalasso spa centre with hammam, sauna, four seawater pools, 15 treatment rooms and relaxation area are also in the mix. A small golf course overlooks the sea.

A five-star complex of elegant bungalows in the Forte Village resort, which occupies a stretch of coast in the south west of the island. Facilities at the resort are unrivalled on the island and include tennis, cycling, basketball, rugby, cricket, swimming, netball, boxing, table tennis and the Chelsea Football Academy. Aside from all of this, the hotel can also arrange golf, water sports, diving and there’s a state-of-the-art gymnasium on-site. Other than sport, there are also a number of high-end boutiques and an on-site discotheque. If you’re more inclined to relax on a sun lounger there’s an impressive pool and an expansive beach.

The isolated location is idyllic – it overlooks a cove lapped by turquoise waters. It’s all terracotta shades outside, with a white stucco interior that artfully blends traditional rustic with contemporary dash, sporting curvy corridors, swirly staircases, modern sculptures and stained glass. There’s a huge pool and a private beach reachable by a regular boat service, and tennis courts and a fitness centre are also on hand. Breakfasts by the pool and lunch buffets are generous, and the barbecues are heavenly. Scenes from The Spy Who Loved Me were shot in the piano bar.

This handsome five-star beachfront resort is typically Sardinian: low-rise, terracotta-tiled roof, stucco walls and tiled floors throughout. Its isolated position and excellent facilities will appeal to couples and families, and the reasonable ‘all-in’ packages make it pocket-friendly. There are seven seawater pools, and a small private beach. Young families appreciate Mini Club, with daily-changing activities for children aged between three and 10 years.

This bargain four-star hotel’s location is hard to beat, in the heart of Costa Smeralda, with its own private beach. The look is typically Sardinian, with baked clay roof tiles and pink-hued plaster walls. A wide range of facilities include billiards, volleyball, jogging track and fitness area. There’s a wellness centre, with sauna, Turkish bath and whirlpool tub, and beauty treatments, massages, hairdressing services are all available too. A daily shuttle service runs to Baja Sardinia and Porto Cervo.