SINKING my toes into soft white sands as crystal clear waters lapped over my feet, I felt I had found heaven on Earth.
I was in Chia, a southern Sardinian village defined by a rocky limestone landscape littered with towering cacti and coastal lagoons full of flamingoes — or as the locals call them “sa genti arrubia”, meaning red people.
When I tire of laid-back pool days, the resort makes a great base for exploring further afield with Cagliari as the ideal day, or half-day trip[/caption]
The Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia resort, where taking advantage of the autumn sun is all you have to worry about[/caption]
Though officially part of Italy, Sardinia’s southern tip sits closer to Africa than the mainland, resulting in a warmer sea.
That’s something that is very welcome at this time of year, along with balmy temperatures, which reach the mid-20s right about now in October.
I am staying at the Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia resort, where taking advantage of the autumn sun is all you have to worry about. Just an hour along the coast from the island’s capital, Cagliari, the five-star Hilton hotel overlooks the ocean with a natural yet luxury vibe that draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape.
With 17 room categories, there is something for every type of guest — whether it be multi-generational families wanting connecting rooms or honeymooners seeking privacy.
My king junior suite with its own private garden left me awestruck, complete with a sprawling bed, beamed ceilings, and sleek cream sofas.
In the garden I spent afternoons laid out on a lounger, letting the warm, salty sea breeze flutter over me while I take in the view of the sun setting over the 16th century Chia Tower.
Of the varied restaurants on site, La Terrazza is the main hub where breakfasts, including a classic full English as well as Italian hams, cheeses and local honey fresh from a honeycomb, is served.
Evening meal-times are just as indulgent — I tried the local amberjack fish with black garlic, which awakens all my senses.
For dinner under a setting sun, Osteria, located outside next to the resort’s entertainment stage, offers three-course dining from a menu featuring delicately cooked scallops, tender minty lamb and a refreshing mango tiramisu.
Low-key lunches can be picked up from the pool bar that dishes up BLT sarnies and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Guests can easily spend their days rolling from sun lounger to restaurant, but to unwind even further, the ultimate indulgence can be discovered in the hotel’s Conrad Spa and Fitness Centre.
I’d booked in for a massage and have no regrets, sinking further into the bed as my masseuse rolled his hands firmly down my back.
He was using just one oil, made from the lentisk plant found on the island and known for its medicinal properties.
Its subtle smell was reassuringly calming and just what my sore muscles are crying out for.
If you prefer sand and sea to serene swimming pools, guests also get access to two beach clubs located just a few minutes away via a free private shuttle.
It’s worth checking out the Bioaquam circuit while you’re here.
This spa experience includes three outdoor heated whirlpools, a steam room, sauna, Rasul (the Arabian ritual of clay bathing), experiential showers (incorporating sounds and colours), indoor heated whirlpool and a cold, rooftop pool looking over the expansive coastline.
If you prefer sand and sea to serene swimming pools, guests also get access to two beach clubs located just a few minutes away via a free private shuttle.
At Monte Cogoni beach, 60-steps carved into the rock lead down to a quiet private white sand beach with plenty of sunbeds and parasols.
Chilling by the hotel pool[/caption]
Chia is defined by a rocky limestone landscape littered with towering cacti and coastal lagoons full of flamingos[/caption]
The Sun’s Cyann relaxes with a drink[/caption]
Campana Dune beach is more suited to guests with accessibility needs and can be accessed via a flat wooden walkway.
If you have any room left in your stomach, you can order drinks and light bites direct to your sunbed. Or more active holidaymakers can enjoy a 30-minute stand-up paddle boarding session for free.
That’s just one of the many activities on offer here. The most unforgettable experience for me was a two-hour horse riding trip, trotting through the unspoilt Sardinian hills where the stunning views simply blew me away.
When I tire of laid-back pool days, the resort makes a great base for exploring further afield with Cagliari as the ideal day, or half-day trip.
Authentically Italian yet with its own identity, the city has strong Catholic links and consequently, discreet entrances to extravagant churches can be found on just about every street.
Even visiting on a Saturday, the city’s winding alleys were absent of crowds, and locals filled the cafes and restaurants as opposed to fellow tourists.
I couldn’t have asked for a more peaceful holiday if I’d tried. I suppose one more massage at the Conrad Chia Laguna wouldn’t hurt, would it?
GO: SARDINIA
GETTING THERE: Flights from London Stansted to Cagliari are from £43 return with Ryanair.
See ryanair.com.
STAYING THERE: Rooms at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia start from £257 per night, for two people including breakfast. See hilton.com.
