Editor Claire Ridley jetted to Resort Valle dell’Erica and Hotel Capo d’Orso with British Airways Holidays A postcard FROM SARDINIA Honeymooners craving the white sand and crystal clear water of the Caribbean without the long flight should head to this second-largest Mediterranean island. Nestled in the north are eight Delphina hotels & resorts, with five-star Resort Valle dell’Erica celebrating 20 years with the family-run group. This sprawling eco-conscious holiday hotspot is set within 28 hectares, offering two hotels to enjoy – Erica (named after the local variety of heather plant) and La Licciola. As the leading greenest resort in Europe for the past six years, it’s inspired by the unspoilt nature Sardinia is known for. ROOM WITH A VIEW The 148 rooms and suites at Hotel Erica, along with the 125 offerings at Hotel La Licciola, provide spacious choices filled with Sardinian touches. My home-fromhome was a Junior Suite Family Exclusive, boasting unspoilt sea views from the large veranda and access to its own swimming pool. It’s ideal for guests booking a familymoon at this child-friendly resort with the quirky loft-style mezzanine level providing an additional sleeping area. A highlight for honeymooners is the Arcipelago Penthouse Suite with a private pool perched at the resort’s highest point, and the President Spargi Sea View suite with a private pool and panoramic views stretching across La Maddalena Archipelago. FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD I was spoilt for dining choices at this luxurious resort, where an al fresco breakfast isn’t to be skipped on the verandas at Les Bouches and Nautilus restaurants. Lunch on the beach at Li Zini restaurant offers a delicious menu of Sardinian seafood, including lobster and oysters. At night, this romantic setting can be booked for an intimate dinner on the sand. I was impressed by the rustic surroundings at Li Ciusoni restaurant, where a highlight on the menu is the cookery class available to guests. Over at Il Grecale restaurant, where I tucked into the grilled squid with tomatoes, the mouth-watering Mediterranean flavours are hard to beat. SO SPA, SO GOOD I couldn’t wait to check into Le Thermae Thalasso Centre & Spa at this fitness and wellness-focussed resort, flanked by granite rocks forming four seawater pools, with one dedicated to cardio fitness. I was eager to try the underwater hydrobikes, treadmills and mini trampolines at the Wellness in Water class. There’s also a Turkish bath, sauna, relaxation area, outdoor gym and 15 thalassotherapy treatment cabins where I indulged in the Sardinian Signature Relaxing Massage with essential oils including rose and marigold. Sun worshippers can enjoy a dip in the fresh seawater pools and order drinks from the barcodes on the parasols. The swim-up La Conchiglia bar is a great place to hang out, while active couples can enjoy water sports at the beach. Newly launched are walking tours of the grounds around the many small coves and bays, plus a sea adventure with the in-house marine biologist. hotelvalledellerica.com/en Scan to view video 108
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTA0NTE=