Sardinia News

Two Weeks for the Price of One at Southern Sardinia Villa

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Casa Querce: 14 nights Villa-only for £1250 (save £1250)
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/casaquerce

Specialist tour operator, Sardinian Places is offering two weeks for the price of one at its two-bedroom villa, Casa Querce located in Pula, Southern Sardinia. Valid for arrivals on Saturday 27 April, two weeks accommodation-only at the villa is now available for the one-week price of £1250.

Alternatively, book a package through Sardinian Places where 14 nights at the two-bedroom villa Casa Querce is available from £619 per person, valid for 27 April departure & resulting in a saving of £355pp. This price, based on 4 sharing, includes return flights London Stansted – Cagliari, car hire and a welcome pack. Call Sardinian Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

More about the villa:
Casa Querce is housed within immaculately kept lawns and gardens complete with pond and swimming pool. The general atmosphere is rural despite the vibrant town of Pula being only a couple of kilometres away. All on one level, the cool white-walled interior of Casa Querce is adorned with traditional Sardinian furniture, as well as unusual artefacts from the owner’s extensive travels.

Combine the villa holiday with a local festival:
For travel 27 April x7 nights, holidaymakers can combine their stay in Sardinia with the colourful religious festival of ‘Sagra di Sant’Efisio’, which commences 01 May and lasts 4 days. The May Day procession (leaving from Cagliari) is followed by three intense days of colour, costume, music, dance and feasting. Road side stalls sell all manner of local delicacies from Sardinian cakes to grilled fish, barbequed meats and local cheeses, all washed down with the regional wines.

Please note that all offers are subject to availability.

2013 Brochure Out Now

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places 2013 holiday brochure is now out and the tour operator continues to offer the largest portfolio of Sardinian properties to the UK holiday market (over 80 choices), with hotels, villas, apartments and residences across the island. Sardinian Places can book complete holiday packages, as well as accommodation-only and AVIS car hire for its customers.

Highlights of the new 2013 brochure include:

New Properties
Sardinian Places’ new property additions for this season include two new self-catering options in Alghero, North West Sardinia. Apartment Piazza Civica enjoys a privileged location in the heart of Alghero old town - a stone’s throw from a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, gothic architectural landmarks and the seafront. Situated on the first floor of an old building, the converted one-bedroom apartment overlooks the bustling square of Piazza Civica with its array of cafés, little shops and traditional eateries. www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/piazza-civica

Also new to the programme in Alghero is the two-bedroom villa Casa Angelica. Casa Angelica is a cottage-style villa nestled in the Alghero countryside. Appealing factors of this villa include its cool open plan interior complete with terracotta-tiled floor and striking circular pine roof. However, the large maquis-scented garden area with pool is also an undoubted pull of Casa Angelica, which is within easy reach of Alghero’s restaurants, Catalan architecture and fine selection of beaches. www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/angelica

New Touring Itineraries
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/touring
For the first time within its new brochure, Sardinian Places presents three sample touring itineraries to give customers a flavour of tailor made touring holidays. These incorporate more than one hotel base thus increasing opportunity to discover more of the island. The three suggestions encourage exploration of the most beautiful and contrasting areas of Sardinia and are entitled ‘A Sardinia Taster’ (7 nights); ‘Explore Authentic Sardinia’ (10 nights) and ‘Sardinia & Corsica Twin-Centre’ (7 nights).

Flexible Durations
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/flights
Courtesy of frequent flight routes operating into Sardinia from the UK, Sardinian Places can offer holidays of flexible duration. During the summer flights are available any day of the week from eight UK airports with a choice of charter, no frills and scheduled flights. However, Sardinian Places advises early booking to take advantage of competitive flight prices, particularly concerning no frills airlines – which are likely to increase in cost closer to departure.

Hotels for Families & Child Discounts
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/child-discounts
Family-friendly hotels are a good selling-point of Sardinia in general. Sardinian Places is keen to highlight a great selection of suitable hotels providing a range of activities and facilities for children, most of which offer child discounts of up to 50% for children under 12, with certain hotels offering completely free child places. The savings are on the accommodation element of the holiday (not the flights or car hire), but can still represent a substantial discount.

Early Booking Offers – Book by 31 January 2013
Sardinian Places is offering a selection of Early Booking Offers on its 2013 holidays, valid if booked by 31 January 2013. The three main offer themes are ‘Couple Offers – save up to 25% per person’; ‘Family Offers – save up to £300 per person’ and ‘Free Child Places’.
The couple offer with the saving of up to 25%pp relates to the 4* Hotel Corallo - a perfect romantic retreat in Isola Rossa, Northern Sardinia – where, inclusive of the early booking offer, 7 night holidays now start from £564pp including flights & transfers, resulting in a saving of £190pp from brochure price. www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/corallo

In general – as with flight prices - the best hotel discounts are likely to be available for those who book ahead of the 2013 holiday season starting, particularly the peak season. Call the Sardinian Places Reservations Department or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/offers for details.

This season, (2013), 7-night holidays with Sardinian Places start from £389 per person, based on eight sharing self-catering accommodation at the four-bedroom Sardinian-style villa, La Mendula, located in the seaside resort of Cannigione. This price - incorporating an early booking offer discount of £130pp - includes return flights, car hire & welcome hamper. www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/la-mendula

For more information or to request a copy of the new brochure, call Sardinian Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk
To view a virtual copy of the new 2013 brochure visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/brochure

Sardinian Places 2013 Holidays Now on Sale

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places’ 2013 holidays are now on sale and can be viewed on the specialist tour operator’s website www.sardinianplaces.co.uk ahead of the new 2013 brochure arriving with customers in the New Year.

Sardinian Places advises early booking to take advantage of competitive flight prices - likely to increase closer to departure. The best hotel discounts are also more likely to be available for those who book ahead of the 2013 holiday season starting, particularly the peak season.

2013 holiday offers from Sardinian Places can be viewed here and are divided into the following categories of ‘Couples Offers’ / ‘Family Offers’ / ‘Child Discounts’ / ‘Hotel Offers’ and ‘Property of the Week’. www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/offers

Family-friendly hotels are a good selling-point of Sardinia in general and Sardinian Places is keen to highlight excellent child discounts, with free child places at selected hotels, as well as discounts of between 20% and 90% at others. The savings are on the accommodation element of the holiday (not the flights or car hire), but can still represent substantial discounts.

As well as impressive discounts for children, Sardinian Places currently has savings of up to 35% at selected hotels, with 7 night holidays now starting from £489 per person, including flights, 20kg luggage allowance and car hire.

Sardinian Places continues to offer the largest portfolio of Sardinian properties to the UK holiday market (over 80 choices), with hotels, villas and apartments across the island. The tour operator can book packages, as well as accommodation-only for its customers.

Courtesy of frequent flight routes operating into the island from the UK, Sardinian Places can offer holidays of flexible duration. The specialist is also able to tailor make ‘Touring’ itineraries for its customers, for those who wish to have more than one base and cover a wider region.

Next season, (2013), 7-night holidays with Sardinian Places start from £379 per person, based on eight sharing self-catering accommodation at the four-bedroom Sardinian-style villa, La Mendula, located in the seaside resort of Cannigione. This price includes return flights, car hire & welcome hamper.

To book a holiday or pre-order the new Sardinian Places 2013 brochure visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk or call Sardinian Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2050.

Southern Sardinia October Travel Offer

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Two-Bedroom Villa
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/casaquerce
Specialist tour operator, Sardinian Places is offering a choice of strong savings at the two-bedroom villa, Casa Querce in Pula, southern Sardinia. Choose from accommodation-only OR a holiday package.

ACCOMMODATION-ONLY OFFER
2 Weeks for the Price of 1
Sardinian Places is offering two weeks accommodation for the price of one at Casa Querce meaning that 14 nights villa-only now starts from £1280, resulting in a saving of £1480 (accommodation price again, plus additional £200 saving). This price is valid for arrivals on 06 or 13 October and includes a welcome pack only.

HOLIDAY PACKAGE OFFER
Save 30%
Alternatively book Casa Querce as a package with Sardinian Places where 14 nights at the villa now starts from £699 per person, resulting in a saving of £349pp (30%). This price is based on four sharing and is valid for departures 06 or 13 October and includes return flights London Stansted – Cagliari, car hire and welcome pack.

Casa Querce impresses its guests by the sheer size of its immaculately kept lawns and gardens, housing what is arguably the property’s jewel; its large swimming pool. At the centre of the grounds stands the ochre coloured house, Casa Querce, with the accommodation all on one level, decorated here and there with traditional Sardinian furniture and unusual artefacts from the owner’s extensive travels. The well-equipped and sizeable kitchen opens out onto a large terrace area perfect for soaking up the sun and for extended meal times. The general atmosphere is overwhelmingly rural despite the lively town of Pula being only a couple of kilometres away.

Call Sardinian Places on 0845 330 2050. Please note this offer is subject to availability.

September Saving on Villa Oro Verde

Sardinian Places - Press Office — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Premium Collection Villa from £549pp – save £153pp
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/villa-oro-verde
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the three-bedroom Villa Oro Verde – part of its Premium Collection, located just outside Arzachena – from £549pp, valid for departure on 22 September, and resulting in a saving of £153pp from brochure price. This price is based on six sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick – Olbia, car hire and a premium welcome pack.
Call Sardinian Places on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Set amongst extensive private grounds with a pool just outside Arzachena, Villa Oro Verde provides optimum comfort and seclusion. An archway from the side of the garden leads to a vineyard which supplies grapes for the owner’s wine production. Like the gardens, the villa is lovingly cared for with personal touches and a French influence from the owner Paola who originates from Corsica. The exquisite beaches of the Costa Smeralda are just a few minutes’ drive away.

Alghero Rural Villa: June Travel Offer

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the two bedroom villa Casa Eucalipti near Alghero from £349 per person, valid for 23 June departure and resulting in a saving of £300pp.
This price is based on four sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick – Alghero, taxes, upgraded car hire and a welcome pack. The same package is available for a 14-night duration from £449 per person, saving £500pp.

Set in the rural heartlands of the North West and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Casa Eucalipti - complete with private swimming pool - is only a short drive away from the centre of bustling Alghero and the glorious beaches beyond.
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/casaeucalipti

Old Alghero Apartment May Travel Offer

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the one-bedroom Apartment Rosa in Alghero, North West Sardinia from £499 per person, valid for departure on 19 May and resulting in a saving of £200pp. This price is based on two sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick – Alghero, taxes and airport transfers.

Located in the ancient quarter of Alghero within walking distance of a sandy beach, Apartment Rosa exudes character, encouraging its guests to live like a local.
Stylishly decorated, the apartment mixes classic yet contemporary décor with light stone walls, dark wood and chic Italian tiles.
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/apartmentrosa

Why Sardinia is perfect for families

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With a flight time of approximately two hours, Sardinia is a low stress family destination where children are welcome as an integral part of Italian life. Sardinian Places continues to offer the largest portfolio of Sardinian properties to the UK holiday market (over 80 choices), with hotels, villas, residences and apartments across the island. The tour operator highlights the accommodation most suitable for families, as well as why the island in general is perfect for those with children.

Suggested Family Days Out
With experienced staff in the UK office and knowledgeable resort team on the island, Sardinian Places is on hand to advise tried and tested family days out. A ‘Top Ten Family Days Out’ is shortlisted in the tour operator’s brochure and includes Horse & Donkey Riding; Festivals; Waterparks; Boat & Train Trips; Aquariums and Sardegna in Miniatura (‘Miniature Sardinia’). www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/families

Beaches in Sardinia www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/beaches
Sardinia’s coastline is one of the finest in the Mediterranean and offers character through contrast – dramatic limestone mountains drop to secluded coves in the east, where the west is rich in powdery sand dunes. The north and south are abundant in glorious beaches, most gently shelving with exceptionally clean sand and shallow waters – perfect for young children.
For adults, water sports including water skiing and windsurfing are available during the summer.

Sample Family Property & Child Discounts
Sardinian Places can book packages (including any of the UK direct flight routes into the island –subject to availability), as well as accommodation-only for its customers. Foldable high chairs and cots (excluding cot linen) are provided free of charge in self-catering properties, as well as a baby-sitting service (on request).

Sample properties ideal for families include the four-bedroom Casa Roberta located on the outskirts of Alghero, North West Sardinia. Set in two acres of land and surrounded by countryside and vineyards, Casa Roberta is a haven for families wanting to make the most of their villa and outdoor space. The grounds come complete with swimming pool, tennis court, table tennis and even a small farmyard housing goats, donkeys and birds. Bicycles are also available to borrow. Alghero, along with the beaches of the North West coast are just 8km away.

This May (valid for departures 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th) 7 nights at Casa Roberta starts from £499pp, resulting in a saving of £100pp from brochure price. This price is based on 8 sharing and includes return flights Gatwick – Alghero, taxes, car hire and welcome hamper. Call Sardinian Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/roberta

There are many hotels in the Sardinian Places programme that offer up to 50% discount for children. Call Sardinian Places for more information.

Great saving on Sardinia Seaside Apartment

- Love Italy — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Seaside Apartment with views & tennis court:
7 nights from £399pp (save £190pp)
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/vista-mare

Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the two-bedroom Apartment Vista Mare situated in the small seaside resort of Porto Istana, just south of Olbia from £399pp, valid for departures on 28 April & 5 May and resulting in a saving of £190pp from brochure price. This price is based on four sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick – Olbia, taxes, car hire and welcome pack.

The covered balcony – running the length of the property and offering views across the Golfo di Porto Istana - is one of the key selling points of this apartment. There is a shared tennis court on site and sandy beach 100m away, as well as boat excursions to the islands of Tavolara and Molara from Porto Istana.

Book Hotel by the Sea & enjoy Wine Festival of Monti

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hotel Villa Margherita: 3 nights from £599pp (save £172pp)
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/villa-margherita
Specialist tour operator, Sardinian Places is offering a short break to Sardinia this summer from £599pp, resulting in a saving of £172pp. This price is based on two sharing a Deluxe Room with Balcony at the 4* Hotel Villa Margherita in Golfo Aranci, North East Sardinia, and is based on a three night duration with breakfast, arriving on Friday 03 August. The travel deal also includes return flights Gatwick-Olbia with Easyjet, taxes & airport transfers.
This travel deal is subject to availability – please call to book: CALL SARDINIAN PLACES RESERVATIONS ON 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, Golfo Aranci is a seaside resort with a charming port. Perfect for couples, Hotel Villa Margherita is centrally located and directly positioned by the sea.

More on the wine festival of Monti this summer:
Monti is a century-old wine village. On the first Sunday of August the sweet smell of grapes is in the air, grapes which produce the pale yellow local wine*. People gather in the square near the 1956 Vermentino Cellar (the first on the island to have sold bulk bottled wine), for this two-day festival sampling the wine and folk dancing to local music, with vast bottles uncorked, open air cooking and fresh produce stalls to enjoy. Those staying at the hotel may take the TrEnoArchè – the historical train - from Golfo Aranci to the festival.

* The wine is delicate and refined, and in 1975 Vermentino's wine was confirmed by DOC (Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and in 1996 it also received recognition from the DOCG (Vino a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita).

Early Booking Offers - Expire 31 Jan

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist tour operator, Sardinian Places and sister company Corsican Places offer the widest selection of holiday accommodation to the UK market across the two islands of Corsica and Sardinia. There is still time to book an Early Booking Offer on 2012 holidays, valid if booked by 31 January 2012.
Sample Offers include:

Perfect for Couples ~ Hotel Arathena, San Pantaleo: 7 nights from £649pp
http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Accommodation/19000372/51372/Hotel-Arathena.aspx
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the 4* Hotel Arathena in San Pantaleo from £649pp, valid for 05 May departure and resulting in a saving of £193pp (Early Booking Offer valid if booked by 31 Jan).
This price is based on two sharing a standard room with breakfast and includes return flights London Gatwick – Olbia, taxes and car hire.
Presented in a traditional Sardinian style, Hotel Arathena houses à la carte restaurant ‘Balbacana’ serving a selection of local Sardinian dishes. The bars, market and boutiques of San Pantaleo are just a ten minute walk away.
CALL SARDINIAN PLACES RESERVATIONS DEPT ON 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Perfect for Families ~ La Mendula, San Pantaleo: 7 nights from £379pp
http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Accommodation/19000372/51634/La-Mendula.aspx
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the four bedroom La Mendula in San Pantaleo from £379pp, valid for departure on 05 & 12 May and resulting in a saving of £150 per person (Early Booking Offer valid if booked by 31 Jan).
This price is based on eight sharing the villa on a self-catering basis and includes return flights London Gatwick – Olbia, taxes and car hire.
Peacefully located in the Galluran countryside between Arzachena, San Pantaleo and the beaches of the Costa Smeralda, La Mendula offers a great setting for family holiday.
CALL SARDINIAN PLACES RESERVATIONS DEPT ON 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

All offers are subject to availability.

Sardinian Places 2012 Now on Sale

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places, the UK’s leading Sardinia specialist has released its 2012 holiday prices ahead of its new brochure arriving with customers in the New Year. The 2012 Collection is available to view online at www.sardinianplaces.co.uk, with clients able to book through the website or by telephone.

The tour operator continues to offer the largest portfolio of Sardinian properties to the UK holiday market (over 80 choices), with hotels, villas and apartments across the island. There are ten new property additions for 2012, which include:

Wine Resort Leda d'Ittiri, Alghero
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/leda-dlttiri
Set in 18 hectares of grounds filled with vineyards and olive trees, Wine Resort Leda d’Ittiri is a renovated farmhouse - complete with antique furniture - offering just five guestrooms. Guided tours of the vineyards and olive groves, as well as wine tastings can be arranged by the hotel, which also has a swimming pool, as well as hire bicycles to explore the surrounding countryside.

Villa Montemoro, Santa Teresina
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/montemoro
Occupying a vantage point 300m above sea level, the three-bedroom Villa Montemoro enjoys one of the finest sea views within the Sardinian Places collection. The views encompass the coastline and mountains for miles around – from the Costa Smeralda on one side, to the Gulf of Arzachena, the Archipelago of la Maddalena, and as far as Corsica on the other side.

Apartment Vista Mare, Porto Istana
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/vista-mare
The two-bedroom Apartment Vista Mare is situated in the small seaside resort of Porto Istana, just south of Olbia. The covered balcony – running the length of the property – affords views across the
Golfo di Porto Istana. Nearby there is a choice of unspoilt creeks - all with views across to the islands of Tavolara and Molara - offering opportunities to swim in crystal clear waters.

The flight capacity into Sardinia has slightly increased year on year for 2012, and will include a second London Gatwick – Olbia Easyjet flight operating on Saturdays from mid-July. However, despite this increase, flight prices are higher, particularly on key dates such as Half Term, therefore Sardinian Places advises early booking to avoid higher prices closer to departure dates.

The specialist is currently offering three choices of Early Booking Offers on its 2012 holidays, valid if booked by 30 December 2011. These include savings of up to £200 per week on accommodation-only bookings; savings of up to 20% per person on hotel-based bookings; and 10% child discounts available per full paying adult on package holidays. Conditions apply - please contact Sardinian Places for more details. http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Savings.aspx

Sardinian Places can book packages (including any of the UK direct flight routes into the island –subject to availability), as well as accommodation-only for its customers. Next season, (2012), 7-night holidays with Sardinian Places start from £399 per person, based on eight sharing self-catering accommodation at the four-bedroom Sardinian villa, La Mendula, located in the seaside resort of Cannigione. This price includes return flights, car hire & welcome hamper.

The 2012 brochure is available to pre-order online at www.sardinianplaces.co.uk or by calling Sardinian Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2050.

Untamed indulgence: Seduced by Sardinia

Julie Burchill - The Independent — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The start to my Sardinia trip was not an auspicious one; having consumed two champagne breakfasts before 11am, I left my make-up bag on the plane after the drink-and-you'll-miss-it two-hour flight. I can imagine all you super-smart, let's-be-AVing-you Indy readers looking well sneery at that, but for a blue-collar Beryl Cook character made flesh who's been staggering around dumb with lipgloss and blinded by kohl since the age of 12, it was quite a culture shock. Also, NIGELLA GAVE ME THAT MAKE UP BAG! Black sequins! I cursed, as I reflected how my one legit source of dropping Nigella's name – "Ooo, that's pretty!" "Yes, Nigella gave it to me" – was now quite possibly the property of some heedless trolley dolly.

But within 30 minutes of landing we were splashing about in the beautiful, colour-changing pool at the Hotel Relais Villa del Golfo and Spa resort in Cannigione, on the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) overlooking the bay of Arzachena, without a care in the world.

The Villa del Golfo is a tiny bit rustic, and at home even a whiff of rustic bread would be enough to send me cross-eyed with rage – we are an urban island, and only ocean-going ponces pretend otherwise; the sort of saps who can only have an orgasm on Cath Kidston bed linen. But in this almost viciously verdant setting, leavened by the sophistication of a library, a bridge room and an American Bar, the golden threads of the wall tapestries shimmering in the glow from the granite fireplace, suddenly it all made sense. It must be the sensuality of the Mediterranean that makes gorgeous a mode of decoration that in rainy old England just seems ditsy, mumsy and clumsily executed. That's the thing about rustic charm, I find – if it don't fit, don't force it!

Sardinia's brand of rustic charm is the opposite of the dread Kidstonia, thank the Lord. Looking out from the lushness of the pool over the sunset beauty of the bay, this place lets you know from the get-go that it can be as wild as you want it to be – not as in Girls Gone Wild, but as in untamed. Here, in the place DH Lawrence described as "outside the circuit of civilisation", many shepherds speak Latin and some breezes blow in from Africa, and the landscape is scattered with Neolithic monuments.

Even the flag is scary-beautiful: four blindfolded heads, called "Four Moors" and thought to represent captured pirates, similar to the flag of Sardinia's neighbour, Corsica, which is just an hour away by sea. I don't know Corsica well, but they appear to have much in common; wild terrain, beautiful beaches and extreme pride worn like a national costume. Replacing some silly make-up was now the last thing on my mind; seeing as much as I could of this amazing island – we were only there for three nights – was all I could think of. And our tour started just a few steps from the bar, in the hotel's Il Miraluna restaurant.

I'll admit that the food side of things was where I thought that Sardinia's wildness might be a problem. Since I was a teenager I have been struggling ineffectually to be a vegetarian, and over the years I have succeeded in cutting those animals which I find beautiful – pigs, lambs, ducks – out of my diet. Paradoxically, I don't eat animals who I consider ugly either – no turkey! This leaves me in the admittedly morally ludicrous position of eating only animals I find moderately attractive – cows, chickens and fish. (Reading this back, it's actually the first time I have considered the possibility that I may be actually insane.)

So imagine my dismay on finding out that we were heading for a region of Sardinia – Gallura – which boasts such regional specialities as PIGLET ON A SPIT and KEBAB OF LAMB ENTRAILS! And imagine my joyous relief on seeing what actually awaited us. The menu note that "our chef proposes a selection of Italian and international cuisine, revised in Sardinian style" hardly begins to describe the scenic tour through the empire of the senses which was about to transpire.

There are two reasons I have spent more than three decades failing at vegetarianism; one, no willpower and two, MEAT SHOULDN'T TASTE SO NICE! That's the thing about a really great cheeseburger; the dead bit doesn't taste dead, it tastes more alive than the bits that never lived or died. Almost anyone can make meat taste nice – come on, its meat! – but to my mind the test of a great chef is making a meat-free, not meatless (it's the difference in attitude between being child-free and childless) menu look like there's absolutely nothing missing.

This is exactly what Il Miraluna's chef, Susy Farina, does. We started with an asparagus pudding, sharp as a knife and soft as a sigh; eating asparagus in England just feels like a prelude to a fetish, but here... like the song says, "O sweet mystery of life, at last I've found you!" The tagliatelle with mussels and clams and the dory fillet were made with pescatoria so fresh that I wouldn't have been all that surprised if they'd stood up and sung a chorus of "Under The Sea" from The Little Mermaid. I felt momentarily sad that they would never get to do this, but was massively cheered up by the bitter chocolate pie with orange sauce. Susy Farina came out to take a bow, and I felt like requesting her shoe, and some champagne to drink out of it, as those pervy old stage door Johnnies did with particularly brilliant ballerinas. But I merely mumbled drunken superlatives instead.

The next day was bright and sunny and we could have punished some poor horses by riding them along one of the breathtaking trails that take in the Capo d'Orso, lighthouses, fortresses and beaches (there are two-hour trail rides for beginners, trekking at sundown for the saddle-sure and ponies for kiddies). But it's hard to drink on horseback, so we happily trotted down to the marina and boarded the hotel yacht BonAria.

I don't mind admitting I'm a bit kinky for boats. I have the opposite of seasickness, and basically no matter how rough I feel on dry land, I perk up the minute I get on board – this goes for anything from a Crazy Sofa to a cruise liner. So I knew I'd have a good time, but I had no idea HOW good. My travelling companion Miss Petrovic and I were about to embark not just upon a boat, but also upon one of the most memorable days of our lives, thanks to the crew – the smokin' Aussie, Captain Andy, and his elegant American mate, Mari.

In my experience the one dodgy thing about getting on a boat is that if the company turns out to be crap, you're screwed. How lucky, then, that Andrew and Mari were two of the funniest, most fascinating people it's ever been my privilege to meet. As we talked, laughed and even sang our way around the amazing beauty of the Emerald Coast, which could double for the Maldives on a good day, eight hours went by in a blur of chillout mix-tapes, white wine, pasta salads and pineapple as we sailed around the Maddalena Archipelago. We saw everything from Garibaldi's house to the place where James Bond drove the amphibious car up on to the beach in The Spy Who Loved Me. Who says history can't be fun

On our final day we grabbed a cab to the mind-blowingly beautiful and brilliant restaurant Madai Restaurant (also a café, lounge and winery) in nearby Arzachena. They say that if you can remember the Sixties, you weren't there – and that's what Madai is like, such a blur of pure bliss that I would mistrust anyone who could actually describe what they ate there. The chef, Elio Sironi, came here from the Bulgari Hotel in Milan and the simple symphony he played on our palates was world-class.

Thinking about the food in Sardinia, I had a sudden insight. Why WAS Naomi Campbell in SUCH a permanently hideous temper back in the day? A woman with her looks and wealth? IT WAS BECAUSE SHE SPENT SO MUCH TIME IN SARDINIA (with then-beau Flavio Briatore, who spends much of his time swanking around the Costa Smeralda) AND WASN'T ALLOWED TO EAT! That's gotta make ANYONE angry – or "hangry", as the models have it.

On paper, I could have had a rotten time in Sardinia. It was early in the season and very little was open – certainly not the International White Trash malls and bars I am developing a tragic weakness for as I get older. It rained for one whole day, hard, and we were only there for three. I don't ever want to see a piglet on a spit as long as I live. But I really can imagine going back every year, for decades – it was that good.

Some places, though beautiful, one mentally ticks off as one checks out; done that, onto the next one. Sardinia isn't like that. In travel writing, "enigmatic" is the word that comes up time after time (as opposed to the flamboyant, emotional image of Italia in general) and I totally get it now. The smell of Sardinia, the macchia, a combination of myrtle, pine, juniper just coming into flower at the end of April, is as vivid yet as elusive as the island itself. I have the feeling that you could never really get to know Sardinia. But you could have a brilliant time trying.

Win a Holiday to Lantana Resort, Southern Sardinia

- Tesco Magazine Online — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Perfectly located in the middle of the warm Mediterranean sea, Sardinia is a beautifully unspoiled island that’s perfect for a summer escape. Enter our prize draw and you and a partner have the chance to win a seven-night holiday at Lantana Resort in Sardinia including return economy flights, courtesy of Sardinian Places, resort/airport transfers and breakfast each morning.

Lantana Resort Hotel & Apartments is a family-run four-star resort on the south west coast of the island, close to the historic town of Pula and a short distance from one of Sardinia’s best stretches of coastline which boasts white sandy beaches and crystal clear seas. The resort is made up of the hotel and several two and three-bedroom apartments, all set in lush botanical gardens which are filled with the colourful flowers and exotic scent of the Lantana bushes which give the resort its name. Visit Sardinian Places for more information.

Return economy flights for two adults departing from London Stansted to Cagliari, Sardinia, are provided courtesy of Sardinian Places (www.sardinianplaces.co.uk 0845 330 2050), which features Lantana Resort & Hotel within its collection, as well as villas, apartments and hotels across the whole island of Sardinia.

IMP - Click to view the article online to enter the competition through the Tesco Magazine website.

*All fields mandatory, your data will only be used for the purposes of this prize draw. See below for special terms and conditions. Please submit your details by 11.55pm on 3 August 2011.

Sardinia included in Top 10 holiday destinations in August

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinia has been voted one of the Top 10 holiday destinations in August according to The Conde Naste Traveller. Here's what they said: "Over on Sardinia, the Costa Smeralda is a romantic and dazzlingly beautiful holiday destination" "The Aga Khan turned Sardinia's Costa Smeralda into a eco-sensitive millionaire's paradise in the 1960s. On this north-eastern stretch of coast, where rugged landscapes meet pampered living, the rich rarely venture far from their villas or yachts. Infamous as the summer headquarters of the Italian paparazzi, who hunt for the starlets and celebrities who flock here, the Costa Smeralda is nevertheless a romantic and dazzlingly beautiful holiday escape." Also included in the Top Ten are: Cote d'Azur, Ibiza, Mayan Riviera, Karala, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Cairo, Bhutan and Montana.

£399pp for 7 nights departing on 18th June - save £196pp

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Late deal for June departure!

Sardinian Places has some great late deals for departures in June. Save £196pp on holidays at Casa delle Palme, a 3 bedroom villa that sleeps 6, situated on the hillside just above Alghero. This fantastic offer is based on 6 people sharing and departing on 18th June for 7 nights. The price includes flights from Gatwick to Alghero, car hire and a welcome pack.

For full details and other late deals visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Offers.aspx

Traveller's Guide to Sardinia

Eliot Stein - The Independent — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tucked deep into the jagged fjords of Sardinia's north-eastern tip lies some of the most expensive real estate in the Mediterranean, the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast). In high season, three-storey yachts putter around pools shimmering a kaleidoscope of azure hues, oligarchs occupy faux Arabian villas, and trophy wives glide from boutique to boutique. The result is a pseudo-idealised Mediterranean village, the artificiality of which allows scarcely a bougainvillea out of place. This Moorish-kasbah-meets-Mykonos wonderland is the island's most famous attraction. Yet it has almost nothing to do with the rest of Sardinia.

According to Sardinian legend, after God created the Earth, he gathered all the leftover pieces from everywhere else, threw them in the sea and stepped on them to create Sardinia – or, as the Greeks called it, Ichnusa, meaning "footprint". Since then, the island has been walked on by anyone who has ever sailed through the Mediterranean. Invaded in name but never conquered in spirit, Sardinia has managed the clever trick of absorbing a cultural buffet of influences while holding its head high with independent pride.

Lying 178km from the nearest mainland, slightly closer to Tunisia than Italy, no other island is as marooned in the Mediterranean as Sardinia – a fact that has shaped the island's character and brought a history of guests with the changing tides. While the Sardinians, or Sardi, have adopted the Italian tongue of their latest landlords, they cling fiercely to Sardo, their native language, and are recognised as a distinct ethnic group from their mainland counterparts. In effect, Sardinia is a sort of Italian Hawaii. It boasts the Romanesque churches, tile mosaics, medieval castles and fine wines associated with Italy, but also pulsates with an undiscovered and unscripted spirit that the mainland lost long ago.

Foreigners usually find it difficult to move beyond the 2,000km of Mediterranean coastline – and for good reason. The island is ringed by a shimmering shoreline of jaw-dropping beauty. But to limit your visit to the beaches is to miss the essence of an island whose people have traditionally turned their backs to the sea, fearful of those coming to exploit them and, until fairly recently, of the malaria outbreaks that plagued the coastal lagoons. Instead, many Sardinians have long sought refuge in the interior, a landscape of deep chasms, impressive massifs and impenetrable macchia (maquis) brush that nurtures the Sardinians' defiant character and hides the most compelling evidence of their secret history: more than 7,000 nuraghi stone towers and prehistoric villages built by one of the world's most advanced and mysterious Bronze Age societies. The best of these are Santu Antine in Torralba, the Unesco-protected site of Su Nuraxi in Barumini, Losa in Abbasanta and Arrubiu in Orroli, all of which are available to the public without a guide. Italy's least "Italian" region is an enchanting recipe of striking beauty and rugged brawn — one that secluded Sardinia has guarded fiercely until recently.

Eliot Stein is the author of the Footprint Travel Guide to Sardinia. To receive a 50 per cent discount (excl P&P) off any Footprint Italian guidebook, visit footprinttravelguides.com and enter Inde11 in the coupon code at checkout. Valid until the end of July.
To read the remainder of this Traveller's Guide, please click to view the online version.

World Rally Championship in Sardinia

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Only one week to go until the World Rally Championship round takes places in Sardinia – from 5th to 8th May 2011. There’s still time to make sure you’re there watching as Sardinian Places has availability at the nearby Villa Oro Verde, a premium 3 bedroom villa that sleeps up to 6. Read more about the villa and get prices here.

French driver Sebastien Loeb is currently top of the Championship leaderboard, whilst Britain's Matt Wilson is in 7th place. For more information about the rally visit http://www.wrc.com/calendar-and-rallies/2011/rally-ditalia-sardegna/overview/

Save 45% on stylish & secluded Alghero Villa

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the three-bedroom villa Casa delle Palme in North West Sardinia from £298 per person, valid for departures on 07 May, and resulting in a saving of £250pp from brochure price.
This price is based on six sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick - Alghero, car hire and a welcome pack.
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/casadellepalme
Situated on a hillside just above Alghero, the stylish Casa delle Palme is set within its own secluded gardens complete with a large swimming pool and offers distant sea views across to Capo Caccia. Please note that all offers are subject to availability.

The Independent’s pick of luxury hotels in Sardinia

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

La Coluccia and Petra Segreta Resort have both been selected as amongst the top luxury hotels in Sardinia in The Independent’s feature last Saturday “The Big Six: Luxury hotels in Sardinia” by Laura Holt.

Here’s what she had to say about the Petra Segreta Resort in San Pantaleo:

“Sunbed fidgets will find this rustic hilltop retreat hard to abide. Fans of spa treatments and gourmet dining will not. It's a hamlet of tiny stone outhouses, centring around a small pool, with the spa as linchpin. “

And this is what she says about La Coluccia in Santa Teresa di Gallura:

“A red wave meets a bleached Mediterranean sculpture at La Coluccia, which cuts no corners in the style stakes. Rooms are minimalist, sharp and to-the-point. The pool area is similarly smart, leading to the beach."

New Southern Sardinia Hotel added to Collection - 7 nights from £699pp

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places is pleased to announce that it has just exclusively added a new hotel to its collection. The 4* Relais Villa del Borgo Hotel is a small (12-room) boutique hotel located on the South Western Coast of Sardinia.
www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/relais-villa-del-borgo

Tucked away between the popular resorts of Pula and Chia and set in beautiful gardens, this converted manor house exudes an air of understated luxury.
The Relais Villa del Borgo is ideally positioned to sample the best beaches in the area – ‘Chia’ with its silky sand, white dunes and turquoise sea, and ‘Nora’, an exquisite horseshoe bay lapped by crystal clear water.
Hotel facilities include a swimming pool and wellness centre. Please note that the hotel does not house its own restaurant, but there are highly recommended trattorias in the local vicinity.

MAY TRAVEL OFFER
Sardinian Places offers 7-nights at The Relais Villa del Borgo Hotel from £699 per person, valid for selected departure dates between 01 – 20 May* 2011 and resulting in a saving of £109pp. This price is based on two sharing a classic room with breakfast and includes return flights Stansted – Cagliari and car hire. All offers are subject to availability.
* Currently available for departures 01 – 09 May inclusive, and 17 or 18 May

Save up to £920 on Accommodation-only Offers

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NORTH EAST SARDINIA PREMIUM COLLECTION VILLA
ACCOMMODATION-ONLY OFFERS: save up to £920
BOOK BY 01 APRIL

www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/lu-triuzzu
Lu Triuzzu – part of Sardinian Places’ Premium Collection is located in Santa Teresina on the outskirts of the Costa Smeralda. This three-bedroom house was built around an existing rock, which now forms the centrepiece to this unique hideaway retreat, whose additional character features include a juniper tree left in its original position inside the main doorway. The house has an elevated position, meaning that the pool terrace in particular takes in the panoramic views of the rural surroundings.

SAVE ON ACCOMMODATION-ONLY BOOKINGS:
Valid on selected Saturday departure dates throughout the season, Sardinian Places is offering great savings on its accommodation-only prices for Lu Triuzzu.
For selected MAY* dates, prices start at £1990 for the property for the week (saving £510).
The largest saving is applicable for selected JULY / AUGUST dates, where 7-nights accommodation-only at Lu Triuzzu is available for £3680 (saving £920).

The above prices include a welcome hamper and the services of an English-speaking representative if desired. Please note that Sardinian Places can also quote for flights and transfers / car hire if requested. All offers are subject to availability.

Call Sardinian Places on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk
* 07, 14, 21 May arrivals

Northern Sardinia April / May Offers

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NORTH EAST SARDINIA OFFER
San Pantaleo Villa: 7 nights from £469pp - save up to £126pp
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the two-bedroom villa Casa Qandra in North East Sardinia from £469 per person, valid for departures on 30 April or 7 May and resulting in a saving of up to £126 per person.
This price is based on four sharing and includes return flights London Gatwick-Olbia, car hire and a welcome pack.
Set in extensive gardens, the traditional Sardinian property Casa Qandra is perfectly positioned between Arzachena and the quaint village of San Pantaleo.
Call Sardinian Places on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

NORTH WEST SARDINIA OFFER
Alghero Hotel: 7 nights from £499pp - save £145pp
Sardinian Places is offering 7 nights at the 3* Hotel la Playa in Alghero from £499 per person, valid for departure on 07 May and resulting in a saving of £145 per person.
This price is based on two sharing a room with breakfast and includes return London Gatwick – Alghero flights and hotel transfers.
Small and family-run, Hotel la Playa is ideally located in central Alghero, 20 minutes walk away from the old quarter and the lively harbourfront, and only a few steps from the beach.
Call Sardinian Places on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Tomorrow Italy will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of the unification of the country and to mark the occasion, the 17th March 2011 has been declared a national holiday in Italy. Although many banks and shops will be closed in Sardinia and across Italy, tourist attractions and museums will remain open. Although most of the events will take place in Turin, Florence and Rome, there will be smaller scale celebrations across the country. The events will be known as il Risorgimento or “The Resurgence”.

National unity was declared on March 17th 1861in Turin, which became the country’s first capital. Prior to this Italy was divided into several states, some ruled by foreign powers until Nationalists led by the Kingdom of Sardinia, Piedmont’s ruling House of Savoy and Prime Minister Camillo Benso di Cavour fought for a united country. Many of the campaigns were led by hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, who retired to the island of Caprera in La Maddalena archipelago off Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. Today the island is a tourist destination with a museum dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, which is currently being revamped.

Sardinia rated in top 10 for travellers from New Zealand

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Online travel company expedia.co.nz has highlighted Sardinia as one of the top 10 up and coming destinations in the Northern Hemisphere for New Zealanders to visit during their winter months.

The top ten reads as:

1. Alaska
2. Turkey
3. Scotland
4. California
5. Sardinia
6. Lebanon
7. Madeira
8. Canada
9. Slovenia
10. Norway

Here’s what they had to say about Sardinia:

5. Sardinia, Italy
Often overlooked, the island of Sardinia is seeing a resurgence in popularity because of its turquoise seas and white sandy beaches.
Travellers will marvel at the rugged beauty of the Southwestern Sardinia islands, Sant’Antioco and San Pietro. Equally as impressive is the cosmopolitan historical city of Cagliari, which is surrounded by an evocative medieval centre with cobbled piazzas, bars and restaurants.

New villas near Alghero

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places has added two new villas to its programme in the north west of Sardinia, just 10 minutes from Alghero. Villas Valverde are two neighbouring villas each with two bedrooms, private pools and large gardens. The villas add another good choice of accommodation for couples and families and the two properties can be booked together (subject to availability) – ideal for two families travelling together.

A week including flights and car hire starts from £594 per person based on 4 sharing and departing on 7th, 14th or 21st May. Alternatively the villas can be booked on an accommodation only basis with prices starting from £990 for 7 nights. View images of the villas and find out more.

Villa Salondra in The Sunday Times '50 Sensational Villas'

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Villa Salondra was included in The Sunday Times '50 Sensational Villas' shortlist - the lead travel story running in the broadsheet newspaper today & repeated on Times.co.uk.

The Alghero villa - as featured in the Sardinian Places brochure - was praised for its superb views, open-plan living room, swimming pool and location.

This is the second year running that a Sardinian Places villa has had recognition within this much-anticipated Sunday Times travel article.

For more on Villa Salondra, please visit:
http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Accommodation/19000373/51642/Villa-Salondra.aspx

Extended early booking offers

Thu, 03 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places has extended some of its early booking offers until 18th February including:

Up to £150 per person off self-catering holidays. Valid for both packages and accommodation only bookings at selected properties and on selected dates.
Up to 20% off hotel holidays
Child discounts – now save up to 50%. Get up to 50% off the cost of hotel accommodation or get a 10% discount when booking a full package holiday in a self-catering property. N.b. one child discount available per full paying adult.

For full details of early booking offers see http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/Special-Offers/Early-Booking-Offers.aspx

Two new 3-bedroom villas

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places has added two more villas to its programme for holidays in 2011. The villas are both in the North-East of the island of Sardinia, perfect for exploring the glamorous Costa Smeralda.

Villa Le Saline is a traditional Sardinian farmhouse which has been converted into stylish self-catering holiday accommodation whilst maintaining the character of the building. The property provides guests with a real home from home with wooden beams, quarry tiled floors, large fireplaces and antique furniture. Outside there is a spacious garden and a private swimming pool, plus there is a beach just a short walk away. Find out more

Villa Pineta will appeal to holidaymakers looking for facilities on their doorstep; it is in a great location in the heart of the popular resort of Cannigione, just a few steps from the sandy beach and a number of restaurants, cafés and ice-cream parlours. The villa is decorated to a good standard and outside there is a large garden with private swimming pool and fabulous views of the sea. Find out more

Carnival on the island of Sardinia

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The festival of Carnival has started on the island of Sardinia. One of the most important events in the island’s calendar, Carnival started on 17th January which is also known as the festival of Sant’ Antonio. Carnival will continue until Ash Wednesday, although the biggest celebrations will be held on Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) and Carnival Thursday.

Masks play an important part in the festival, Carnival was traditionally a time in which normal social rules were abandoned and partygoers were masked to hide their identity. Events are held across the island attracting thousands of visitors:

Experience lively colourful parades in Cagliari, Tempio, Pausania, San Gavino, Monreale, Bosa and Iglesias.
Watch traditional horse racing events in Oristano and Santu Lussurgiu.

2011 Brochure Highlights

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places launches its new-look 2011 brochure to the media this month, confirming its status as the UK’s leading Sardinian specialist. Highlights for 2011 include:

Widest Range of Sardinia Holiday Accommodation to UK Market
Sardinian Places offers the largest portfolio of Sardinian properties to the UK holiday market, specialising in the North East and North West of the island, with properties also offered in the Central region, as well as the South.

The tour operator offers a wide range of self-catering and hotel options, including its ‘Premium Collection’; its trademark being the detached countryside villa with secluded grounds and swimming pool, within easy drive of the coast and beaches. Hotels range from the rustic farm hotel, to the more luxurious hotels, complete with spa facilities. The new brochure also includes more properties nearer the sea – Sardinian Places direct response to increased demand.

NEW Properties for 2011
Sardinian Places has added nine new properties to its 2011 programme, these include:
Residenza Riva Azzurra, Cannigione, North East Sardinia
A complex of modern apartments positioned just a stone’s throw away from the sandy beach in the resort of Cannigione offering spectacular views across the Gulf of Arzachena to the Costa Smeralda beyond.
Villa Sarda, Alghero, North West Sardinia
A three-bedroom villa that is perfect for families. Peacefully located in the rural outskirts of Alghero, facilities include a large swimming pool, extensive grounds and shaded terrace complete with barbeque. An excellent agriturismo is within walking distance.
4* Relais Villa del Golfo & Spa Hotel, Cannigione, North East Sardinia
The 4* Relais Villa del Golfo is a stylish and prestigious hotel positioned on the heights of Cannigione with views across the Gulf of Arzachena, the island of Caprera, and beyond to the Costa Smeralda. A couple of beaches are within walking distance, and there is also the opportunity to take a day trip on the hotel’s sailing yacht – a perfect way to explore the magnificent North East coastline.

UK Departures to Sardinia - New Heathrow - Olbia flight for 2011
Flights are available from numerous UK airports to Sardinia, including a new Heathrow – Olbia charter service. Sardinian Places can advise on all options and costs, and can book charter, scheduled and no-frills flights for its customers.

Sardinian Places product manager, Amandine Blanchard comments:
”We believe we have made this new brochure even more informative, adding new material for 2011 such as our beach guide – a must for an island which has over 1800km of coastline.
Sardinia remains a sought after holiday destination, but as with last year, Sardinian Places advises booking earlier rather than later, as demand may again exceed UK flight capacity into the island.”

Sardinian Places now presents package prices alongside accommodation-only prices for the first time in order to aid clients’ booking choice. The tour operator can also offer tailor made and touring itineraries, as well as twin centre holidays with sister company, Corsican Places www.corsica.co.uk.

Early Booking Offers on 2011 holidays are still available, valid for holidays booked by 31 January (2011). Offers include accommodation-only savings of up to £200 per week; savings of up to 20% per person on hotel stays, and 10% child discounts on flight-inclusive holidays. Please call Sardinian Places for details.

This season, 7-night holidays with Sardinian Places start from £479 per person, based on six sharing self-catering accommodation at the three-bedroom Sardinian house, Casa Rosa, located in the seaside resort of Cannigione. This price includes return flights, taxes and transfers, (price valid for selected departures in May 2011) and includes an Early Booking Offer discount of £50 per person. For more information, please call Sardinian Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2050, or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk where additional properties are also featured.

Sardinian Places 2011 Collection on sale now

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Independent tour operator, Sardinian Places, has released 2011 holiday prices ahead of its new 2011 brochure arriving with customers in January (2011). The 2011 Collection (including nine new properties) is available to view online at www.sardinianplaces.co.uk, with clients able to book through the website or by telephone.

A selection of Early Booking Offers* for 2011 holidays is available, valid if booked by 30 November 2010. These include accommodation-only savings of up to £200 per week; savings of up to 20% per person on hotel stays and 10% Child Discounts on flight-inclusive holidays.

Specialist, Sardinian Places, offers the largest portfolio of Sardinian properties to the UK holiday market, specialising in the North East and North West of the island, offering both self-catering and hotel options. A selection of properties is also offered in Central Sardinia as well as in the South.

Although offering a wide range of self-catering options, the Sardinian Places trademark is the detached countryside villa with secluded grounds and swimming pool, within easy drive of the coast and beaches. However, Sardinian Places also includes properties, which meet the demand for accommodation nearer the sea. These include - new for 2011 - Residenza Riva Azzurra, a complex of 21 modern apartments positioned just a stone’s throw away from the sandy beach in the resort of Cannigione. There are hotels to suit all tastes from the rustic farm hotel, to the more luxurious hotel, complete with thalasso and spa facilities.

Next season, (2011), 7-night holidays with Sardinian Places start from £479 per person, based on six sharing self-catering accommodation at the three-bedroom Sardinian house, Casa Rosa, located in the seaside resort of Cannigione. This price includes return flights, taxes and transfers, as well as an Early Booking Offer reduction of £50 per person (price valid for selected departures in May 2011).

Within its new 2011 brochure, and now online, Sardinian Places presents package prices alongside accommodation-only prices for the first time to aid clients’ booking choice.
The 2011 brochure is available to pre-order online at www.sardinianplaces.co.uk or by calling Sardinian Places Reservations Department on 0845 330 2050.

* conditions apply. Contact Sardinian Places for more information.

Pre-order your 2011 Sardinian Places brochure

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Sardinian Places brochure will be available in January - to ensure you receive a copy pre-order yours now. If you have a favourite property or would like to travel on specific dates, we recommend pre-registering the accommodation to ensure you don’t miss out on your first choice of holiday. We anticipate the most popular properties selling out well in advance of travel, particularly during school holidays.

To order your brochure click here
To find out about pre-registering contact our reservations team on 0845 330 2056 or email holidays@sardinianplaces.co.uk

AITO Travel Expo

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Come and find out more about Sardinia and other destinations available through our sister companies (The Gambia, Cape Verde, Senegal, Corsica and Short Breaks to France & Belgium) at the AITO Travel Expo. Wednesday 6th October from 6 - 8.30pm at The Science Museum in London. Entry is free and there's a glass of wine on arrival, to register email travelexpo@aito.com

You can find out more at http://www.aito.co.uk/holiday-inspirations.asp

Stay In The Same Hotel As George Clooney

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

George Clooney has been spotted in Sardinia this week visiting the family of his girlfriend Elisabetta Canalis who was born on the island. The couple stayed with Miss Canalis’s parents in the small village of Tresnuraghes on the west coast of Sardinia before heading off to the exclusive Hotel Villa Las Tronas for a night.

You could follow in their footsteps and book a holiday to Sardinia with Sardinian Places, staying for a night or longer at the same hotel.

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2010

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup 2010 is now underway, with 47 yachts competing in the event off the north-east coast of Sardinia.

The event takes place between 5th and 11th September and is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and attracts crews from around the world, including the UK, Spain, New Zealand and South Africa. There are five divisions competing this week in stunning locations off the coast of Porto Cervo and north around La Maddalena archipelago. For a full report of yesterday’s races and today’s events visit www.sail-world.com

Naomi Campbell and Prince Andrew in Sardinia

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Naomi Campbell and Prince Andrew are the latest in a long list of A-listers spotted on the island of Sardinia this summer, continuing its reputation as a favourite holiday destination for celebrities.

Naomi Campbell has had a lot of media coverage recently following her appearance as a witness at the war crimes trial of Charles Taylor, the former leader of Liberia, but photographs of her in Sardinia show her much more relaxed. The supermodel was with her Russian boyfriend Vladimir Doronin at a party for jeweller Fawaz Gruosi at the exclusive Billionaires Club in Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda, owned by Flavio Briatore. Other guests at the party included Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Spacey and Janet Jackson. To see pictures visit http://www.hellomagazine.com/celebrities/201008103980/naomi-campbell/leo-dicaprio/sardinia/1/

Prince Andrew has also been spotted holidaying onboard a luxury yacht off the coast of Sardinia and there are many rumours about a model he has been photographed with. For more details visit http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/201008063973/prince-andrew/holiday-yacht/brunette/1/

Interior Motives

Frank Partridge - The Sunday Times Travel Magazine — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Porto Cervo in TripAdvisors Top 10 Emerging Destinations in the World

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Porto Cervo, the main resort on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda, is listed in TripAdvisor’s “Top 10 Emerging Destinations in the World”. Porto Cervo came in at number 8 in the review site’s Traveller’s Choice 2010 Awards. For more details of the awards see http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/TCDestinations-cEmerging-g1

For more information on the area and holidays visit http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/About-Sardinia/Costa-Smeralda-And-N-East/Porto-Cervo.aspx

Sardinia: Choice of the Stars

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This summer Sardinia is continuing to attract a number of celebrities, confirming its reputation as the playground of the rich and famous. In the last few weeks Frank Lampard, Christine Bleakley, Jamie and Louise Rednapp, Peter Crouch, Abbey Clancy and Rob Lowe have all been spotted enjoying a holiday on the island. American Idol presenter Ryan Seacrest is also rumoured to have spent more than $50,000 on a night out at the Billionaire Club. The meal is reported to have cost $41,000 and then the presenter left a $10,000 tip!

Island for Sale

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Island of Spargi, part of the Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia, is to be sold by auction in October. The idyllic island is expected to go for a bargain price, however, the 176,000 m²island is completely protected by environmental laws and so is unlikely to be bought by any private individual.

New 3 bedroom villa

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Specialist tour operator has added another three-bedroom property to its programme to meet demand as the availability of holiday villas in Sardinia this summer is fairly limited during school holidays. The villa, La Gjanda, is a newly built property with a private swimming pool and breathtaking views of the surrounding Galluran countryside. Families will love the spacious garden, with plenty of space for children to play, and the beaches of the Costa Smeralda are just a short drive away. For more information and the photo gallery click here.

Juho Hänninen and Mikko Markkula of Skoda Motorsport win Rally d’Italia-Sardenga

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The fifth round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge was held in Sardinia last week and was won by Juho Hänninen and Mikko Markkula of Škoda Motorsport; team-mates Jan Kopecký and Petr Starý also finished in third place.

The event was very dramatic with some of the pre-race favourites having to drop out due to crashes, tyre puntures and other problems, including British driver Guy Wilks being airlifted to hospital following a high-speed crash which left him with two broken vertebrae. For more details visit http://www.rallye-info.com

Big 7 Day Sale Starts Tomorrow

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Sardinian Places 7 day sale starts tomorrow morning at 10am with big savings across the season including:

Summer Villa Offers
High season villas with savings over 35%!
Prices from only £995 per week!

Last Minute Holidays At Bargain Prices!
Superb late deals for departures up to and including 3rd July.
Prices from only £980 per week!

Package Holidays are now even better value!
Let us book the accommodation, flights and car hire and save even more!

Offers for couples
Properties just for two with some great savings.
Prices from only £590 per week!

For more details log in tomorrow morning at 10am.

New Music Festival in Sardinia

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Organisers of the annual SunAndBass festival have launched another event on the island of Sardinia, Italy. The new event is called June – Electronic Dance Holidays and will be held between 8th and 12th June 2010 in the town of San Teodoro, 20 kilometres south of Olbia. The festival will use various locations across the town including the beach, clubs and bars. The full line-up hasn’t been announced but confirmed acts include Mike Shannon, Lee Jones, Ray Okpara, Sascha Dive, Martin Dawson, Daniele Papini and Federico Molinari. For more details visit www.thejune.net

Louis Vuitton Trophy La Maddalena

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinia will host the Louis Vuitton Trophy La Maddalena later this month, attracting some of the world’s best sailors. Ten of the top international teams will be heading to the island to compete between 22nd May and 6th June. Teams include the Emirates Team New Zealand, America’s Cup winners BMW ORACLE Racing, Mascalzone Latino Audi Team, Azzurra and Luna Rossa.

La Maddalena is preparing to host the event with sailing fans arriving from around the world. La Maddalena is a small town on an island of the same name just off the North East coast of Sardinia.

New 3 bedroom villa with stunning countryside views

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sardinian Places has added a new three-bedroom villa with private pool to its portfolio near the town of Arzachena in the North East of Sardinia. Villa Ruby is a contemporary detached villa set in a large garden with a great deal of privacy, but is only a 20-minute drive from some great beaches.

The main attraction of the Villa is the rural view of the countryside and vineyards which surround the property. Sardinian Places recommends the villa to families and couples and with neighbouring Villa Paola also available to rent, larger groups can also be accommodated.

100 Best Villas

Sean Newsom - The Sunday Times — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Sunday Times reveals the best places for hire around the Mediterranean and Europe this summer

57 Casa Qandra, Sardinia
Sleeps 4
A good price and a lovely wild location are the twin attractions here. Casa Qandra is a cute, low-rise house, surrounded by crags and woodland, and it's only four miles from the beach. The owner lives next door and is happy to share the herbs and vegetables from his garden. Olbia airport is a 35-minute drive. £1,650/£785; 0845 330 2049, sardinianplaces.co.uk

64 Villa Oro Verde, Sardinia
Sleeps 6
The interiors of this low, stone-fronted property are new and stylish, but really Villa Oro Verde is all about the outside: the long terrace, the mature, shady trees and the garden that leads to the pool. It's the perfect place to cool off after a day on the nearby north-coast beaches. Olbia airport is a 30-minute drive. £3,875/£1,868; 0845 330 2049, sardinianplaces.co.uk

Sardinia is TV Presenter's "Favourite Place”

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

TV presenter Jenny Buckley is quoted as saying Sardinia was her “favourite place” when interviewed for Irish newspaper The Herald. The online version of the paper has an interview with the presenter following her addition to the team of the Irish travel programme No Frontiers. She says: "My favourite place was probably Sardinia which was fabulous. I was like 'why haven't I ever been here?', the flights are so cheap and it has a real tropical feel to it. It's all white sandy beaches and gorgeous weather.”

To read the article in full visit http://www.herald.ie/entertainment/around-town/lifes-a-beach-as-jenny-discovers--new-frontiers-2023101.html

Sardinia for every couple

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With a reputation as being the holiday of choice for the rich and famous [Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary stayed there last summer], as well as the island with the best beaches, Sardinia is frequently in the top listings of romantic or honeymoon destinations.
Leading specialist, Sardinian Places, presents a broad selection of romantic properties within its portfolio, including both affordable options, as well as choices outside of the Costa Smeralda.

Self-catering options include Casa Lluïseta, a one-bedroom, stone-built cottage situated within its own olive grove near Alghero in the North West. The simplicity of the setting is what makes this property such an ideal intimate hideaway. The gardens are immaculate and full of traditional Sardinian flora, such as fruit-laden medlars and prickly pear cacti. The bedroom offers views across lime trees, cypresses and laurel bushes to the private pool beyond. The cottage harbours a rural feel, yet is only a few miles away from the cobbled streets and fine restaurants of Alghero’s town centre. This season, 7-nights accommodation-only at Casa Lluïseta starts from £1138 (property price for the week).

For similar - quality, yet reasonable - self-catering options for couples, please click on the following link: http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/Sardinia-Holidays/Holidays-For/Sardinia-For-Couples.aspx

Hotel options offered by Sardinian Places include the 4* Hotel Corallo – a perfect romantic retreat in the former fishing village of Isola Rossa, in Northern Sardinia. The hotel is directly positioned by the sea overlooking the marina, which affords views across the Mediterranean, as well as provides an opportune vantage point for watching the sun both rise and set. Facilities at the hotel include a fresh water swimming pool; restaurant renowned for its Sardinian specialities and seafood dishes; as well as a wine cellar used once a week for wine tasting. Isola Rossa maintains its laid back vibe today with just a small selection of bars, restaurants and two sandy beaches within the immediate vicinity. For those keen to explore the north of the island, Castelsardo, Santa Teresa Gallura and the character town of Tempio-Pausania are all easily accessible by car. Sardinian Places offers 7 nights accommodation-only with breakfast at Hotel Corallo from £287 per person.

Also in the North is the luxury option of the 5* Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & Spa, tucked away in the bay of Cala Capra, a completely unspoilt corner of North East Sardinia. The hotel is located on the waterfront within just a few hundred metres of two white-sand beaches. Panoramic views stretch across the Archipelago della Maddalena and facilities include a Thalasso & Spa Centre, two seawater swimming pools and solariums positioned directly on the ocean. Please note that the hotel offers Sardinian Places’ clients a complimentary ‘Honeymoon or Anniversary Package’. Please call for more details. Sardinian Places offers 7 nights accommodation-only with breakfast at Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & Spa from £497 per person.
For more hotels, please click on the following link:
http://www.sardinianplaces.co.uk/Docs/Sardinia-Holidays/Holidays-For/Sardinia-For-Couples.aspx

To request the 2010 brochure, please call Sardinian Places Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk Flights & car hire can be quoted. (Please note that Early Booking Offers for 2010 holidays have been extended to Valentine’s Day)

One of Europe’s Best Beaches in Sardinia

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Sunday Times has listed the top 20 beaches in Europe, and Cala Luna on the east coast of Sardinia has been included. Here’s what the Sunday Times says about the beach:

“There’s an argument that you should hike to Cala Luna. True, it’s nearly four miles, in baking sun, and you might lose focus and fall off a 300ft cliff, especially if you go gaga over the died-and-gone-to-heaven views. But what’s the point of hearing about discovering a roadless cove like this, then hopping on a tourist boat to get there? The beach is in sleepy eastern Sardinia, and it’s a half-mile crescent of spotless sand strung with pink oleander and pitted with romantic grottoes. Cars conk out at Cala Fuili, four miles north - hence that panoramic (if mildly precarious) hike. The boat? Oh, all right, then: it glides down daily in summer from Cala Gonone, the nearest resort (from £12 return).

Best for: climbers, cavemen, castaways.”

To read the article in full visit http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/holiday_type/beach/article6989680.ece

New Properties for 2010

Press Office - Sardinian Places — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Independent specialist, Sardinian Places has added 8 new properties to its 2010 collection and is highlighting the last opportunity to secure an Early Booking Discount before 31 January. The tour operator also urges early booking this year because of reduced flight capacity into the island from the UK for the 2010 season (-41% on Saturday flights).

New properties to Sardinian Places for 2010 include:

Hotel Corallo 4*, Isola Rossa
Ideal for couples and honeymooners, the 4* Hotel Corallo is located on the waterfront, just a few minutes walk from the beach, in the small resort of Isola Rossa – a former fishing village positioned on the North coast of Sardinia between mountains and rocky headlands.
Sardinian Places offers 7 nights accommodation-only with breakfast at Hotel Corallo from £287 per person.

Villa Salondra, Alghero
Another three-bedroom option, Sardinian Places believes Villa Salondra is the finest property it now offers in the North West. Nestled amongst the countryside and rolling hills just outside Alghero and complete with private pool, Villa Salondra affords panoramic views across the bay.
Sardinian Places offers 7 nights accommodation-only at Villa Salondra from £1370.

La Mendula, San Pantaleo
Peacefully located in the Galluran countryside between Arzachena, San Pantaleo and the beaches of the Costa Smeralda, the four-bedroom La Mendula provides a great option for two families or groups of friends wishing to holiday together whilst retaining some privacy. The spacious grounds, swimming pool and terrace are shared, whilst the villa is divided into two levels with separate entrances. Sardinian Places offers 7 nights accommodation-only at La Mendula from £1223.

Casa Rosa, Cannigione
The three-bedroom Casa Rosa is a traditional Sardinian house located in the sought after resort of Cannigione. Perfect for a seaside holiday, the property is only a few minutes walk from sandy beaches, restaurants and markets, which line this bustling, authentically Sardinian port. Sardinian Places offers 7 nights accommodation-only at Casa Rosa from £980.

Please note that the above are property prices for the week (up to maximum occupancy). Flights & car hire can be quoted. For more information or to request a brochure, please call Sardinian Places Reservations Dept on 0845 330 2050 or visit www.sardinianplaces.co.uk

Three New Hotels in Sardinia

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Following the demise of Holiday Options, three of its popular hotels are now available through specialist tour operator Sardinian Places.

Hotel La Rocca is a 4* hotel with a laid-back atmosphere on the Costa Smeralda. Hotel Corallo is a fantastic choice for honeymoons thanks to its high standards and romantic setting overlooking the marina in Isola Rossa in the north-east of Sardinia. Hotel la Playa is a small and friendly 3* hotel in the centre of Alghero which is excellent value for money, a week’s bed & breakfast starts from just £329 per person.

20 Affordable Villas in Europe

Sophie Butler - CNTraveller.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

VILLA MARIA
SARDINIA, ITALY
(Sleeps 10)

Newly available this year, Villa Maria is built into a rocky hillside on Sardinia's beautiful north-east Costa Smeralda. It's an area to avoid in stifling August, when the Italian glitterati descend en masse, so consider visiting in May or June, when the prices are far lower and the weather is usually blissful. The house divides neatly into two interconnecting but self-contained levels with separate kitchens and living areas, which works well for two families holidaying together. It's not an ideal choice for younger children, however, because of steep drops at the side of the pool area.

Plus point Next door to Villa Maria is another villa called Lu Triuzzu which can accommodate six people - a useful 'add-on' for extended families or larger groups.

Price £2,639 to £5,278

Contact Sardinian Places (0845 330 2049; www.sardinianplaces.co.uk)

Read more about Costa Smeralda in CNTraveller.com's guide

This article first featured in the May 2009 issue of Condé Nast Traveller magazine

Live like a local in the Med

Annabelle Thorpe - The Observer — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Alghero, Sardinia

Although located in Sardinia, Alghero's cobbled streets and medieval centre are strongly reminiscent of old towns on the Italian mainland such as Sanremo and Sorrento. In the evening, avoid the crowds and head up onto the fortified walls of the town's bastion: it's a great place to watch the sun set over the dramatic sea cliffs of Capo Caccia. Afterwards, dip into the town's lively restaurant scene: Mabrouk (Via Santa Barbara), is a fantastic fish restaurant run by a brother and sister. The brother fishes during the night and the sister prepares the catch for the next day's supper. There's no menu; it all depends what the sea gives up each night. Or try Al Tuguri, which specialises in traditional Catalan dishes - worth visiting for the crème brulée alone.

For a day trip, one of the most spectacular sights around Alghero is the Grotta di Nettuno - stunning sea caves beneath a sheer cliff face. Boats go from Alghero's port and the return trip takes around two-and-a-half hours.

Stay: peacefully located between Piazza Ginnasio and the bastion of Cristoforo Columbo, the Apartment Storico oozes character and history. The apartment is on two floors with two double bedrooms, an elegant dining room and fully fitted kitchen. From £674 a week through Sardinian Places (0845 330 2050; sardinianplaces.co.uk).

A taste of Italy

Hannah James - Real Travel magazine — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT