Chill out on the stunning Italian island of Sardinia with sun, pool and yoga
I’M sitting in the back of a jeep admiring the mountain views when suddenly the driver darts off the main road, powering up a muddy track that seems too narrow and steep for any vehicle.
The jeep winds higher through the woodland, wheels churning on the edge of a sheer drop into the valley below.
And yet somehow, thanks to my surroundings, this is still the most relaxing holiday I have ever been on.
Sardinia has become a hot new package holiday destination because of its near-untouched beauty and peaceful vibe.
The new 4* Sentido Orosei Beach hotel has been designed to complement the island’s chilled-out feel.
Bright red flowers creep up the walls of its modest two floors, giving the place both charm and a sense of exclusivity.
The tranquil pool area, with its own bar, bold and beautiful gardens and tennis courts make it seem like you’re stepping into a backyard that’s all yours.
My comfortable double room featured a balcony overlooking the hotel’s immaculately kept lawn, where the morning daybreak class, a blend of yoga, pilates and tai chi, is held.
A short walk takes you to the glorious beach where guests have a private area offering unblemished views of the horizon.
Guests also have access to a second, bigger but louder pool in a sister hotel, which is more suitable for little ones. There are also clubs there for kids aged three to 17.
The hotel offers the Discovery Walk, a hike of the surrounding area, while Thomas Cook’s wealth of excursions take you farther afield.
First up was a day trip to La Maddalena, a seaside town on an island of the same name between Sardinia and Corsica.
With its narrow back streets and pastel buildings, it’s a quaint and calming place.
But the main draw is a boat trip around the archipelago, boasting 61 other breathtaking “secret” islands, most of which are deserted.
With just 69 people per square kilometre in Sardinia, compared to 5,500 in London, it often feels like you are the first to discover something new and beautiful.
On an exhilarating jeep tour I took in the astonishing views of the Lanaittu valley, losing count of how many times I said “wow”.
The guided tour also took me underground to the Grotta di Sa Oche, one of Sardinia’s 1,500 caves, and the archaeological site of Sa Sedda e Sos Carros, where the ruins of a village dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages still stand.
I was treated to a lavish meal of sausages, bacon and crackling before trying local mirto, a liqueur made from myrtle berries that tastes of rosemary and juniper and is on the hotel’s all-inclusive menu, and grappa, nicknamed “iron wire” which will challenge even the most seasoned shot-taker.
Given it’s an Italian island, my expectations of the food were high and I was relieved by the commitment to quality at Sentido Orosei Beach.
The buffet featured a mix of regional specialities and classic dishes, with the pasta and seafood from Sardinian waters often the star attractions.
The squid-ink risotto, jet-black and creamy, was a personal highlight. Local catches are showcased at the hotel’s a la carte restaurant, where a four-course seafood set menu is offered alongside a meat option.
Diners can retire to the Blue bar, where there is a nightly performer.
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Drinks are available on the all-inclusive until 11.30pm and start again at 10.30am.
All-inclusive guests can dine in the a la carte restaurant one night of their stay.
The town of Orosei, about 25 minutes’ walk away or a quick ride on a shuttle bus, has some fantastic places to eat if you fancy a change of scenery.
Hillside restaurant Belohorizonte offers more of a fine dining experience, with authentic Sardinian dishes and a fantastic view when eating al fresco.
The chocolate and lemon ricotta ravioli dessert is the ultimate indulgence but after the walk, you feel like you’ve earned it.
Of course, you can’t come to Italy without having pizza.
Ristorante Villa Fumosa nearby has speciality pizzas up to a metre long, perfect for big parties or a foodie who loves a challenge.
With delicious food, the gobsmacking surroundings and tranquil vibe, Sardinia is a wonderful place to unwind.
GO: SARDINIA
GETTING/STAYING THERE:
Seven nights’ all inclusive at the 4H Sentido Orosei Beach is from £705pp, based on two adults sharing, including flights from Manchester on September 23 and airport transfers (call 0844 412 5970 or see ).