Exploring Sardinia: Our Complete Seven-Day Review
There are trips we take for relaxation, others for discovery, and some because a destination quietly calls to us until we finally give in. Sardinia was that place for us. We’d heard the stories. It’s legendary turquoise water, its rugged interior, its glamorous coastline, and the deep, soulful culture that reveals itself only when you slow down long enough to notice.
We chose to travel in mid-to-late September, right before the island began to shut down for the season. Crowds were thin, the weather was still warm, and the energy on the island felt relaxed in a way that August could never offer. It ended up being the perfect time for the kind of trip we wanted: a balance of coastal luxury, rustic immersion, and the chance to experience Sardinia from multiple perspectives.
Our itinerary took us to five very different properties: Hotel Eden Rome, Belmond Hotel Romazzino, Su Gologone, 7Pines Resort Sardinia, and Hotel Abi d’Oru, each with its own personality, strengths, quirks, and ideal clientele. We also partnered with Absolute Italy for our airport and ferry transfers, which made island-hopping effortless and stress-free.
What follows is our full report: experience-driven, honest, and written exactly as we lived it.
Starting in Rome: One Night at Hotel Eden
We landed in Rome after a long travel day and decided to treat ourselves to a single night at Hotel Eden, a property that always manages to hit the perfect note between elegant and unfussy.
The service stood out immediately. Warm, considerate, and refreshingly intuitive, it set the tone for the rest of the trip. After hours of transit, being welcomed with that level of care felt grounding. Our room was peaceful and beautifully maintained, which is exactly what we needed before the journey continued the next morning.
While this wasn’t the focus of our trip, Hotel Eden reinforced why we often love a one-night kickoff in a major city. You get a moment to reset, enjoy a proper night’s sleep, and start the next leg of the journey feeling human again. We were grateful for the calm, the comfortable room, and the quality of service that made everything feel easy.
The next morning, we boarded our flight to Sardinia, excited to begin the real adventure.
Stop One: Belmond Hotel Romazzino in Costa Smeralda
When we began planning this trip, Belmond Hotel Romazzino was the stay we were most curious about. Belmond consistently delivers warmth, polished simplicity, and a hospitality style that feels intimate even in busy destinations. Sardinia, with its natural beauty and old-world resort culture, seemed like the perfect match for their signature approach.
Belmond Romazzino sits in Costa Smeralda, a region known for its glamorous August scene, but by September, that entire atmosphere shifts. When we arrived, everything felt quieter, calmer, and more personal.
The Room
Our room was comfortable and well-maintained, with a clean, traditional style that complemented the coastal setting. It wasn’t flashy or overly modern, but everything felt intentional and well cared for.
The bathroom, however, was a standout surprise. It was beautiful, large, and designed in a way that made everyday routines feel special. It’s rare for a bathroom to be one of the highlights, but it genuinely was.
Service
Service was a mix of warm and occasionally inconsistent. The poolside staff and breakfast team were friendly and attentive. At lunch one day, the team seemed stretched thin, but the overall experience was still pleasant.
Food
Breakfast was genuinely enjoyable, especially the spread of fresh fruit and pastries. Lunch by the pool had a great mix of options; simple, flavorful, and perfectly aligned with the setting.
The Experience
What makes Romazzino memorable isn’t a single moment; it’s the gentle, timeless feeling of the place. It’s the kind of hotel where you slow down without effort, and where the rhythms of the sea, meals, and warm hospitality blend together.
Who Should Stay Here
- Couples wanting a classic, polished beach resort
- Travelers who appreciate warmth over trendiness
- Guests who want a relaxed coastal environment with a refined atmosphere
Romazzino was a beautiful start to our Sardinia journey. It was unhurried, welcoming, and deeply tied to the coastline.
Stop Two: Su Gologone — The Creative, Soulful Heart of Sardinia
From Costa Smeralda, we drove inland to Su Gologone, a completely different world from the coast. Set in the mountains of Oliena, this hotel is rustic, artistic, and filled with personality. It’s not a luxury resort by traditional standards, but it is rich in atmosphere, creativity, and spirit.
Su Gologone is the kind of place that feels intentionally disconnected from the coastal resort scene. Everything, from the handmade ceramics to the traditional textiles to the hidden terraces, is rooted in Sardinian craftsmanship. You feel the care that went into every choice.
The Heat
Let’s address the biggest challenge upfront: it was extremely hot during our stay. Travel inland in September, and the temperatures can be intense. The rooms don’t offer the same cooling power or insulation as modern resorts, so the heat becomes part of the experience.
For some travelers, that won’t matter. For others, it will be important to know before booking.
The Rooms
Our room was charming, colorful, and reflective of the hotel’s artisanal identity. That said, the rustic feel comes with rustic realities: older infrastructure, less powerful climate control, and layout quirks that add character but aren’t for everyone.
Dining
The food was hearty, flavorful, and authentically Sardinian. It felt like the kind of cooking you’d want to eat after a long day of exploring.
What We Loved
- The artistic details around every corner
- The terraces and tucked-away spaces
- The deep sense of place
- The opportunity to experience a slower, more traditional side of Sardinia
Who Should Stay Here
- Travelers seeking a unique cultural stay
- Guests who value charm over modern luxury
- Anyone looking to explore Sardinia’s interior landscapes
- Creative travelers who appreciate design and authenticity
Su Gologone enriches your trip by giving you dimension—texture you wouldn’t get if you stayed only on the coast.
Stop Three: 7Pines Resort Sardinia — A Breezy, Modern Escape
Arriving at 7Pines felt like entering an entirely new chapter of the trip. The property is bright, modern, airy, and intentionally designed to highlight the natural environment around Baja Sardinia.
The first thing we noticed was the water. It was calm, transparent, and shimmering. The bay here is spectacular, and the resort is positioned to maximize those views.
The Suite
We stayed in one of the junior suites, which was thoughtfully laid out and very comfortable. The design is crisp, modern, and beach-forward, and the space felt generous without being overwhelming.
What we loved most was how functional everything felt, with easy outlets, good lighting, and a layout that made settling in effortless.
Dining
We had dinner at Capogiro, and it quickly became one of our favorite meals of the trip. The flavors were fresh, the pacing was perfect, and the service was polished. It struck a beautiful balance between elevated and approachable.
The Beach
The beach here is peaceful and beautifully maintained, though it is smaller than the beaches at Romazzino or Abi d’Oru. Lounge chairs are comfortable, and the water is exceptionally clear.
Ambience
7Pines has a youthful, laid-back luxury atmosphere; stylish but not loud, polished but not overly formal.
Who Should Stay Here
- Couples seeking a breezy, contemporary resort
- Travelers wanting modern comfort without fuss
- Guests who love good food, good design, and an easygoing beachfront setting
7Pines was one of the parts of our trip that felt the most relaxing.
Stop Four: Hotel Abi d’Oru — A Bright, Beachfront Classic
Our final stay brought us to Hotel Abi d’Oru, set on a beautiful, wide stretch of beach in Porto Rotondo. This hotel surprised us in the best way, offering a blend of simplicity, warmth, and genuinely comfortable accommodations.
The Beach
The beach is the highlight here; wide, sandy, and perfect for swimming. Even in late September, the water was warm and inviting. The loungers were extremely comfortable, and the entire beach setup was one of the best we experienced on the island.
The Rooms
Our suite upgrade included the panoramic view, and it was absolutely worth it. The space was large, bright, and very comfortable. The decor is simple, but the room itself is great for anyone who values space and a calming environment.
Service & Food
Service was friendly and consistent throughout the stay. It was warm without being intrusive. The beach restaurant (for lunch and dinner) was very enjoyable, offering fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere that fit the setting perfectly.
We never ate at L’Osteria, as the menu wasn’t quite what we were looking for that night, but we appreciated having options.
The Grounds
Everything felt well cared for, and the gardens added to the resort’s sense of tranquility.
Who Should Stay Here
- Families, especially those wanting easy beach access
- Couples wanting a comfortable beachfront resort
- Travelers who prefer spacious rooms and a relaxed vibe
- Guests looking for value without sacrificing comfort
Abi d’Oru was an unexpectedly lovely conclusion to the trip. Our stay was simple, refreshing, and very easy to enjoy.
Getting Around Sardinia
Sardinia is bigger than many travelers expect, and getting around requires planning. We partnered with Absolute Italy for our transfers, and it made the entire experience smoother, especially when moving between regions.
Transportation Tips
- Coastal drives are beautiful but winding
- Travel time between hotels can be longer than expected
- Private transfers are worth it, especially with luggage
- Ferries are efficient and run frequently in-season
If you plan to visit multiple areas, ie coastal, inland, and northern regions, then having logistics handled professionally makes a significant difference.
Best Time to Visit Sardinia
Having experienced the island in late September, we can confidently say it’s one of the best months to go.
September Pros
- Warm, swimmable water
- Thinner crowds
- Lower noise levels at beaches and restaurants
- Slightly easier hotel availability
- Beautiful golden light across the coastline
September Considerations
- Some restaurants begin reducing hours
- Energy levels are quieter (which we loved, but some may prefer July/August buzz)
- Inland areas can still be hot
Other Great Times to Visit
- June – warm but not yet peak season
- Early July – lively but not overwhelming
- May – beautiful for hiking, not peak for swimming
Know Before You Go
- Sardinia is large, and you can’t see everything in one trip
- Coastal stays and inland stays offer completely different experiences
- Renting a car is helpful but not always necessary
- Beach clubs vary widely, and some are hotel-specific
- The cuisine is deeply regional: expect rustic inland and seafood-heavy coastal cooking
- September is ideal for calmer travel
- Suites with panoramic views are worth the upgrade when available
Sardinia is undeniably a beautiful island, with charming towns, white-sand beaches, and crystal-blue waters. For us, it felt like a more relaxed, R&R-focused destination at the end of an Italy trip, an alternative to the more popular mainland beach towns. The Emerald Coast, with its planned luxury development in the 1960s, evokes a St. Barts–style vibe, complete with yacht-filled harbors, beach clubs like Nikki Beach, and hotels designed in harmony with the landscape. Our day on the boat was a highlight, and spending multiple days on the water or relaxing by the beach is clearly the way to experience the island.
That said, many hotels are expensive for the level of luxury they offer, and while properties like the Belmond are lovely, the product as a whole has not yet caught up to the luxury market. Inland stays such as Su Gologone pair well with a beach property but may not justify the island as a sole annual trip at this time. With new openings on the horizon, including Rocco Forte, Cheval Blanc, and Belmond renovations, and updates to existing hotels, Sardinia will soon be a trending destination, particularly for travelers who have already explored Italy extensively and are looking for something different. For now, the island shines most for those seeking beautiful scenery, boat excursions, and a deep dive into Sardinian heritage and cuisine, with the potential to combine with nearby Corsica for a richer itinerary.
Sardinia may require patience for luxury travelers, but for those ready to embrace its natural beauty, unique culture, and emerging hotel scene, it is a destination full of potential.
Book With Ourisman Travel for Elite Perks
Why Book Your Trip To Sardinia With Us?
If Sardinia is on your mind, or if this recap inspires you to plan a trip, we would love to help. Whether you need help picking the perfect hotel or crafting a full custom itinerary, we’re here for you. Our Tailored Luxury service is designed with bucket list travelers in mind, because you only have one chance to get it right.
We’ll help with:
- Lodging that fits your style (and gets you perks)
- Activities that match your pace and passions
- All the logistics—flights, transfers, trains, etc.
- Special touches that make your trip unforgettable
We also work with trusted local guides and on-site partners in Italy who provide access to private experiences. Our approach is collaborative. We convey your preferences to our trusted partners and sprinkle a touch of extra magic throughout your trip. With our respected name working behind the scenes, you gain access and status that go beyond anything an internet search or AI itinerary can deliver. And thanks to our “little black book” of elite contacts, we’re able to prioritize you during your trip, opening doors to unforgettable moments.
Have you already done the research yourself? No problem! We can add complimentary perks to your reservation through our Hotel Only service. Through our preferred partnerships (including Belmond Belinni Club, Leading Hotels of the World, Hyatt Privé, and more), our clients receive:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Priority room upgrades (often confirmed early)
- Resort credits
- VIP status
- Personalized planning based on firsthand experience
- On-island logistics through trusted partners
- Support from the moment you book until you return home
We know Sardinia from multiple angles: coastal glamour, creative inland stays, and modern resorts, and we would be thrilled to craft a personalized route that matches your travel style.
Ready to start planning? To get started, reach out to [email protected] or submit a Travel Request Form.
