Aquadulci Hotel

If relaxation and comfort are what you are after in Sardinia, it doesn't get much easier than at Aquadulci Hotel. Off of a quiet road, the hotel is surrounded by lush green gardens and a large, pristine beach to its back. Guests are welcomed into the contemporary styled lobby with tiled floors, chic furniture, and colorfully patterned woven area rugs. A long reception desk slides across a back wall and numerous large windows let plenty of light in. The hotel bar -- complete with grand piano -- is just off the lobby.

The restaurant expounds on the tones present in the bar; orange tile floors, a thatched roof, and tons of plants give the space a casual vibe. Large, frameless windows give way to a beautiful view of the garden and pool area. Outside, well-manicured lawns wrap around the hydro-massage pool -- all very enticing to a few curious birds. Aquadulci grounds and surrounding areas are quiet, although the pool area can get noisy at times, especially if there are youngsters present.

Easy to find, Aquadulci Hotel is located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia near Cape Spartivento, home to one of the island's most breathtaking, unspoiled beaches. With sand and sea only a stone's throw away, the hotel has a private direct-access bridge that takes guests past a little lagoon filled with flamingos. A mile away, the Chia Golf Sporting Club offers an 18-hole course, and Is Molas Golf Club has a 27-hole green, though its located further north. Other nearby activities include windsurfing, tennis, horseback riding, and boat trips. For shopping, the closest batch of stores is in Pula, about a half-hour away by car. Additional shopping options are in Cagliari, the closest big city and also home to the nearest airport, though getting there requires an hour's drive.

The 41 rooms of Aquadulci are decorated in stylistic harmony with the hotel's common areas. Clean, simple, and contemporary with neutral tones, rooms feel comforting. The hotel has four room categories, with spaces ranging in size from the lower-level Classic and Superior units to upper-level Suite spaces. Ground-floor rooms have a private patio and garden while higher-level rooms have balconies with mostly sea or garden views. Spacious bathrooms come with bathtub/shower combos in the higher categories and a standup shower in the Classic. Light sleepers should snag a top-level room as some guests otherwise complain about noise from upstairs neighbors. Likewise, ground-floor rooms near the pool can be noisy.

The hotel aims to help guests feel pampered with treats like the outdoor hydro-massage pool as well as a massage room and solarium. There’s also a terrace with a view of the pool where guests can unwind with a cocktail. Room service is available for those who want to dine privately instead of at the on-site a la carte restaurant, which is open for lunch and dinner. In the morning, a European-style breakfast buffet features dairy products from a local farm as the restaurant makes it a point to use local and regional ingredients. Don't forget to inquire about traditional Sardinian meals and hotel-hosted barbecues.

During the day, guests can walk to the beach (which can be set up with chairs on request), lounge by the pool, rent bicycles, or have the 24-hour concierge set up a boat tour. Company travelers can take advantage of business and Internet services for a fee as well as a 70-person meeting space. Transportation and limited free parking are also available.