Hotel Cala della Torre

Cala della Torre Hotel is in a beautiful building, whose architecture fits seamlessly into the beachy Mediterranean park. The three-story, off-white stucco hotel is full of big windows, and wraps around a horseshoe-shaped pool: the curves echo one another and create an organic, flowing feel. Ivy winds up the building’s facade. The grounds are well-manicured and lush; paths wind through well-kept green grass, palm trees, and flowers. Flags mark the entrance.

The comfortable lobby features blue tile, cushy couches, columns, and potted plants. The feeling is clean and nice, but not fancy or full of high design. The place is buzzing with families, kids, and couples during peak tourist season. In off-season, the Cala della Torre can feel empty, either peaceful or deserted.

Cala della Torre is located on the central-eastern coast of Sardinia, surrounded by a pine forest and white sand beaches. The resort lies in a private park, just in front of a marina, and is about a three-minute walk from the La Caletta Beach; a free shuttle also takes guests to and from the beach. The gorgeous, wild beaches of Berchida and Capo Comino, the natural oasis of Bidderosa, and stunning views of the Monte Albo are only a few miles away. The hotel is six miles from the town of Siniscola, and Olbia Airport is a 50-minute drive away. The place sits on the remote-feeling outskirts of Siniscola, a bit removed from the heart of tourist hype.

The spacious, sun-filled, spotless rooms are furnished with sleek, modern furniture in shades of white gray and beige. The effect is calming and sparse, but suites have two floors. Private patios with wooden tables and pretty fabric chairs are a great touch, especially for the majority that look out over the pool. There are flat-screen TV’s and minibars, but no Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are beautifully tiled but cramped, and some guests complain that it is difficult to shower without flooding the bathroom.

Cala della Torre has a large, curvaceous outdoor pool with plenty of room for lounging, and a children’s pool. Wi-Fi is available in public areas but comes with a fee, and the connection can be frustratingly slow. Parking is free. An activities staff oversees a kids' club, and there's evening entertainment for adults that can include live music and karaoke. An outdoor amphitheater, beside the lounge area, seats about 300. There’s a small playground, and table tennis is popular. The fine-sand beach is set up with umbrellas, lounge chairs, and beach volleyball, and a charming little train shuttles between the beach and the hotel. There’s a poolside bar, a buffet restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (breakfast-only, half-board, and all-inclusive rates are available).