Villa Margherita Hotel

The primrose building of the Villa Margherita stands out against its backdrop -- the crystal blue Mediterranean, and a garden shaded by mature palms and giant rhododendron bushes that slopes gently down to meet it. This family-run hotel opened in 1961, and has been operated by the Soldati family since 1971. Despite its age, several renovations have given interiors a contemporary, serene, and airy vibe, while still remaining homey. The bar area, with woven wicker sofas, gauzy drapes, and a piano in the corner, feels more like someone's quaint living room than a hotel bar. The Grill restaurant is an equally bright space, with light tile floors and ivory walls, and doors that lead outside to the pretty pool terrace and the gardens. The property does attract some families with children, but guests are mostly couples looking for a quiet measure of solitude. 

Only a three-minute stroll through the gardens to Golfo Aranci’s marina, and a five-minute walk from the beach, the Villa Margherita’s location is certainly one of its strong points. The waters in the gulf in northeast Sardinia are ideal for a range of water sports, and on dry land, there are a number of archaeological attractions. Unlike many beachside hotels in Sardinia, the Villa Margherita strikes a balance between proximity to both sea and town, meaning that a plethora of shops, bars, and restaurants are only a short walk away. Expect a 25-minute transfer time to Olbia Airport.

The Villa Margherita’s 44 rooms range from traditional to more up-to-date, but all are serene and attractive. The older Classic and Deluxe Rooms have terra-cotta tile floors, simple wood furniture -- a floating desk and two chairs around a table -- some of which is colorfully hand-painted, blue-and-white embroidered quilts, and small framed artwork. Some of these rooms have old tube TVs instead of flat-screen TVs. Higher-category rooms, meanwhile, are done up in more shades of cream and ivory, with light-wood floors, white quilts, and attractive wood furniture. All rooms have a sea view, and all except for the Classic Rooms have furnished balconies or patios. Spa Executive rooms have a private terrace with a sunken hot tub by the gardens. Classic and Deluxe bathrooms have shower cubicles and bidets, while Executive Rooms have either showers or bathtubs, and suites come with both. All rooms have a TV, minibar, safe, free Wi-Fi, bathrobe, hairdryer, and toiletries.

The Villa Margherita has a brief but well-thought through list of amenities. The small spa offers massage treatments and wellness therapies, as well as a chromotherapy shower and sauna. A compact gym is equipped with a bicycle, treadmill, weight machine, and some free weights. Outside, the pool terrace is set in a garden that slopes gently down to the sea, where sunbeds and hammocks are shaded by mature palms and bright flowering bushes. The pool is not heated, though, which may be a downside for travelers outside of the summer months. However, a hot tub is nearby. All rates include a buffet breakfast consisting of continental fare alongside some hot options. An a la carte dinner with a menu of local and seasonal seafood is served at The Grill Restaurant, while drinks and snacks are available at the bar. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout.