Top 6 best hotels in Sardinia: from chic villas with private pools to secluded boutiques in the mountains and historic houses with authentic experiences

The first thing most people associate Sardinia with is the delightful beaches with soft white sand and crystal azure waters. One such area is on the northeast coast of the island, filled with five-star hotels, gourmet restaurants, designer boutiques and Sardinia's nature of impeccable beauty. These destinations attract not only travelers from all over the world, but also celebrities, billionaires and royalty. Travelers get a huge assortment of hotels to stay in Sardinia for their Mediterranean vacations, from secluded boutiques in the mountains to luxury resorts with private pools.

But Sardinia is not just about delightful coastlines, with 1,850 kilometers of coastline and more beaches than any other part of Italy. There are beautiful cities, such as the port of Cagliari in the south or medieval Alghero with its Spanish atmosphere in the northwest, and colorful villages. The island is also home to many archaeological finds, including the remains of an ancient Nuragic civilization and tombs. The Mediterranean region can't do without delicious food and great wine, quirky folk festivals and celebrations.

Choose one of the best hotels recommended by the editors of Conde Nast Traveler for your trip to Sardinia, with beautiful design, hospitable service, great location and serious sustainability certifications.

1. Gallicantu Stazzo, Luogosanto

It is one of the representatives of experiential tourism hotels in the region of Sardinia, Italy. Gallicantu Stazzo opened on the site of an abandoned shepherd's station after a five-year renovation. Here you can choose from five rooms, each unlike any other, or stay in one of two suites overlooking an almond grove. In the center of the estate is a swimming pool surrounded by olive trees, under which you can relax in the shade on sun loungers under umbrellas. On your return from the sea or a trip to the surrounding countryside, check out the Grotto, a natural cave turned into an impressive wine cellar with a tasting room. Here, sample cheeses, hams and sausages from local producers and peruse the extensive, carefully selected island wine list. Guests can additionally book on-site activities such as a watercolor course with a professional artist, a cooking class on Gallura cuisine, golf and yoga lessons.

2. Domu Antiga, Gergay

In a valley surrounded by olive trees, green vineyards, meadows with grazing herds and wheat fields lies one of the most idyllic hotels in Sardinia. The old house from the early 19th century, after a respectable renovation, has opened its doors to travelers in search of a measured pace of life and a place to dream, enveloped by the aroma of bread from an ancient wood-fired oven. Inside there are four bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and double beds. Almost all the furniture is original and restored, and the interior with stone walls and French windows is complemented by Sardinian bedspreads and carpets. The hotel is a family business: its owner Samuel Lai, with the help of his relatives, has created the pastoral idyll he dreamed of while serving in Afghanistan. The restoration of the house was done with the aim of restoring it historically, but with modern amenities organically woven in. The experience at this hotel will be just as atmospheric: guests can learn how to make cheese and ricotta, bake traditional bread and visit the dairy.

3. su Gologone Experience Hotel, Oliena

One of Sardinia's most beautiful hotels began as a restaurant. In 1967, its founder Giuseppe "Peppeddu" Palimodde decided to open a traditional restaurant in a rustic shack in the Nuorese mountains near the natural spring of Su Gologone, which unexpectedly gained unprecedented popularity, thanks in large part to the excellent recipes of his wife Olivia. In 1975, several rooms were opened near the restaurant to accommodate clients. Today they have become not just rooms, but 68 superb suites and villas offering an immersive experience in the art and culture of Sardinia. Authentic interiors with an art collection are complemented by the magical Tablao Bar with unforgettable aperitifs, a terrace with delightful views and several excellent restaurants. Central to the grounds is the 25-meter long swimming pool, for which water is used exclusively from the Su Sologone spring. There is also a hot tub and a gym next to it. Guests can visit the health center, which offers two massage rooms, beauty treatments and relaxation rituals, or go to the spring located 500 meters away.

4. Petra Segreta, San Pantaleo

A few miles from the bustling coastline in the hills of San Pantaleo is a magnificent five-star hideaway surrounded by a calming picture of unspoiled nature. It is an example of Sardinia's chic hotels, which gather on its grounds everything you need for a wonderfully relaxing vacation. Its rooms are housed in long squat stone houses, and suites additionally feature private pools. In an authentic Balinese lodge hidden among the rocks, there is a wellness center dedicated to holistic and beauty treatments. Guests can extend relaxation and rejuvenate in the hammam, thermarium, yoga, Ayurveda or self-discovery courses. For a special experience, it's worth booking an elegant yacht to explore the bays between the islands nearby and reach the Tavolara Marine Reserve. And just in case you work up an appetite en route, the hotel's chef will kindly assemble bespoke lunchboxes for you. After your boat trip, stop by the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant Il Fuoco Sacro, with its wine cellar with 500 wines from around the world, or enjoy traditional Mediterranean cuisine in the Osteria del Mirto restaurant overlooking the pool or on its outdoor terrace.

5. Cala di Volpe, Porto Cervo

This place in Sardinia has been on the list of top star hotels since the 1960s. The resort sits on a windswept coastline near the emerald waters of the Mediterranean. From the outside, it does not look like a hotbed of luxury, like the famous residence hotels. On the contrary, its beauty is simple and refined. The hotel resembles pastel-colored fishermen's houses by the water's edge, decorated with turrets, porticos and arches. Inside, the rustic design is complemented by details from local artisans. Despite its apparent simplicity, the experience of staying here will be truly luxurious, with everything you need to feel like a star guest. The grounds include a huge saltwater pool with shaded huts and lounge chairs around the perimeter, a new full-service Shiseido spa, several tennis courts, a fitness center and the chic Gala Beach Club. Rooms are spacious, with seating areas and balconies overlooking Cala di Volpe Bay and the garden. The hotel's restaurants serve Mediterranean and Asian fusion cuisine.

6. Pitrizza, Porto Cervo

One of Sardinia's luxury hotels near Porto Cervo is a typical picture that springs to mind when it comes to chic local resorts. Stone-carved cottages and villas with inviting pools among the cliffs, surrounded by greenery and flowering gardens, create the perfect setting for a relaxing and private vacation. The hotel has a restaurant, The Grill, from which you can make deliveries to your room if you want maximum privacy, or sit on the sun terrace and savor authentic cuisine made from seasonal ingredients and Dolce Vita-style cocktails in pleasant company. Hotel guests have access to a private beach to enjoy snorkeling in the turquoise waters and the iconic granite landscape pool (the first of its kind in the world). Other amenities include a spa and fitness center, but beyond that, the Pitrizza is a great choice among Sardinia hotels for families: a kids' club with fun activities and outdoor games is available for younger guests ages 3 to 12.