Review: Hotel Don Diego, Sardinia

Hotel Don Diego © WTG / Christine Modschiedler

Sardinia is a well-known destination for the rich and famous. But the place I'm heading to is a quaint, beautiful family resort popular with Italians and tourists looking for peaceful surroundings.

After landing in Olbia, on the island's northeast coast, I sought a cab. A word of warning for visitors - fix the fare beforehand to avoid any wrangling later. I paid around €40 for the 13km journey.

Hotel Don Diego boasts a secluded location at the end of a road on a cape leading directly to the sea. Sprawling over 60,000 sq m and nestling amid pretty gardens, it consists of 70 recently refurbished rooms in small villas. Standard rooms offer garden or sea views, while junior and senior suites cater to those who wish to splash out.

The restaurant's veranda offers a splendid view of the nearby islands of Tavolara and Molara. The vista from the pool is even more magnificent, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the hotel's small private beach. The sight instantly makes me feel good: it's time to relax.

My standard room located on the lower level of a three-storey maisonette faces the sea. It's clean and boasts satellite TV, a minibar, air conditioning and a king-sized bed. There's also a small terrace with a table and two chairs - a perfect spot to soak up the scenery.

I decide to explore the hotel. I discover a 25m (82ft) sea-water pool with deckchairs, and a a separate children's pool. There's a well-equipped fitness room near the pool, a tennis court and a bar offering drinks and snacks from 1000 to 1800.

Walking through the flower gardens, I stroll down to the white-sand beach lapped by extraordinarily clear blue-green water. Facilities include deckchairs, towels, umbrellas, kayaks, water mattresses and toys for children. Over the course of my week's stay, I find the best moment to take a dip is early in the morning when the water is still and cool.

When it comes to food, the hotel doesn't disappoint. Breakfasts are excellent consisting of fresh fruits, juices, pastries, ham, eggs, and cereals - all you can ask for. At lunchtimes, I enjoy sandwiches and salads by the pool or at the restaurant, which serves tasty Italian pasta, meat and fish dishes. Expect to pay around €35 for a three-course meal.

As expected in Italy, dinner turns out to be a big affair: a four-course menu. The portions are not huge but the food is tasty and varied. My favourite meal is a creamy, freshly baked, homemade lasagna. You can find Italian restaurants anywhere in the world, but pasta never tastes as good as when cooked by Italians in Italy!

In the evenings, I enjoy relaxing on the pool deck, listening to live music and watching the lights of the boats in the bay twinkle under a star-lit sky. I reflect on my surroundings. There's no doubt about it: if you're looking for a quiet getaway, this place is hard to beat.

Hotel Don Diego
Costa Dorata, Porto San Paolo, Sardinia, Italy
Tel: (+39) 078 940 006.
Website: www.hoteldondiego.com
Price: €115-183 (standard double room with sea view, including breakfast, lunch or dinner, and VAT)