Discover Sardinia: Gourmet Escapes at Delphina Hotels Between Sea and Flavors!

“What if your next favorite place was in Sardinia?” That’s what Delphina Hotels & Resorts suggested when they invited me to explore two of their properties in Gallura. Tucked in the island’s north, this unspoiled region, with its turquoise waters, fragrant hills, and authentic villages, seemed the perfect setting to merge nature with fine dining. Curious and always eager for new tastes, I took the opportunity to savor the charm of these places.

The journey began at the Hotel Capo d’Orso Thalasso & Spa, nestled in the heart of the Cala Capra natural park, an hour’s drive from Olbia Airport. The hotel’s name is derived from a nearby rock formation known as “Bear Rock,” whose shape resembles a standing bear, symbolizing its connection with the surrounding nature. Recently inducted into The Leading Hotels of the World, Capo d’Orso is the sole establishment in the Costa Smeralda with this honor. Managed locally, it combines Mediterranean elegance, respect for nature, and Sardinian traditions, featuring sea-view suites, a thalasso therapy center, and a private marina to explore nearby islands.

On the culinary front, the intimate 80-room hotel invites guests to experience local products across its four restaurants. The menu offers dishes like culurgiones (Sardinian ravioli) stuffed with seafood and samphire for marine flavor lovers, or local meats infused with myrtle – a plant from which a liquor is made. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available to cater to all tastes. To end the meal delicately, try the honey ice cream served with roasted figs under the golden light of a sunset over the sea.

My favorite spot at Capo d’Orso? The Floating Island. Not a dessert, but a restaurant set on stilts above the water, where dining is accompanied by the soothing sounds of the waves. The hotel is perfect for romance-seeking couples, but also offers a precious moment of solitude if you fancy a one-on-one with the sea. Here, there’s no need for pretense: everyone finds their place authentically.

Families might naturally gravitate towards the Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa, which encompasses two hotels: La Licciola and Hotel Erica, situated along 1,400 meters of pristine coastline, opposite the Bonifacio Strait Nature Reserve and the Maddalena archipelago. The natural setting is breathtaking, and the amenities varied: multiple sea water pools, a thalasso therapy center, and sea activities (diving, sailing, excursions) ensure something for everyone, young and old. And despite having over 270 rooms, the place remains tranquil, even at full capacity. Surprisingly, it’s easy to find oneself alone in a pool!

In terms of dining, the day starts with breakfast on a terrace overlooking the archipelago. Throughout the day, seven restaurants offer varied dining options, from seafood barbecue and fresh catch of the day to romantic dinners on the sand, not to mention Sardinian specialties and more traditional dishes like pasta and pizza.

A special mention goes to the Mediterranean brunch, featuring an array of choices including focaccias, local cheeses, and sun-soaked vegetables marinated in olive oil. All perfectly paired with a glass of Cannonau from Sardinia, a red wine that complements the antipasti beautifully.

So, did I indeed find my new love in Sardinia? I was charmed by this lifestyle: slowing down, enjoying local foods in a preserved setting. The cuisine blends Italian elegance and generosity. The real luxury here is the time taken to enjoy good food and dreamy landscapes. No flashiness, but a discreet elegance prevails. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, but it’s truly the natural setting and exceptional dining that define the real five-star experience. Traveling solo, I preferred the intimacy of Capo d’Orso, while Valle dell’Erica is ideal for families. This getaway to Sardinia left me with delightful memories: a promise fulfilled.

September remains one of the best times to visit Sardinia. The sea has had all summer to warm up, and the island slowly empties of its tourists. So, it’s not too late to enjoy a getaway that perfectly balances the slow life and dolce vita, in this peaceful spot nestled in the heart of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.