Is Benas Country Lodge ★★★★

The sky is turning a stunning red and gold and melts seamlessly into the silky evening sea, which is now even warmer than the air outside, as my love and I take our last leisurely swim for the day. Another day of heavenly bliss on this island of brilliant blues, dazzling whites, hazy yellows and rich greens. It began early for, despite the cosy comfort of our King-size bed and cotton sheets, the light glimmering between our curtains held such promise of the delights beyond that we could not resist. This added to the knowledge of that exquisite breakfast waiting for us, soon had us shaking off sleep and jumping into the shower of our pristine bathroom. Damp haired, sparkly eyed and already benefiting from the magic sea air and wholesome life here at the Is Benas Country Lodge, we managed to leave the comfortable cocoon of our room for the time being.

When we arrived, we had a thrill of excitement and satisfaction as we saw immediately how very well looked after we were going to be. A bowl of juicy fruit and bottle of wine was waiting for us to continue the very warm welcome we had already been given at the reception and the air was sweet with fresh lavender. Sun shone in, bouncing off the pastel whites and creams, through large windows looking out onto the lush garden of palms, pines and olive trees, amid which glitters a serene swimming pool. The heat was held at bay here by the air conditioning, we found all the facilities we could wish for, from free WiFi to satellite TV, Mini Bar and digital safe. It seemed perfect, and sure enough these last few gorgeous days here it has proved to be an idyllic love's nest set in a utopian hideaway, far from noisy, bustling tourists and overcrowded beaches.

We now feel like veterans of this secluded area of untouched natural beauty, as we have made the most of every minute of these last few days here to explore everything from the stunning lagoons to the best restaurants tucked away in the local town of Oristano. We have clambered about mystical Phoenician ruins, spotted flocks of flamingos and had romantic picnics amongst silky sand dunes before diving into the glittering turquoise sea. Then many an evening we'd wind up back in our little oasis to dine on the gourmet food of the hotel restaurant that serves up Sardinian flavours comprised of largely organic, seasonal, local ingredients. It had us enchanted at every meal. Tonight's no exception as we gather up our umbrella and beach towels to return to Is Benas Country Lodge's elegant rustic charms. We are smitten and have already noted the large fireplace in the lounge and pictured a wonderful weekend away in the autumn. The verdict is clear – this is our first time visiting Sardinia and we have fallen well and truly under its spell, so it most certainly won't be our last visit!