Hotel Le Ginestre ★★★★

Porto Cervo sits sparkling on Sardinia’s Smeralda’s coast, and at the heart of it, just “two steps away from the action” as it so proudly boasts, is the luxurious Hotel Le Ginestre. After reading the VeryChic brief and recommendations, we decided to hire a car, so off we drove around this island of bliss towards our sparkling star on the coast.

It was hot. It was late afternoon, but the sun still shone so bright and strong, and didn’t we revel in it! We stepped into the fresh, white lobby with its comfy looking sofas and smiling staff, checked in with ease and made our way up to our room. We felt the familiar warm feeling of being on holiday; the fresh air, the warmth, and exciting butterflies in our stomachs. Our room was a mixture of antiquated fabrics and modern furniture with a charming furnished balcony perfect for afternoon snacks just after a long siesta. It had a refreshing feeling to it with the white walls and large glass doors. The tiled bathroom held a strong personality, like those of Sardinians themselves, with its bright block colours partnered with white.

I was unpacking when my husband suggested we leave that till later and make the most of the afternoon sunshine with a swim in the pool. I obviously couldn’t say no to such a tempting idea, and in the end I didn’t have much choice as my husband grabbed my hand and led me out the door. The pool was large and refreshing, lined by reclining chairs, and I am happy to note there was more than enough for all. The pool is surrounded by Italian green; olive trees and thick grass, and a wave of relaxation came over me as I decided to work on my tan and lie in the soft afternoon sun.

As the sun lowered in the sky and it began to be a little cooler, this time I was the one with the idea… why don’t we go and play a spot of tennis? Realising that we had to book first, we went to reception and asked for a time slot for the next day, I was guessing that we wouldn’t be paying visits to the gym so some exercise playing tennis would be great! Instead we hired some bikes and explored the paths around the hotel a little, working up an appetite for a typically late Italian dinner.

For the first night, to make things simpler and for a little romantic indulgence, we ordered room service so we could enjoy our dinner under the stars on our little terrace, though the restaurant did have an excellent terrace overlooking the trees with relaxing and tranquil views. In the end, we were able to appreciate such a view in the morning delighting a fresh breakfast to the sound of birdsong.

Less than a twenty minute walk away was bubbling Porto Cervo with an array of elegant bars and restaurants, so we were really spoilt for choice. Most of the time however, we stayed nearby the hotel in the late evening listening to the sweet melodies of the piano at the American Bar by the poolside, sipping on a sugary mojito or in my husband’s case, a refreshing beer. 

Isn’t this the life!