Hotel Costa Paradiso ★★★★

Tucked away in northern Sardinia, Hotel Costa Paradiso is ideal for lovers of diving, snorkelling, mountain biking and hiking. Just to the front of the hotel, is a qualified diving centre where you can prepare for your underwater excursion. Discover sponges and colourful corals, seahorses and octopus, all to be found in the crystal-clear waters of Li Cossi. One of my fondest memories, however, is sojourning by the saltwater pool, the blue umbrella blowing in the gentle sea breeze, as I watched boats whizz along the ocean front.

The red brick terracotta style of the exterior extends to the bathroom tiles of the cosy rooms. Inside, the rooms are calm, a mix of cream, white, brown and blues. The windows flood the rooms with light, allowing the sun to kiss every corner. The hotel’s common areas are equally serene, white and blue covered armchairs take centre stage, offering you ample room to relax indoors to hide from the scorching sun.

We casually dined in the hotel’s open-air restaurant, Costa Paradiso, with sea views at dusk, our tasty meal accompanied by a rich, local wine. Sunsets fill the sky with pinks and purples, sweeping over the horizon, a magical sight from the comfort of the hotel terrace. There’s also much to explore on the outskirts of Costa Paradiso, such as the tiny villages perched on hills and the ancient ruins of the Nuragic civilization. Rent bikes and plan boat excursions just 50 metres from the hotel.

Sardinia with its mountainous terrain, exceptional waterfront scenery and beachside resorts will have you coming back time and time again!