The colors never fade on the bejeweled Emerald Coast

If home to you isn’t so much wherever you lay your hat, but more wherever you can moor your super yacht or rent a stunning luxury villa, then the Costa Smeralda of Sardinia might be the perfect place to drop anchor. Whether you return each night to a luxury yacht or a luxury villa you can expect long sunny days and hot summer nights in Europe’s most glamorous and exciting island destination.

Villa Alice is located between Sardinia’s most famous resorts: Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo. The luxury holiday villa sleeps 13.

Nature did a very good job with Sardinia. The island is holiday paradise brought to life with long, sandy beaches and secret rocky coves leading back to an interior of dry plains and dramatic mountains.

Villa Blue, Porto Rotondo, sleeps 12. Luxury holiday villa nestled in the Mediterranean vegetation in the area of Punta Lada

A latitude that puts Sardinia as close to Africa as Europe means wonderful weather all year round. If nature started the job, mankind completed it. The Costa Smeralda was catapulted to the top of the luxury holiday lists in 1962 when a millionaire – when millionaire meant something – playboy prince was looking for somewhere to indulge his passion for ocean-going racing.

Luxury Villa Clarissa is located on the hill of Miata, an unrivalled location amidst sculpture-like granite rocks in Porto Cervo, just above the Pitrizza white sandy beach.

The Aga Khan built himself a beautiful playground in the shape of Porto Cervo, a sailing club and resort in one of the most beautiful spots imaginable. Where the Middle-Eastern prince led, film stars, socialites, sports stars, footballers, oligarchs, and royalty have followed. And the opulent restaurants, glittering nightlife, indulgent shopping, and superb facilities that they demand springing up along one of the Mediterranean’s most favored stretches of coastline.

The stars still flock to the likes of Porto Rotondo and Porto Rafael. Beyoncé and Jay Z, Princess Diana and Dodi have come here, and before them, Elton John, Grace Kelly. George Clooney had the good sense to marry a Sardinian woman, and is often seen in his adopted home. And if you don’t see at least a team’s worth of top European football stars and their model partners then you’re just not trying. If you really need to know who’s about then check the Italian gossip magazines, who invented the paparazzo and are still hungry for glamorous star spottings.

These high-living princelings and their acolytes aren’t the first to love the island though. Sardinia has a deep, fascinating history and a thriving culture that is very much alive to this day. Don’t neglect to dip your toe into traditional Sardinia on your trip. Enjoy some of the world-class artisan foods – sheep cheeses, 400 types of bread, olive oils, wines, and abundant fresh seafood – that help make the island’s natives a byword for good health and longevity (as well as beauty and good sense). Or add some local art or craft to your shopping list, perhaps in the shape of the characteristic spiral-woven wickerwork of the island. When you want to dine with a little more refinement you’ll find the Costa’s best restaurants making great use of the island’s excellent produce.

Grab a table at Da Giovannino in Porto Rotondo for wonderful seafood served with understated elegance. La Gritta’s Paolo D’Amore is a rising star in his family restaurant in Palau, with a Michelin rating that praises the view almost as highly as the excellent seafood menu. Tanit also makes the most of its harbor-side setting in Poltu Quatu and has many fans. Parco degli Ulivi in Arzachena is highly-regarded for its hand-made pastas, with many ingredients grown in a beautifully manicured garden on site.

After dinner, you will want to make the most of the long Sardinian nights and the famous sunsets – and maybe the famous sunrises too – at some of the best and most exclusive nightclubs in the world. There is a huge variety of club experiences in the resorts, from laid-back live music to throbbing bass that rattles the wall. It’s always delivered with Italian style though, and with an eye to exclusive clientele who love a behind-the-velvet-rope experience that’s fueled by super-sophisticated vodkas, aged brandies and legendary Champagnes.

The Ritual Club in Arzachena announces itself with a superb construction that’s carved into the coastline. Porto Rotondo’s Country Club is more laid back – but keeps going until dawn, with a garden and pool to add to the fun. Billionaire in Porto Cervo is the most famous of them all, owned by F1 legend Flavio Briatore, it’s where Serie A footballers rub shoulders with rap superstars and Hollywood bad boys for some of the most indulgent partying in the world – Sottovento though might run it a close second for luxurious chic.

By day, you can enjoy your cocktails in the sun, at a beach club. Sky Scanner in Baia Sardinia is beautifully sited. Phi Beach Club makes the transition from daytime dining to partying as the sun sets beautifully, and is renowned for its stylish clientele.

There’s a Nikki Beach here too since summer 2018, set in an eye-catching location outside Porto Cervo where guests can enjoy locally inspired cuisine and one of the best beach views in the world.

The Aga Khan’s original vision for Costa Smeralda was as a base for his sailing, and it’s no surprise that top-level international ocean sports stand out in the year’s events calendar. In May the Estiva Cup in Porto Rotondo opens up the season. There are three regattas in June – the Baltic Cup, Smeralda 888 European Cup, and the Loro Piana Super Yacht Regatta – that offer as much captivating diversion on land as quality racing action on the turquoise sea. More traditional events add flavor to the summer. The San Simplicio festival in Olbia in May is an aged religious ritual. “Mussel Month” in June; and the Fish Festival in Santa Teresa Gallura are delicious celebrations of the harvest of the sea in a foodie season that culminates in August’s celebration of the local wine, Monti Vermentino.

August sees a celebration of world folklore in Tempio Pausania and a well-regarded Time in Jazz international music festival that turns the village of Berchidda into one of the most picturesque music venues in the world.

Whatever your plans Finest Holidays concierge service and in-depth knowledge means we can design the itinerary and experience that fulfills your luxury travel dreams. We have an exclusive selection of luxury villas,  and five-star hotels on the Costa Smeralda.

Speak to our villa team for more information and details of our luxury villas and availability – +34 661 718 061 or +34 971 131 541

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