Conrad Chia Laguna (Sardinia) evaluate

Getting away from all of it has particular which means on Sardinia – the wildness and ensuing seclusion of its individuals are thought-about central to why so many stay to 100, incomes it Blue Zone standing.

A keep on the Conrad Chia Laguna places you on the southerly tip, nicely away from populated centres, beside protected coastal wetland. Rocky hillsides are stubbled with fragrant myrtle, rosemary and juniper, giving option to the eponymous grass-fringed lagoon and, past that, glittering sand and the azure Mediterranean.

A room in the Conrad Chia Laguna in Sardinia

Deferring to those pure wonders, the Conrad’s 107 rooms provide understated luxurious, most with a beneficiant balcony to rejoice that view. Additional down the hill on the identical resort, 240 household villas make up The Village, whereas the Curio Assortment, consisting of 77 cliffside cottages, is geared for quieter escapes. The three converge at a central piazza, the place you possibly can store for trinkets or sip espresso.

The lagoon recedes on the peak of summer season, so birdwatchers may desire to go to low season to marvel at pink flamingos in congregation (additionally protected) or flying in formation at dinnertime in quest of pink prawns. That’s no surprise, for the reason that prawns are candy, plump, and fortunately considerable. Seafood is a key function throughout the resort’s seven eating places, the flagship being La Terrazza, perched excessive on the Conrad. Tuna is plentiful, too, and normally served uncooked (crudo, carpaccio, or tartare) to showcase its mellow savouriness. The meat is simply nearly as good; govt chef Roberto Chergia serves pink ox succulently uncommon with umami-rich parmesan cream, and on an island the place sheep outnumber individuals, you will need to strive the lamb. Sardinians have a refreshing method to carbs, too, doubling up with culurgiones – the place ravioli meets gnocchi.

A dish from Conrad Chia Laguna in Sardinia

You could possibly go for a late supper and do a ‘golden hour’ trek (with or with out pony, or take an e-bike) because the solar dips to study extra concerning the life-giving herbs rising alongside the rugged shoreline and used on Chergia’s plates. Look out for the helichrysum rising on sandy banks – an icon of longevity, with anti-inflammatory properties. Later, for a bracing elixir, strive a champagne cocktail made with conventional myrtle liqueur.

The Conrad Spa harnesses the distinctive chemistry of its atmosphere, too. Aromatherapy massages use the myrtle actually grown on the doorstep, honey produced by bees that feed on lavender, and mineral-rich salts (an expertise enhanced with a guided stroll round neighbouring salt pans). There are hydrotherapy choices, together with a whirlpool with a view, or the seaside membership is only a quick buggy journey to the foot of the hill, the place you possibly can calm down within the clear blue Med.

Like anyplace else in Italy, wine is significant to the Sardinian life-style. Vermentino is the native grape – making a vivid, citrussy drop – or when you desire a full-bodied pink, ask for bovale. When you’re critical about wine, go to Cantina Nuraghe Antigori vineyard for a guided tour and tasting with regional cheese and charcuterie pairings (round £50 per particular person). As a bonus, you’ll study extra concerning the fascinating historical past of the place – the Nuraghe Antigori is a Bronze Age settlement. Simply keep in mind to lift your glass because the ancients did, with “akentannos!” – that you could be stay to 100.