‘I visited a multi-sensory resort and may’t cease dreaming of my unbelievable keep’
From the moment we touched down in Sardinia, I knew this place was going to be special.
On the journey from the airport, the sides of the road were dotted with flocks of flamingos tiptoeing through the water searching for their next meal. We made a short stop in Cagliari, where we also sampled some delicious locally sourced food, situated at Sa Marina.
Delicate cuttlefish, battered whitebait, tender shark and octopus were passed around the table and as our stomachs became full to the brim, we ended the gathering with a quick shot of locally made grappa – a face-scrunching liquor not for the faint of heart!
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Onwards to the Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, a gorgeous resort tucked away in Sardinia’s south coast just a mere hour’s drive from the island’s capital city. Sardinia is aptly described as the Island of Breeze and the hotel’s delicate decor is curated to reflect this natural phenomenon.
Sheer curtains suspended from poles in front of doorways and windows create a visualisation of the wind itself as it ripples through the building and sways the fabric to and fro.
We were taken on a charming tour of the building and informed that a certain stunning rock formation built into the hotel’s wall is “alive,” as tiny waterfalls trickle down when it rains. Down that particular corridor, which leads to the sprawling pool, there is no air conditioning needed as the rocks help to regulate the humidity in the area.
The Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia has a clever way of integrating the natural landscape at every opportunity. Beside one of their gorgeous cyan blue pools the architects planted an array of perfumed shrubs, including lavender and oregano, to create a full sensory experience for eager sun seekers looking to get back in touch with nature as they relax under the sun’s rays.
They’ve left no stone unturned as the serene spa experiences also include elements of the countryside. Residents can choose between a number of treatments that include locally sourced produce like honey and salt, along with a wide range of other options for any requirement or ailment.
During my experience, the masseuse was sure to check in with me throughout and was happy to oblige when asked to target specific areas. The dimly lit room and tranquil backing music paired with my specially tailored massage almost sent me to sleep and I would highly, highly recommend this to anyone staying at the Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia.
Decompress with a knot-busting massage, spruce up with a mani-pedi and spoil yourself with a facial to help bring out that holiday glow. Speaking of glow, its hard not to smile here – whether you’re soaking up the surroundings or chatting with the hotel’s attentive staff, I found myself grinning from ear to ear at every opportunity.
Across the road is the Baia di Chia Resort, which is a short stroll or buggy ride away from the Conrad Resort. We popped over for lunch and were treated like royalty as we took in the gorgeous surroundings and the incredible seasonal menu on offer.
A number of activities were offered to us throughout our stay, including a relaxing sunset boat tour around the surrounding bays and beaches, and our collective favourite – a live cheese making experience. A scenic off road drive up a nearby mountain led us up to the location, a quaint little farm nestled into the hillside.
The farmer happily told tales of his time working at the farm and was overjoyed to explain how the goat cheese was made while giving a demonstration. Separating the curds and whey was fascinating to watch and they later offered a Blue Peter-style ‘here’s one we made earlier’ feast of local produce – meats, cheeses, breads and olives galore.
At the end of my dreamy stay, at a place which reminded me of a location seen in The White Lotus, I felt refreshed, rejuvenated and revived. The Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere to switch off and turn your senses on – sight, smell, touch, sound and taste are at the forefront of everything they do.
The resort is part of the Hilton Honors programme and in Hilton’s 2024 trend report, they have discovered: “Travellers of all ages will value connectivity and personalisation, seek out culture and unique experiences and embrace new business travel trends as travel boom continues.”
According to the report, “regardless of generation” the main reason people travel is “to rest and recharge,” which is clearly the main goal of the Conrad, while “culture and experiences will drive leisure travel decisions”. If this sounds like you, I urge you to consider visiting this idyllic, captivating and picturesque location you won’t even believe exists.
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