Every year during the Summer season, I like to explore a different region of Sardinia. I started in the seventies with the Costa Smeralda, an Italian Yachting haven, launched with the investments of the Aga Khan. Then recently exchanged the lavish emerald lifestyle to more of an authentic one in the North region of Sardinia close to Santa Teresa di Gallura.
Last year, I enjoyed day trips in the wild Island of San Pietro. I stayed at a cozy and elegant hotel around South crystalline waters and centennial pine trees in the Villasimus region. You can check my insights on this in the different posts of the magazine. This month, I picked a totally different region most renowned for it’s natural, almost untouched beauty, not-to-be-missed sunsets. And according to the locals, the Island’s most beautiful.
The Day at Torreruja
My husband and I checked in at the The Hotel Relax Torreruja Isola Rossa. It is situated in a picturesque fishing village set in the Golfo dell’Asinara. There is the charming stretch of coastline in the North West of Sardinia known as the Costa Rossa. It’s name such on account of the characteristic red color of its rocks. A color that is made even more vivid thanks to the brilliant green of the Mediterranean maquis. While waiting for our room with a fruity welcome drink, we explore the wild surroundings suspended between a dark blue sky and one of the most beautiful pools I have seen on the island.
Following the hotel’s map directions set in the hotel’s garden reception, we walk towards the sea among heavy shrubs, bent trees by the wind and Roses. We reach the breathtaking and private views of the rocky Isola Rossa. We pause in awe. Nature here is truly authentic, unique and rough . The still unspoiled wild charm showcases splendid little bays and naturally formed swimming pools with sandy bottoms set amidst crystal-clear transparent waters. We sit for a few minutes inebriated by the sound of the breeze and the alcohol from the drink. Then without realizing it, we fall asleep.
A refreshing long shower at the president suite’s bamboo bath and panoramic terrace follows. A few hours later, we watch the elegant staff in white tuxedos walk back and forth with trays filed with candles and last preparations for sunset dining. Live music is about to start . The chameleon-like pool’s former blues are now turning gray, reflecting a lighter orange hued sky with no clouds.
The Heavenly Evenings
We have an early dinner at the hotel main restaurant. By the generous buffet, two chefs in long hats prepare the pasta of our choice and the day’s catch . We fill our candle lit table with small antipasti ceramic miniatures to leave a space just for our phones. My favorite, a golf filled ricotta gnocchi on a mushroom and ginger cream. We end up our meal tasting a local cheese selection and head to the central patio by the pool’s Bar Nord Ovest. There a beautifully-presented desserts buffet, tea, Liquori di Mirto and espressos. All served while a Cantautore plays “Alice”, one of the songs of my youth with a guitar.
The sun is now doing its work. And the sky follows as a loyal companion. Together they blend in pink, orange, red and lilac hues. The Mediterranean joins with an intense lavender offering a vivid backdrop for the lush greenery, framing views of the Isola Rossa’s red granite harbor’s village. There the Aragonese Tower reigns supreme. We stayed a few days in one of the most delightful settings in Sardinia. The splendid sunsets over the sea at Isola Rossa provided a new and different sensation every day.
Best spot to watch the Sun in Sardinia
The Hotel Relax Torreruja Isola Rossa