Photography: Hotel Capo d'Orso
Hotel Capo d'Orso
Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop
Set the scene
Situated on the serene coastline of northern Sardinia, Hotel Capo d'Orso showcases surreal views of the Mediterranean, surrounded by a tranquil park of olive and juniper trees. As you walk through its premises, the perfectly manicured gardens come to life under the Sardinian sun, embodying the gorgeous confluence of the manmade and the natural.
Inside, the hotel savors a chic, marine-inspired aesthetic; a superb reflection of its coastal setting. The meticulously curated interior design hearkens to the Sardinian tradition, draped in soft pastel hues blended with the compelling blues and whites of the sea. Every nook and corner breathes in the essence of the island, radiating calmness and charm that is so characteristic of this Mediterranean paradise.
What can we expect in our room at Hotel Capo d'Orso
Standard rooms are anything but the norm, with plush furniture, indulgent comfort, and amazing views of the surrounding landscape greeting you at every turn. Exquisitely designed with the perfect blend of contemporary elegance and traditional Italian charm, the white-washed walls and wooden features create a warm atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at home. Moreover, every room is equipped with a spacious terrace that offers an unbeatable view of the archipelago, where the sea's azure blue meets the verdant hues of the island's flora.
For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the deluxe suites come replete with refined interiors, private swimming pools, and undisturbed vistas of the Mediterranean Ocean. Luxurious bathrooms, lined with marble, feature whirlpool tubs that add a touch of decadence.
How about the food and drinks
Offer your palate an unforgettable experience with the hotel’s two premium restaurants: Gli Olivastri and Il Paguro. Gli Olivastri, doubled in the charm by ancient olive trees, pleases with its sophisticated and authentic Mediterranean dishes, cooked to perfection using local ingredients. With Chef Giancarlo's magic touch, each meal at Gli Olivastri becomes a unique experience filled with Sardinian flavors that leave you yearning for more.
Complement your divine meals with equally alluring drinks at Hotel Capo d'Orso. Whether you prefer savoring a refreshing cocktail by the poolside bar “Il Cormorano” or relishing a glass of the finest Sardinian wines in the tastefully furnished “l'Approdo Piano Bar", the hotel’s handpicked menu of beverages welcomes every guest. The hotel’s wine cellar is a charming lure for wine lovers, housing an impressive array of regional and national wines.
What about the service
The hotel staff is multilingual and highly equipped to provide personalized service, attending to your needs with a smile on their faces. Their efficiency ensures they seamlessly blend into the hotel’s ambience, hardly noticed yet always available at the snap of a finger.
The range of services offered at Hotel Capo d'Orso is just as impressive as the staff it employs. It's no secret that service at the establishment embraces genuine Italic hospitality, which translates into superior attention to detail, particularly in maintaining the pristine condition of the accommodation facilities, and in the swift and courteous room service. They also provide concierge services to help with reservations, rentals, and suggestions beneficial for an exquisite local and cultural experience.
What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
Around the vicinity, the charming tiny village of Palau lies under the radiant Mediterranean sun, offering lively town markets and a bustling marina filled with luxury yachts.
Just a short boat ride from the hotel, the enchanting Maddalena Archipelago awaits, where turquoise crystal-clear waters and hidden sandy inlets make a Mediterranean paradise. A myriad of hiking routes with breathtaking views can be explored nearby, and a golfer's dream comes true with the Pevero Golf Club, one of the most beautiful golfing venues found just a stone’s throw away.
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What’s the backstory of the hotel?
The resort was originally built as an aristocratic villa in the late 1800s, a marvel of architectural design of its time. It was meticulously designed to showcase the very best of Italian creativity and craftsmanship. Over the decades, the villa changed hands numerous times, with each owner adding their unique touch to the property, thereby enriching its history.
In the early 20th century, the villa was converted into a hotel and underwent extensive refurbishment and modernization, all the while preserving its vintage charm and original architectural elements. The conversion aimed at extending a hospitable abode for high society travelers seeking the exquisite taste of Italian luxury and an unspoiled connection with the natural beauty of Sardinia.
Price Range
The rates for this slice of paradise start from around 200 Euros for classic rooms during off-peak season, climbing to a range of 650 to 800 Euros for deluxe suites at high season. But trust us, the mesmerizing vistas of the Emerald Coast from your personal veranda are worth every penny spent.
Amenities & Facilities
The welcoming arms of the Capo d’Orso are not only signified in its service but also through its diversified amenities. You'll find elegantly decorated rooms, each optimizing luxury with modern comforts, including air conditioning, minibar and a private veranda — a little personal paradise with enchanting views. A hotel with such pristine views is a visual representation of 'la dolce vita' glued on photo albums and oft-visualized within the realms of imagination.
A well-equipped wellness center stands proud, offering a taste of tranquility through indulgent spa treatments, Turkish baths and a beauty center aimed at rejuvenating the guests. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy at the modern gym or take a dip in the saltwater swimming pool, while golf lovers have the luxury of Par 3 Pitch & Putt course.
How to get to the Capo d'Orso Hotel in Sardinia
If public transport is your thing, hop on the train from the airport to Palau station. From there, it's a scenic 15-minute taxi ride to the hotel. Remember, the journey is part of the experience, so buckle up, look out the window, and soak in the captivating vistas.
But if you’re in a hurry to kick-off your vacation, hail a taxi directly from the airport. It's an approximately 45-minute ride, but sit back, relax and let Sardinia's awe-inspiring panoramas sweep you off your feet. From picturesque coastal roads to rustic rural villages, every twist and turn paints a different picture. It's a mini showcase of Sardinia's multifaceted charm, perfectly packaged into your voyage to the sublime Hotel Capo d'Orso.
What Customers Have To Say
The therapists are exceptionally skilled, meticulous, and genuinely invested in ensuring your comfort and well-being. I was also impressed by the diverse range of treatments available, catering to a variety of needs and preferences.
The staff at L'Incantu deserve particular recognition. They are professional, courteous, and always ready to assist with a warm smile. From the front desk to the therapists, everyone goes above and beyond to make sure your stay is perfect. Special thanks to Martina and her team, especially Chiara, whose personalized care made my visit extra special.
This is the ideal place to escape the stresses of everyday life and indulge in some well-deserved pampering. I left feeling refreshed, revitalized, and eager to return. I highly recommend L'Incantu to anyone seeking an exceptional spa experience.
The hotel has a wide beach with good sandy entrance and two or three swimming and sunbathing berths, big territory you can have a walk and reach lighthouse and some wild beaches where you can swim alone (and naked). The view from bar is exceptional!
We found here a well equipped GYM with free weights up to 22 kg (2 dumbbells of each weigh)
The only weak point is kitchen. The food in the restaurant that is included in full board is not of 5 star hotel. Another restaurant has very limited menu, so if you will spend in this hotel 5+ nights you might get tired of it’s cuisine
I ristoranti il Paguro e gli Olivastri sono due sogni in cui si assaporano delizie strepitose, presentante con cura e di qualità eccellente. Complimenti ragazzi !
Cependant les chambres sont un peu vieillissantes (climatisations capricieuses, mobilier abîmé, etc.) par rapport au prix et on aimerait davantage de réactivité du personnel pour un hôtel qui est 5 étoiles.
That’s the bad in my opinion. I do think the property and beauty of the scenery is worth the price in some instances. It really is a special and unique hotel built in to nature with beautiful views. We weren’t able to get a reservation at the floating dock restaurant or on a boat for the day because they were already sold out. I was a little frustrated by this at first because we emailed them and never heard a response and most 5 Star luxury hotels would respond and/or reach out and email you once you book your stay to inform you about the activities and restaurants on property and to go ahead and book or reserve what you want to do prior to coming. So when the information of what I knew changed, my perspective on the service also changed. No big deal, we just rented a boat in Palau for the day. I highly recommend getting on the water in this area. Palau had some great options for boats and we ate both nights in Palau as opposed to the hotel. The food and drinks at the hotel were a little overpriced but to be expected. Palau as a whole is also a little pricier than most other cities in Sardegna.
TLDR; Overall, I do recommend staying at the hotel. Just understand it’s not a 5 star Luxury hotel (in managements own words). Think 4 star luxury with a 5 star view and you will have your expectations met!
Contact:
Address: Via Capo D'Orso, 07020 Palau, Italy
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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