Li Finistreddi Exclusive Country Retreat

The spa was so calm that when my boyfriend and I went twice, it was just the two of us with candles lit everywhere. It's included in the beach package, which we'd recommend spending a couple of bucks on. The beach is five minutes away by shuttle, with a reserved bed and chairs whenever you want, plus bathrooms and a restaurant. We visited several towns in Sardinia and finished our trip here. It was the most magical part, and we definitely saved the best for last. The room was stunning, and someone brought a fresh bottle of water each evening at 19:00. Breakfast isn't buffet style, which I liked, and they'd bring whatever we asked for. Dinner looked out over the beautiful Infiniti pool and mountains. Before reviewing, I read the one-star reviews to understand why this hotel wasn't rated a perfect five stars.

The restaurant really stood out. We ate on the terrace by the pool, with magical views, and both the chef and the knowledgeable staff were on point. The property itself is beautiful and quiet, with pleasant views of the surrounding mountains and water, though it's a bit off the beaten path. The rooms are reached by climbing flights of steps because the whole property sits on a mountainside. That's fine if you're young or in shape, but keep it in mind before booking if you're older or can't manage stairs.

The room photos were misleading. From our tiny “Deluxe Sea View” room, we looked onto the busy reception area, so there was no privacy. It was hard to fit in the bathroom and shut the door, and the shower leaked everywhere. I also agree with the other reviewer that the girls at the desk were unfriendly and unwelcoming.

The only downside was finding ants in the double room. Otherwise, everything went smoothly. The restaurant was pretty good, and the private beach was lovely and not too crowded. There's also a nice pool, a shuttle to the beach, and a spa. If you're looking for a luxury experience, this is the right place.