White Sand Residence

The owner was kind enough to drive us to a supermarket and restaurant on our first day since we didn't have a car. I'd recommend renting one, though, because shops and restaurants are a 30-45 minute walk away. The room was very clean and suited our stay well. We were a family of five looking for a relaxing holiday, and the place was quiet and beautiful. The pool was clean, and we often had it to ourselves. Our teenage daughters loved the beach and pool, and our son, who is autistic, enjoyed himself too, which had been something we were concerned about. The beach was about a 10-minute walk, with clear water and a beautiful stretch of sand.

The room could use some attention. It was a good size, with a nice balcony, and the AC worked perfectly, but it felt worn. The shower head worked badly, the stove wasn't level, and I was surprised there were no wine glasses. A few basics such as salt, pepper, sugar, coffee, or perhaps olive oil would also make a difference. These are small, inexpensive things for the owners to address. The grounds were kept up very well, with flowers and bushes watered and blooming, and the hotel pool was lovely, though at 140 cm deep it isn't suitable for small children. The location is amazing, with a gorgeous beach just a five-minute walk away. Stores and restaurants are around 2 km away, and the bus stop is 1 km away, with buses only every 70-80 minutes, so a car is necessary. I'd happily return to Porto Istana, but next time I'll bring a car. It was a great summer destination overall, despite a few things that could be better.

The apartments are basic but practical. With the two burners and microwave, we could put together a decent meal. The pool stayed clean and quiet during the day, and it was nice that inflatables were allowed. The beach is lovely and about a 10-minute walk away. I'd suggest having a car, since the nearest restaurant is in Murta Maria, roughly 40 minutes on foot. One thing to plan for: Sunday check-in is quite late, with 6 p.m. advised. If you arrive earlier, there are no toilets to use in the complex apart from the one in your apartment.

The rooms need some renovation, especially the cracked floor, and we had trouble with ants that seemed to be everywhere. WiFi kept dropping, so we had to rely on mobile data. Still, the surroundings were always lovely and clean, the pool was nice and clean, and the beach is only about 10 minutes away. The staff were very kind and helpful. On the second day our car broke down, and the pool attendant drove us to Olbia to look for a repair shop. The manager was friendly throughout, and receptionist Giulia kindly let us stay until 7 p.m. on our last day at no extra charge, even though checkout was at 10 a.m. and our ferry wasn't leaving until night. We'd like to come back. Three and a half stars.