Resort Grande Baia

There are some good things here: the villas are quiet and independent, with a basic but functional kitchen, a porch for evening drinks and plenty of parking. It's close to the good beaches, though none are walkable, and about a 30-minute drive from Olbia airport. The property is large and has a lot of potential, but both the grounds and rooms need major updating. Service was so poor that you need to enjoy the villa without expecting much from staff. It took three days, eight phone calls and two visits to reception to get two extra pillows. There was no kettle or coffee maker in the room. The property's beach is rocky and unappealing, despite a beautiful view. We went once and didn't return. The property is 3 km from the main road, along an unlit route with twists and turns and fast drivers. The SS125 is also a crazy main road. The saltwater pool isn't heated and badly needs updating. Drinks are overpriced, €4.50 for a Coke. Laundry room access has to be booked. You get three beach towels for a week and have to pay to change them. Room service comes only once a week, so sand builds up in this beach destination and there's no way to clean it. Wifi is weak and keeps cutting out.

We stayed here a few years ago and had an amazing time. I've been trying to find the place so I can book it again.

The beach is a short walk away and pleasant enough, with a great view. Reception staff were nice, especially the women. The pool, though, was freezing, which I suppose is common on the continent. We tried food at the pool bar on arrival and found it okay. We ate out for the rest of the holiday, so I can't speak to the onsite restaurants. When we got to our chalet, the previous guests' towels were still on the floor and there were empty drinks on the kitchen counter. It made us wonder about the cleanliness of everything, including the beds and sheets. We tried talking to cleaners but our Italian wasn't good enough, so we texted reception and got fresh towels later. I'd call it a solid three stars. What you think of this resort probably depends on what you paid and what other resorts you've stayed at. We booked well ahead because it looked good value, which perhaps should have been a red flag. For what we paid, it was a decent base, but no more than that, pretty mediocre. It feels like it was built in the 80s with big ambitions, then slipped over time without investment. It could be a great place if remodelled. More sea views would help, though many properties face the wrong way or aren't high enough, despite the resort owning land a bit higher up. We wouldn't return. I'd rather pay a little more for a decent view and a more luxurious feel.

The beach area is great and only a short walk away. The resort is well placed for shopping and restaurants by car, which you'll need. Our family of four spent a week there and had a good time. The apartments were spacious and clean, but the kitchen didn't have enough equipment to cook for a family, and a few more cups would have helped. The buffet restaurant food really wasn't good, so book without meals and cook for yourselves or eat out.