I’ve visited the ‘best island in Europe’ – it’s so easy to see why it beat Crete and Ibiza | Travel News | Travel

From the moment you land in Sardinia, it is clear to see the island is something special – so special it beat the likes of Sicily, Ibiza, Crete and Myknos to be voted the best island in Europe by Conde Nast Traveller readers.

The Conrad Chia Laguna resort’s carefully curated decor captures that special feeling perfectly.

This gorgeous resort is tucked down on Sardinia’s south coast, just an hour’s drive from the capital Cagliari. Sheer curtains suspended from poles in front of doorways and windows throughout catch the sea breeze as it ripples through the building and it sways the fabric to and fro.

A stunning rock formation built into the hotel’s wall is “alive” as tiny waterfalls trickle down when it rains. Down that particular corridor, which leads to the huge pool, there is no air conditioning needed as the rocks help to regulate the humidity.

The rooms are spacious and decorated with colours of the natural landscape that surrounds the resort. I stayed in a superb suite that overlooked the pool, with panoramic views of the bay and the hills beyond, and enjoyed my nights watching the sun set over the horizon from arguably the best view in the house. The entire resort exudes life, with flowers and foliage round every corner, and it appears to breathe along with the island itself, creating a multi-sensory stay you’ll never forget.

The Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia integrates the natural landscape at every opportunity. Beside a gorgeous cyan-blue pool is an array of perfumed shrubs, including lavender and oregano, to create a full sensory experience for eager sunseekers who are looking to get back in touch with nature as they relax and catch some rays.

Families are catered for with small apartments that are particularly well suited for groups like these and help make the resort feel like a home away from home.

They’ve left no stone unturned as the serene spa experiences also include elements of the local area and the surrounding countryside. Residents can choose between a number of treatments that include locally sourced produce such as honey and salt, along with a wide range of other options for any requirement or ailment.

Masseuses are sure to check in throughout and are happy to oblige with any requests you might have – the spa is a highly, highly recommended experience at the resort. Decompress with a knot-busting massage, spruce up with a mani-pedi and spoil yourself with a facial to help bring out that holiday glow.

Across the road is the Baia di Chia Resort, which is a short stroll or buggy ride away from the Conrad. Pop over for lunch, receive the royal treatment and take in the gorgeous surroundings – including the majestic pink flamingos – with the incredible seasonal menus on offer.

Residents are free to wander around the area and explore the serene Sardinian coastline at their leisure. For the sporty types who are looking to expend their energy, the Conrad offers “a different experience every day” – choose from watersports, tennis, football and hiking trips to fill your days with fun and soak up some vitamin D.

La Terrazza is the main restaurant at the resort, beautifully decorated with an indoor-outdoor approach to dining. The buffet breakfast offers fresh pastries, jams, yogurts and hot food, later transformed into a tranquil restaurant for the evenings. Mouthwatering tuna carpaccio accompanied with marinated egg, creamy risotto paired with prawns, and smiling staff happy to cater to every need and dietary requirement make for a truly relaxing night.

Mascarpone cream cheese with citrus fruit sauce and meringue was the perfect palate cleanser to top off a meal which was bursting with both colour and flavour.

After a delectable dinner, pop over to Bar Bollicine to taste their bubbly menu, specialising in champagne and prosecco.

If you’re looking for authentic Sardinian food, head downstairs to Sa Mesa to explore the cuisine, available in sharing style and with local wines.

For a quick and healthy mid-morning boost, customisable fresh fruit smoothies can be picked up from around the poolside.

Cagliari is a must visit – stop off for a spot of lunch at Sa Marina for some delicious locally sourced food and pass delicate cuttlefish, battered whitebait, tender shark and octopus around the table before finishing off with a quick shot of locally made grappa – a face-scrunching liquor which is not for the faint of heart.

A number of activities close to the Conrad are offered, including a relaxing sunset boat tour around the closest bays and beaches and a live cheese-making experience.

A scenic off-road drive up a nearby mountain leads up to our destination, a quaint little farm nestled into the hillside.

The farmer happily tells tales of his time working there and is overjoyed to explain how the goats’ cheese is made while giving a demonstration. Separating the curds and whey is fascinating to watch and they also offer a feast of local produce for you to sample – meats, cheeses, breads and olives galore.