Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu

Elegance and an air of exclusivity pervade at the Grand Hotel Poltu Quatu, tucked around the base of a long, narrow waterway with pink granite rocks. Its design was inspired by an ancient Sardinian fishing village, and its classic Mediterranean style blends perfectly with minimalist architecture. Dozens of stand-alone white buildings with traditional arches and terra-cotta rooftops are spread around the marina, and out toward the rocky hills surrounding the property. Many contain rooms or apartments, plus a handful of sophisticated restaurants, including Tanit, named after the Carthaginian goddess worshiped on Sardinia. Guests are mostly couples, although the hotel draws families, too, who come for the kid-friendly vibe. 

The hotel is located on an isolated fjord in northeastern Sardinia along the Costa Smeralda (or Emerald Coast), one of Italy's most iconic and exclusive destinations. Once a privileged enclave for the super rich, these days Costa Smeralda attracts a broader range of tourists, especially during its peak season in August and September. There's nothing within walking distance of the hotel, but the quiet resort town of Baja Sardinia is an eight-minute drive away. Porto Cervo -- with its posh restaurants and shops -- is a 10-minute drive in the opposite direction, while several beaches are within a half-hour drive. The hotel offers free shuttles to several public beaches as well. Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport is 40 minutes away by car, as is the Olbia ferry, which travels to Livorno on the Tuscan coast. 

Guest rooms, suites, and apartments are pleasant and have contemporary decor, with traditional accents that are typical of the regional. Standard rooms look a bit dated, but they have private furnished balconies or patios with mountain or street views, plus small, light-wood desks and seating areas with upholstered armchairs. Top-tier rooms and suites have sea views, and more elaborate interiors with arches, custom windows, and ornate rugs. One- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes have sea views for an upgrade (fee).All guest rooms have AC, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms in standard units could also use a refresh, while higher-end rooms are more attractive, with ornate hand-laid tile. All have bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. Rooms and suites have shower/tub combos, while apartments have walk-in showers only. Standard rooms are small, coming in at about 200 square feet.

Guests won't lack for things to do at this property, as there are ample features, plus a range of activities at the private marina. The property's outdoor pool is set in a pretty courtyard, with hanging gardens and alcoves covered with mosaic tile. A wide bridge spans the water, and there's a surrounding patio with loungers and umbrellas, plus extra seating under thatched awnings. There's also a kiddy pool that has a rock wall waterfall, and two tennis courts.  The hotel offers a free American breakfast buffet. Dining is Mediterranean-focused, with contemporary Italian and Sardinian cuisine at the hotel's multiple restaurants. The seafood-centric Tanit overlooks the marina with an outdoor terrace, while the poolside Gusto Grill serves classic meat dishes. There's also a pizzeria and a fine-dining restaurant that's open for lunch and dinner. A pool bar serves drinks and coffee, and there's a stylish piano bar with cocktails and live music.For wellness, there's a modern fitness room, and a spa, although standard rooms tack on a fee for using the sauna and Turkish bath (waived for guests staying in suites and apartments). For business travelers, there's a small conference center with meeting rooms.The private marina houses several additional activities for a fee. There are boat charters and a sailing school, as well as a scuba diving center with excursions and lessons. There's no beach, but free shuttles can take guests to nearby public beaches, where the hotel has reserved sections (these aren't "private" beaches). Wi-Fi is free throughout, but guests are charged extra for valet parking.