Abi d’Oru Beach Hotel & Spa

Hotel Abi d'Oru is no stranger to this beach scene, as it was the area's first hotel when it opened in 1962. The next year, Nicolo and Luigi Dona della Rose, both Venetian counts, opened the marina in hopes the port would become a meeting point for the worldly creatives and intellectuals who were designing and building the village square and the San Lorenzo Church. Overall, the hotel showcases a classic relaxed-but-stylish Sardinian -- wicker and a blue-and-white color scheme dominate -- style while using the natural beauty of its surroundings and private beach as its core attractions. While the hotel's upscale charm -- thanks to its position along the coast, Mediterranean gardens, and stunning sea views -- is hard to ignore, decor details fail to compete with historic or modern hotels in the same category, though the hotel's Luxury Suites have a chic, contemporary design. During high season, about half of the guests are families, while couples tend to dominate the low season.

Hotel Abi d'Oru is located at the end of the Gulf of Marinella, just a few miles outside Porto Rotondo. The hotel itself is surrounded by verdant gardens on a small hill that overlooks the Gulf of Marinella, giving guests great panoramic sea views and a secluded vibe. Guests can walk to the hotel's private beach area in less than five minutes; walks along the beach will also take travelers to the small hamlet of Punta Marana's bars, convenience shops, market, and a few restaurants.

• 10-minute shuttle ride to Porto Rotondo (fee)
• 15-minute drive to the airport
• 18-minute drive to Olbia
• 25-minute walk or 5-minute drive to Punta Marana
• 28-minute drive to Pevero Golf Club
• 30-minute drive to Costa Smeralda
• 35-minute drive to Nuraghe la Prisgiona archeological site
• 55-minute flight to Rome
• 65-minute flight to Naples

The 170 rooms here are spacious and light-filled, outfitted in traditional Sardinian decor that some will find quaint and charming, and others will find dated and in need of a refresh. These rooms have beige tile floors, distressed blue-painted wooden furniture, embroidered quilts, watercolor artwork depicting regional landscapes, and hand-painted birds or flowers on the walls. The Presidential and Luxury Suites, on the other hand, have chic, modern decor and more impressive room fittings. All rooms have sizable, furnished balconies or terraces; most have beautiful sea or garden views, but some of the hill-view rooms have uninspiring vistas. Standard amenities include twice-daily housekeeping, flat-screen TVs, minibars, free Wi-Fi, bathrobes, slippers, and blackout curtains. Peach and blue tiled bathrooms have small stall showers or jetted tubs in upgraded rooms, as well as bidets, hairdryers, and a decent selection of hotel-branded toiletries.

The hotel's private white-sand beach is easily accessible on foot via a short walk through the garden grounds. The beach area is equipped with free sunbeds and umbrellas for guests and it's close to several bars and restaurants. Lounger-side drink and food service is also available. The beach's calm and shallow waters are popular among families, so expect to see several kids scattered about.

Opened in 2017, the Abi d'Oru's expansive wellness spa is the hotel's standout feature. There are a Turkish bath, sauna, ice fountain, chromotherapy showers, and a relaxation room complete with salt wall and tea service. Treatments take place in three treatment rooms or out by the large swimming pool. The Spa Suite is available to rent for couples or small groups and features a pavilion with private sauna, whirlpool, relaxation area, and steam room. Otherwise, guests can relax out on the lawn or by the large pool, which is surrounded by umbrellas, loungers, a covered solarium, whirlpool, and bar. During high season, from mid-June to mid-September, free fitness classes in the gym and aqua classes in the pool are available. Other activities include a lighted tennis court and soccer fields, a nearby golf course, bike rental, and excursion booking.

Four on-site restaurants include the main eatery, I Fenicotteri, which serves up a free breakfast buffet of hot and cold items and an a la carte menu for dinner. Two beachside restaurants, Il Marinaio and Marinella, are favorites for lunch, while Il Laghetto is a casual poolside grill spot with a buffet menu and cooking stations. The three bars also serve food to compliment their cocktails.

Family-friendly features consist of a free kids' club for children ages 4 through 10 during high season, babysitting services for a fee, tennis lessons, and extra beds, cots, and cribs on request. Pets under 15 pounds are allowed, but not in common areas. Free Wi-Fi and free parking are added perks, as is a convenience and souvenir shop.