Hotel Cala Caterina

Summers see Sardinia's coastal towns come alive, and Hotel Cala Caterina occupies a great beachfront spot on the island's southeastern tip. Isolated settings a short drive or bus ride from Villasimius afford tranquility, and expansive grounds nestling the hotel's villa structure are every inch the Sardinian retreat. Vast sloping lawns with hammocks divide the hotel from a rock-sheltered beach, and tiki gazebos here form a garden spa setting. Loungers around an outdoor pool are popular hang-out spots, and al fresco dining terraces under shaded colonnades provide pretty views. Interiors sport the shabby-chic look typical of Sardinian properties -- think a mix of elegant and homey. The lobby's terra-cotta tiling, ceramic accents, attractive white couches, and pale-yellow walls are stylish and sophisticated. Live music at the bar jazzes up the otherwise serene atmosphere. Families are welcome here, but it's more of a romantic retreat. Note, the hotel is only open April through October.

Fragrant pines and beautiful views at Hotel Cala Caterina are tranquil, as is the nearby beach, but the location is a bit isolated. A bus stop a five-minute walk away runs to Villasimius in the summer, but a vehicle is recommended for the area. This small town turns vibrant in summers, and restaurants lining its marina are a 17-minute walk, with the town itself a 12-minute drive. Picturesque villages, wineries, and sweeping beaches are within a half-hour drive, while water sports at Porto Giunco are a quick five-minute journey by car. Hilltop Cagliari is an 80-minute drive, and Cagliari Airport is 10 minutes farther.

All with furnished balconies or terraces, classically outfitted rooms come in eight categories, and face the pool, gardens, or the sea (in upgraded units). They range from 269-square-foot (25-meter) Classic Rooms, to Suites starting at 431 square feet (40 square meters). Lower-category rooms have terra-cotta floors, russets or deep blues in beds and drapes, carved headboards, and white-wood furniture with trim painted to match the coverlets. Shutters or archways have character, and rooms are bright. However, the Sardinian look will either be seen as charming or dated, depending on the traveler. Suites have hardwood floors, living rooms, and sofa beds outfitted in soft pastels, as well as nicer-looking ottomans, draped furnishings, and wall-mounted fish decor. Other Suite perks include coffeemakers, huge terraces, and/or saunas. Worn or modern bathrooms have shower cubicles with rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, toiletries, slippers, and robes. Standard amenities include phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and AC. No tea- or coffee-making facilities are provided, except in Suites. Rooms can be fitted with cribs.

This property's features are less extensive than its lush grounds, but guests find amenities sufficient. Loungers, pergolas, and hammocks dot sun-filled and shaded lawns. A path leads to the small beach, which isn't private, though loungers, umbrellas, and towel service here are free. The outdoor pool is surrounded by loungers, parasols, and palm trees. Outdoor gazebos offering couples' massages are romantic, plus indoor spaces are available. There's also no gym. Serving free breakfasts with continental and Italian spreads, the restaurant is a well-presented space with white-clothed tables, terra-cotta floors, and pale-blue accents. Its Italian menus are popular, as are Sardinian wines in the adjacent bar, which serves a range of beverages. Live music gives the space a buzz in evenings, and wicker seating on terraces are the most sought-after spots. Unfortunately, this translates to outdoor dining and drinking not always being guaranteed. Parking is likewise tricky, as the area is public, but parking is free. Pets are permitted in some rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout.