Hotel Costa dei Fiori

Hotel Costa dei Fiori is a tidy compound of traditional stone buildings set among flowering plants, mature palm trees, and chirping songbirds. Within this earthy setting, single-story guest villas topped with barrel-tile roofs surround a two-story main building with stone turrets and rustic archways. There's a large freeform pool encircled by canvas loungers adjacent to a smaller children's pool and play area. Guests sip cocktails on the gazebo-shaded terrace entwined with lilies and bougainvillea. Inside, the terra-cotta tiled lobby filled with Victorian rattan chairs opens to a restaurant with a massive stone fireplace. Down by a rocky beach is the property's focal point, a stunning infinity pool that appears to spill into the sea below. The majority of guests here are couples looking for a tranquil oasis. 

Costa dei Fiori is in Santa Margherita di Pula, a popular tourist destination on the southern tip of Sardinia known for its unspoiled beaches. Keep in mind that there's nothing much within an easy walk, so guests will need a car to explore the region. Additionally, the road leading to the hotel is rutted and unpaved. The hotel is about 10 minutes from the ancient archeological site of Nora and a 40-minute drive from Cagliari International Airport. The 18-hole golf course at the Chia Golf Sporting Club is within a 20-minute drive, while Cagliari, Sardinia's largest city, is 45 minutes away by car. 

Set in one- and two-story villas, rooms are large, spotless, and comfortable. Each is decorated with rustic tile floors and hand carved wood furniture that mimics the local Sardinian style. Decor is otherwise plain, and--save for bright accent walls -- there's little in the way of color or art. Some rooms have twin beds pushed together, or romantic mosquito netting over the beds. All rooms come with balconies or patios with pool or garden views and modern refinements that include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Free Wi-Fi is available, but functions best in public areas. Spacious modern bathrooms with marble counters and vessel sinks feature walk-in rainfall showers and toiletries. Suites include small living areas, private balconies, and large bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. 

Features here aren't numerous, but there are enough extras to make this a great vacation spot. The highlight is a breathtaking infinity pool overlooking the sea. This secluded area includes chairs and umbrellas set up on a sandy area behind the pool. This, ostensibly, mimics a beach, which is a good thing as the one near the hotel is rocky and not great for a swim. Unfortunately, the infinity pool doesn't provide restrooms or food service. Back up at the hotel, there's a central pool with a hot tub and a children's pool with a small play area. Guests can order appetizers by the pool at Bar Bistro during the day. The intimate restaurant includes a wood burning oven and cranks out gourmet Sicilian fare and wines. Dinner can be served in rooms or at the restaurant. A free daily breakfast includes cold gourmet items like croissants, charcuterie, and housemade jams. Other amenities include a tennis court, massage services in a private garden area, and shuttle service to the airport. Parking and Wi-Fi are included in the rates, though Wi-Fi isn't great in the rooms. There's also a meeting room for events.