Chia Laguna – Hotel Laguna

Dramatically marked with an iron sign and four flags, Hotel Laguna is behind a stone and iron gate slightly farther down a stone-paved road. The exterior itself is rather modest for a luxury hotel and reads more like a pleasant, big residence with a fantastically landscaped front entrance. Inside, guests can glimpse the Laguna's honest attention to detail; the place is spotless, without a single element out of place. A carefully placed scattering of white couches with solid colored accent pillows provide ample seating. Perfectly aligned squares of contemporary art decorate the walls, but the most interesting point of design is the modern cubist architecture. Hallways are fairly unremarkable, but the open staircase has simple black iron railings and natural stone wall accents on half-levels. Overall, the atmosphere is of lighthearted elegance -- luxury without the stuffiness.

The hotel's dedicated La Terrazza Restaurant continues the classy-but-comfy country club vibe, though the spaces shared with the rest of the resort are a touch simpler. The children’s hubs -- a learning restaurant, pool, and kids’ club -- are very colorful, with plastic furniture and foam floors.

Somewhat centrally located within the sprawling multi-hotel Chia Laguna Resort, Hotel Laguna is just a few minutes walk around Hotel Baia to its designated beach, Dune di Campana. Other buildings, such as a nightclub and additional eateries, aren’t located on Hotel Laguna’s immediate grounds. Almost everything of need is offered somewhere on-site, with the exception of large-scale shopping and local tourist sights. Guests can quickly reach either the area of Chia itself or visit the ancient watchtower known as the Tower of Chia, both short drives away. The closest big city is Cagliari, a little more than 30 miles north.

All 82 of Hotel Laguna's rooms have a clean, comfortable style. Tile floors, wood beams, big beds, and a gentle color scheme make the large rooms feel homey, while private terraces and balconies are a great way to relax -- all have at least partial sea views. Units come with flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, and adjustable air-conditioners. The modern bathrooms have bright mosaics and designer fixtures along with separate bathtubs and showers, bidets, and an assortment of brand-name toiletries. Comfy bathrobes and room service make a strong argument for breakfast in bed or terrace dining. Junior Suites have much larger indoor spaces but significantly smaller terraces. Deluxe and Superior units have massive outdoor spaces, some partially shaded and outfitted with patio furniture.

These rooms are a bit more suited to couples than families, though extra cots can be requested for a single child (up to three years old in some rooms, and up to 12 years old in others). Families may prefer Hotel Village or Hotel Oasis. The "Oasis Space" (Spazio Oasi) section of the resort is the newest, with 34 rooms that are a bit more contemporary in style. All but the most basic have separate living areas and can families of at least three or four; the Oasi Suite Balcony is the biggest, with two bedrooms. This section is named after, and located closest to, the Oasi waterfall-style pool.

Features specific to Hotel Laguna are the VIP beach area with reserved umbrellas and loungers as well as the international cuisine of La Terrazza Restaurant, where diners can sample an extensive wine list. The Laguna also has its own on-site champagne bar, Bollicine. However, if you want to get a beauty treatment, sweat it out in the sauna or state-of-the-art fitness center, or enjoy evening entertainment, note that you'll be sharing these services and spaces with guests from other hotels. Likewise, the many kid-friendly amenities are open to children from all of the resort's hotels; thus space may be limited in peak season.

Adult activities such as horse-trekking, mountain biking, jeep and quad excursions, and various water-themed activities are available. The shared wellness center has treatments ranging from chocolate massages to manicures and includes a Turkish bath. For nighttime shenanigans, adults can choose from any of the resort's bars and lounges, a nightclub, or theater and cabaret shows in the outdoor pavilion. And if you were thinking that you might have to leave the property to get some extra sunscreen or other doodad, think again: With an on-site market carrying most common needs, the Laguna has got you covered. There’s even a frequent, free shuttle that travels around the grounds and down to the beaches if you don't feel like walking.

La Terrazza, with upscale Italian a la carte dishes, as well as an outdoor terrace and sea views, serves breakfast and dinner for Hotel Laguna guests. Le Dune Restaurant at the beach serves seafood as well as casual fare such as pizzas, and Luna Restaurant is a gourmet Mediterranean option.