Su Gologone Experience Hotel

Su Gologone is a veritable treasure trove of bright art and verdant greenery. Although the place seems like a typical Sardinian farmhouse from the outside, what distinguishes this hotel is the attention taken in outfitting the place with pieces of artwork created by craftsmen and artists who have studios within the hotel grounds. The whitewashed walls seemingly hewn from solid rock, and roofs made of juniper beams are the backdrop to a riot of color, pattern, and texture -- think furniture painted cheery hues, aquamarine wooden shutters, richly emerald greenery, intricately woven fabrics, and sculptures on every surface. Su Gologone attracts both couples and families in equal measure, as much for the hotel’s seclusion and proximity to nature as for the sheer variety of activities on offer. However, there are lots of stairs throughout the property and no elevator, so it's not suitable for those with limited mobility. Additionally, some past guests have complained of wear and tear, as well as disorganized dining service.

It’s safe to say that Su Gologone is pretty far off the beaten track. Nestled in the foot of the Supramonte Hills, the hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the spring that gives the hotel its name, and is practically surrounded by forests. For guests who are so inclined, there are many well-marked hiking trails in the vicinity, as well as archaeological sites and nature reserves. The nearest sizable town is Nouro, a 20- to 30-minute drive away, while a 35-minute drive along snaking mountain roads in the other direction leads to the beach town of Cala Gonone. Expect a 70-minute journey by car to Olbia Airport.

Each of Su Gologone’s 68 rooms is individually decorated, and dotted with the same quirky artwork that characterizes the hotel’s shared areas. While classic Rooms are somewhat low on frills, they do have embroidered linens with Sardinian motifs and splashes of bright color livening up white plasterwork, as well as rainfall showerheads in the bathrooms. Some Deluxe Rooms make space for a four-poster bed, while Shepherd's Rooms are decorated with crisp-white plasterwork and floors, as well as traditional ceilings made of juniper beams and rushes, plus wooden furniture handmade by local cabinet-makers. Each of the Art Suites is dedicated to a different 20th-century Sardinian artist, and their decor and furniture are inspired by them. In their bathrooms are shower/tub combos with hydrotherapy jets. 

More spacious Country Suites have a bedroom with benches covered in cushions, and a living room with a juniper-beam ceiling, a sofa bed, and a raised sleeping area, as well as an outdoor terrace with a private hot tub. Most dramatic of all is the Art Studio Suite, which is an explosion of brightness with its own garden and stained-glass windows projecting shards of color onto white walls. Dotted around the suite are blank canvases and paintbrushes -- the room used to be the owner’s studio, and they wanted to keep it as a space for creativity. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, air-conditioning, hairdryers, and free toiletries. 

Su Gologone bills itself as an “experience hotel” and between artists’ studios, a traditional wood-fired clay bread oven and outdoor kitchen, and excursions around the surrounding countryside, it certainly lives up to its claim. Guests can book sessions working with local artists, and all the artists have shops within the complex. Travelers can also try their hand at traditional cooking. In addition, the hotel offers trekking and cycling around the Supramonte Hills, as well as excursions in kayaks and canoes, and on horseback. A spa offers a variety of beauty and wellness treatments, a well-equipped gym, and yoga classes. Outside is a large and pretty pool surrounded by loungers and greenery. 

The hotel serves traditional Sardinian food in its two restaurants, much of which is sourced from nearby farmers and from the on-site vegetable garden. All rates include a well-reviewed buffet breakfast of typical continental Italian fare. An a la carte dinner is served at the main terrace restaurant, but some past guests have complained of disorganized and often subpar service. A generous "aperitivo" is offered at the outdoor bar that overlooks the mountains.

Wi-Fi is free, but only in the reception area.