The Pelican Beach Resort & Spa - Adults Only

Open only in summer, this hotel is divided into two buildings, though the hotel has a mostly fresh and modern appeal overall -- not always the case in this corner of Sardinia. The Garden Fitness & Spa is across the street from the beach and houses reception, the spa, pool, and some of the rooms. The lobby is a bright, open space with floor-to-ceiling windows, wicker sofas and chairs, large potted plants, and columns covered in mosaic tile. The second building, the Pelican Villa, is close to the sea and contains guest rooms, the restaurant, and bar. It features a Mediterranean modern style, with a pleasant and original blend of traditional and contemporary decor. The hotel does not allow anyone younger than 16, so it attracts mostly couples looking for a quiet, romantic getaway. While the hotel itself is calm and relaxed, previous guests have noted that the beach out front can be busy, and isn't private.

The hotel is located on Pellicano Beach, which is the next beach to the north after Pittulongu. That town has a few restaurants and bars, but the area immediately around the hotel is quiet and mostly filled with houses and other hotels, save a supermarket and a few casual dining spots. Even so, Pellicano Beach can get crowded at times. Those looking for more to see and do will want a rental car. The hotel is a 12-minute drive from the center of Olbia, where there are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants. The irregular coastline of the Costa Smeralda is home to tons of tiny beaches abutting turquoise water, and the coast's main town -- Porto Cervo -- will take about 50 minutes to reach by car. The Olbia Costa Smeralda airport is about a 15-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are located in two different buildings: The Garden Fitness & Spa, which is across the street from the beach, and The Pelican Villa, with direct access to the beach. All rooms in the Garden Fitness & Spa are on the first or second floor and are furnished in a contemporary style. They're equipped with satellite TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and safes. Bathrooms are small, but modern, and come with showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Deluxe Sea View Rooms and the Presidential Suite add tea/coffee makers, robes, and Bulgari toiletries. Balconies and terraces offer views are of the sea or the courtyard. Upon arrival, guests in all rooms find a small gift, some sweets, and a bottle of water.All rooms in The Pelican Villa are located on the ground floor or first floor and are furnished in a modern Mediterranean style with lots of white: white furniture, white floors, white walls, and even white TVs. Bed coverings and drapery are beige, creating a polished, but still beachy, look. All rooms are equipped with satellite TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, safes, and tea/coffee makers, and all have a furnished balcony or patio. Some have a sofa bed. Modern bathrooms come with showers, hairdryers, slippers, robes, bidets, and Bulgari toiletries. Lounge chairs and umbrellas on the lawn in front of the beach are reserved for guests in beach-front rooms, junior suites, and suites. 

The Pelican Beach Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine for all meals, including a free breakfast buffet. The space is lovely and elegant, with white tablecloths and slipcovered chairs. Bright pops of color are added to the mostly white setting with plates and glasses on the tables, a red mirror, and artwork on the walls. The adjacent bar is a cozy space with white wicker seating and purple armchairs. Guests also can opt to dine on the terrace with beautiful views of the sea. There's another bar in the lobby. The outdoor pool is small and surrounded by buildings. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for relaxing poolside. The beach also is equipped with lounge chairs and umbrellas, but it can get crowded at times and isn't private.The resort's Wellness Center is a lovely space with a Finnish sauna, special showers, Turkish bath, indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, and an outdoor hot tub. Treatments include massages, manicures and pedicures, facials, body treatments, and wellness packages. The entire facility can be reserved for special events. The open-air fitness center on the rooftop has only three machines -- a treadmill, elliptical, and a stationary bike -- but the views of the sea are spectacular.  The large, airy business center has many tables for working or small meetings, as well as two computers and a printer for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free but it's only accessible in public areas. Small dogs are allowed.