Qunitessential Sardinian Luxury
A medley of exquisitely crafted pastel-colored buildings immersed in lush impossibly green vegetation before the glistening crystal blue sea. Driving up to the Cala di Volpe Hotel is like being enveloped by all of Sardinia’s most magical colors, and all of its most delicious Mediterranean scents, at the very same time. Inside its legendary gates, one is sure to find dreamily charming premises, luxurious accommodation and sophisticated upscale services.
Located in Porto Cervo, the most glamorous and fashionable spot of Sardinia’s world-famous Costa Smeralda, this enchanting luxury hotel and resort stretched across a mervelous scalloped bay, looks like something out of a fairytale.
Designed to mirror the structure and appeal of the area’s ancient fishermen villages, the resort encompasses low buildings interspersed with architectural elements typical of small Mediterranean towns. Red-tiled rooftops, towers and porticoes, balconies, granite floors, and archways that look as if they have been here forever, beaten by the wind and caressed by the unique brilliance of the Sardinian sunshine.
There’s a picturesque wooden bridge that plunges into the sea, a private beach, surrounded by odorous junipers and the famed myrtle bushes whose tiny zestful berries that are used to make the local flagship spirit, and massive grey Sardinian rocks scattered around the bay.
Every single detail of the Cala di Volpe’s grounds adds grace and charm to the landscape, and every fetching element of the hotel’s architecture embodies colorful Mediterranean allure, blending harmoniously with the natural environment.
Charm, elegance, luxury, and style have always been the essence of Cala di Volpe.
It all started in the early sixties, when Sardinia’s spectacular natural wonders inspired a group of far-sighted entrepreneurs and architects. Traveling along the island’s predominantly wild north-eastern coast, they came up with a leading-edge idea: creating an exclusive destination retreat on a strip of unspoiled land, and luring the Italian glitterati and international jet set to it by building state-of-the-art facilities.
A full project was forged in cooperation with the local authorities and Italy’s most prestigious engineers and builders. There were roads, drainage and an airport to be constructed, as well as hotels, resorts, villas, and golf courses. And, because the result had to be refined, elegant, and sophisticated, everything had to be built in strict compliance with the surrounding natural environment and using the finest indigenous materials to honor the local cultural heritage.
Inspired by the surroundings, Couëlle crafted the outer architecture to echo a local village, while inside he followed his own personal surrealist vision outfitting the interiors with Mediterranean glamour. The result was, and is, simply breathtaking: white stucco and vivid colors that evoke the sea and sunshine, vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, corridors, sinuous staircases, and stone walls. All enhanced by superb textiles and expressive Sardinian crafts, such as hand-woven fabrics and magnificent tiles.
Needless to say, the Hotel Cala di Volpe’s first season was a grandiose success. And ever since then, its magnificent grounds, seductive beach, and finespun guestrooms and suites have been welcoming VIPs, royalty, and international celebrities.
Recently restored and perfected by architects Claire Betaille and Bruno Moinard of 4BI & Associés, who skillfully added 71 new luxury rooms and suites, created a brand-new lounge and renovated lobby, the Hotel Cala di Volpe shines on, shedding a dazzling light onto Sardinia’s gleaming deep blue sea.
As a result of the refurbishment, the resort now provides deluxe accommodation in 121 guestrooms, each designed to offer a finely crafted blend of comfort, elegance and typical character. Featuring white walls, pastel hues and striking trompe-l’oeils, as well as boldly colored glistening tiles and hand painted furniture each room is a masterpiece in itself, an oasis where one can lay back, and simply relax surrounded by beauty.
Outside, in addition to the beach and beach club, guests can enjoy one of the largest seawater pools in the Mediterranean, a gym comprising indoor and outdoor facilities, 3 tennis courts, and a cutting-edge Shiseido SPA.
Last, but by no means, the bewitching dining scene, definitely one of the resort’s most remarkable features. Boasting a rainbow of different bars and restaurants, Cala di Volpe provides its guests with a varied range of delectable choices, Italian and Sardinian flair and a sophisticated twist. One can indulge in al fresco seafood and sunshine at the poolside Barbecue Restaurant, linger over healthy farm to table options in the vegetable garden La Fattoria Restaurant, taste fine signature dishes at the namesake Cala di Volpe Restaurant or luxuriate in Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s eclectic Japanese cuisine.
One holiday is certainly not enough to savor all Cala di Volpe has to offer!
