Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda

The pictures say it all. Unbelievable views are all around. The room decor is a fun, traditional old Italian style. The seafood at the hotel was second to none, and they had the best tiramisu I’ve ever had.

The location is beautiful with sea views to the misty hills beyond, idyllic. The hotel has the facilities but the building itself is old- and there comes a point where rustic becomes plain tired and no amount of white paint can hide that fact. The main restaurant reflects the hotel’s age, the breakfast buffet is cramped and I have seen better offerings in lesser hotels, but service is generally good- and occasionally exceptional. The elephant in the room is the prices- €18 for two coffees…….no the hotel is not that special. It’s ten minutes by taxi to Porto Cervo- €40 each way and they claim their credit card machine doesn’t work. I have no problem paying for value, but this hotel needs to up its game- it isn’t as good as it thinks it is!

Lovely hotel, with the James Bond vibe of course. Wonderful architecture. The rooms are lovely, make sure you get a water facing one. The staff are wonderful. The breakfast by the pool is lovely, and the pool is gorgeous, as well as the private beach reached by hotel boat that nips around the bay. Also you don't have to pay for the beds on top of your rooms, like the S of France! A quick drive or a 20 min walk away are some very gorgeous public beaches too.

Amazing experience at this hotel with one caveat. The pool is absolutely freezing cold and is the same water (but purified) from the ocean. The spa doesn’t have a hot tub either. I was advised to use the sauna or take a bath which seems odd to me but may be the standard for beach towns in Europe. Considering this is the end of summer, this is something that I wish wasn’t the case.

Stayed here for two nights in a double room on the ground floor. The hotel is charming, rustic and quirky. The setting is breathtaking, however my room was on the small side and and needs updating. Nice Aqua Di Parma toiletries in the bathroom. The pool area is large with plenty of sun beds. There is a small beach in front of the pool area. A hotel motor launch is available to take you to the larger beach in the next cove. Breakfast was good, the usual choices of both hot and cold options. We had a formal dinner at the hotel in the evening and the food was an eclectic mix of delicious pasta, antipasto and sushi. Very expensive to eat at the hotel and I did not think it was justified. Cool bar area. Top marks for staff and the setting. I imagine that is what you are paying for.

If your looking for the most charming, romantic, luxurious paradise on earth- this is it!! This is also a child's paradise! Perfect for a family holiday, recharge and return home in good health. Your senses are in heaven the minute you arrive, your eyes see only beauty and the scent is unique. If only I could take this scent with me, a mixture of the sea, nature and the best food. The staff are impeccable and you feel like you are royalty. The bar serves the most exceptional delicious drinks. The lunch buffet is one of a kind! The reception and conceirge do all they can to make your stay perfect and the word 'NO' is rarely said. Easily top 5 hotels in the entire world. Worth every penny!! If I had to stay in once place for the rest of my life this would be the place I would choose