CPH | Pevero Hotel

So plentiful are mainland Italy’s charms that it’s easy enough to overlook Sardinia. But to do so is to risk missing out on some truly spectacular natural beauty. This island is, on the whole, a bit more rustic, a bit less polished than the peninsula. But the Costa Smeralda is the exception, blending wild, unspoiled landscapes with some of Europe’s most extravagant luxury resorts. Against this opulent backdrop, a place like the CPH | Pevero Hotel feels downright restrained, even with its five swimming pools, its extensive spa, and its seemingly endless outdoor terraces.

This is luxury, make no mistake — what sets it apart is that it’s still in touch with the farmhouse charm and the pastoral unpretentiousness that make Sardinia so special. You’ll find beamed ceilings and traditional tile floors in every category, from the classic rooms on up through the suites, and even the presidential suite feels like a relaxed country house. The service is ultra-discreet and ultra-capable, and the two restaurants serve a generous spread of Sardinian cuisine, which understandably leans in the direction of fresh Mediterranean seafood. All this, and the town of Porto Cervo, the heart of the Costa Smeralda, is just minutes away.