A short drive to stunning bays, a far cry from the fleshpots of Costa Smeralda, Ca’ La Somara’s white buildings stand out against the wooded hills and crags of Gallura. As you’d expect from the name, donkeys feature here – they’re one of Laura’s passions. A vivacious ex-architect, she has converted the stables with charm and flair, and created a happy place imbued with her zest for life, love of the area, and personal style. Welcome to a serene, Moroccan oasis around a lovely central courtyard smothered in bouganvillea, hibiscus, plumbago, guarding a Turkish bath, a hay bath, a sauna, a yoga room, a massage room and a gym. Bedrooms, small and rustic-stylish, have floors of coloured cement or painted boards, Sardinian bedcovers, zingy hand-painted tiles, and lamps, rugs, objects from their travels. Visit the pretty village of San Pantaleo, an artists’ community just up the hill, return to cushioned benches in the garden or hessian hammocks in the paddock, and views of the valley and its windswept cork oaks. Breakfast is fresh and convivial. It’s all deliciously restful and undemanding – and there’s a fabulous pool.
Costa Smerelda has wonderful beaches some visited by the super rich yacht set and some are deserted paradises. Similarly there are the wealthy tourist resorts or quiet get aways like Ca' La Somara. Caring, hands-on host Laura could not be more helpful and together with equally lovely faithful staff provide tasty breakfast spreads, spotless rustic rooms, great pool and charming surroundings.