THE Mediterranean gem of Sardinia has played host to A-listers including George Clooney, Beyonce and footballer Kylian Mbappe.
Even royals and Kate have been wowed by its wonders.
And as I crossed the island’s turquoise waters by speedboat, stopping to stroll the golden sands of the secluded Onion Beach and take in the crystal clear waters of Cala di Morto (Dead Man’s Bay), it wasn’t hard to see why this area is so loved by the stars.
The Italian island has something for every type of traveller.
There are rugged hiking trails perfect for adventurers, sun-drenched beaches where waiters deliver cocktails directly to sunbeds, and action-packed attractions that will keep families of all ages entertained.
At the heart of the action, there’s the Chia Laguna Resort, a sprawling holiday village right on the coast that’s home to three , six stunning pools and some excellent kids’ clubs.
I spent three blissful days at the Conrad Chia Laguna, where I was treated so lavishly I could have believed I was one of the celebs that visits this island regularly.
The entrance to the Hilton property oozes refined luxury, with stunning marble pieces from the nearby town of Orosei and plush fabrics from local factories.
Despite being an international brand, the Conrad is nothing like other Hilton properties I’ve visited, with nods to the Italian island reflected in its decor.
Traditional ring vases on shelves add splashes of colour, while breezy voile curtains sway in the Sardinian breeze, inviting flickers of soft Mediterranean sunlight.
Bedrooms are tasteful with a neutral, contemporary aesthetic and bathrooms pay homage to Sardinia’s Roman roots, featuring white marble tiling and a deep bath that lets you indulge your inner god or goddess with lavish Byredo toiletries.
To top it off, I was welcomed with an indulgent gift of strawberries, salted caramel chocolates and homemade shortbread crumble, all in a hot air balloon-style basket.
And if you think that’s as good as the food gets, think again. With 12 and eight bars in the resort, you’re spoilt for choice.
Think poolside poke bowls, fregola (Sardinian-style giant couscous with shellfish), slow-roasted suckling pig and traditional Sardinian treats such as seadas (deep-fried cheese pastries generously drizzled with honey).
No matter where you eat, every meal kicks off with pane carasau, a crispbread calling out to be dunked in extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
If you’re after a sweet treat or drinks, Chia Laguna’s Piazza Degli Ulivi square has all you could ask for, including a gelateria, bakery and a selection of bars, plus indoor and outdoor seating where you can watch live entertainment or sports games on giant TV screens.
When you’re not gobbling up those local treats, you can slather them on your skin at the 1,000-square-metre Chia Natural Spa, where therapies rely on local organic honey, Conti-Vecchi salt and native herbs such as juniper, myrtle and orange.
Complete with sauna, Turkish bath, experiential showers and jet-powered hydrotherapy pools, the spa is a sanctuary.
A 50-minute, pre-sun full-body exfoliation treatment left my skin feeling polished and moisturised.
But all that relaxation was reversed on the sports courts at Baia di Chia.
Also part of the Hilton chain, the hotel has clay and synthetic and courts with professional trainers on site who can be booked for coaching.
Kids can also take advantage of the academy led by FC legends.
The real highlight of the vast complex though is its enviable location on Sardinia’s southern coast.
From here I was able to explore hidden bays and the surrounding territory by Land Rover, with a brief pitstop to sample Pecorino cheese and some tasting — one of many excursions offered by the holiday village.
This was surely a holiday even and Beyonce would be happy with.
