An early New Years resolution... to update the blog much, much more often to let all you lovely people out there know just what we've been up to!
And what better way to start than with a brand new property, exclusive to
The Sardinia Villa Collection...
Villa Karalis.
It's actually two twin villas which can either be rented separately for smaller groups of up to 6 guests (
Villa Karalis One or
Villa Karalis Two), or
together giving a whopping 6 bedrooms for up to 12 guests.
Every bedroom has a private ensuite bathroom and most of the rooms have lovely views over the swimming pool and Mediterranean gardens, stocked with palm trees, fragrant jasmine and centuries-old olive trees.
There's a huge communal swimming pool, shared with the residents of the other 15 properties
on this small, exclusive development.
Villa Karalis is the only property currently available for holiday rentals so there's a lovely, friendly feel to the place.
Back inside, the villas are fully air-conditioned and are equipped with Satellite TV, DVD players and USB keys for internet access can be made available on request.
For families travelling with children, there's a range of baby equipment available on request (cots, high chairs, stair gates, bottle sterilisers, baby monitors, baby baths and even those modern must-haves... bumbo's) and we can also arrange for the hire of an X-box (with a selection of games), board games and DVD's to keep the whole family entertained.
Guests will be provided with a good guide book to Sardinia as well as our own "Villa Book" listing all our favourite local restaurants, beaches and activities and you'll find all the basics to start off your holiday such as cleaning products. If you want to relax right from the very start, just send us your shopping list and we'll make sure the kitchen is fully stocked for your arrival with a bottle of wine and a few beers chilling in the fridge ready for you.
How about the local area? Let's start with the name... taken from the original Roman name for Sardinia's capital city, Cagliari, it's a nod to the fact that the most important Roman settlement in Sardinia is just 5km from your doorstep. History buffs can wander around the ancient site which is set prettily on the sheltered bay of Nora and explore the amphitheatre, beautiful mosaics and baths. The accompanying museum in the neighbouring town of Pula has a great collection of finds from the site.
Looking for something a little less cultured? You can't go far wrong with a visit to the BluFan Water Park just 8km from the villas. With slides, a toddler pool, wave pool and even activities such as children's foam parties and dancing lessons. There's a restaurant and snack bars and sun loungers are included in the cost of the entry ticket so it's a great day out for the whole family. There's even a super-scary slide perfect for dads wanting to show off.
Of course Sardinia is all about the beaches and as residents in the area we'll make sure to give
you the low-down on where to find the silkiest sand, bluest seas, comfiest sun loungers and of course the beaches known only to residents that the crowds don't find even in peak season. You're spoilt for choice with the famous beach at Chia just a few minutes down the road as well as Nora beach, the unfortunately named "Pinus Village" beach, Tuerredda (pictured) and the lovely Mare Pineta just 1.2km from your front door.
We recommend a day spent in Cagliari, just 40km away for a browse around the numerous boutiques, art galleries, museums and botanical gardens and San Benedetto market... the largest indoor food market in Italy with mouth-watering local cheeses, hams, baked goods and the freshest fruits and vegetables. The ground floor is exclusively dedicated to fish and seafood and the stall holders are real showmen, ever ready to (rather bizarrely) wear a swordfish head as a mask to raise a smile or assault you with a live octopus or two as you walk by.
Closer to home, the
Is Molas international golf course (home to the Italian Open every year) is just 3 minutes away by car and other local activities include kite surfing, scuba diving and horse riding or for those looking for a little less adrenaline with their holiday, wine and cheese tasting at a local vineyard, masseurs to pamper you by the pool or boat hire for a day out with a friendly English Skipper including lunch and drinks.
There are some excellent restaurants in the area too, serving everything from great pizzas and pasta to traditional Sardinian fare such as roast suckling pig, wild boar in red wine or roast kid. Seafood is a great favourite here too.
Prices for
Villa Karalis run from 2,700-4,400€ per week for both villas together sleeping up to 12 people (32-47€ per person per night) or from 1,350-2,200€ per week to rent one individual villa for up to 6 guests.
Simply click here for more information on the villas:
Villa Karalis (sleeps 12)
Villa Karalis One (sleeps 6)
Villa Karalis Two (sleeps 6)
Here to contact us for more information on this or any other villa.
Or here to view our full Sardinia Villa Collection
The stunning salt water infinity swimming pool is a new addition for the 2014 season and is the perfect place to relax, enjoy the view over the sea and check out the luxury yachts as they glide by.
