GOOD SPORTS

IT’S LESS THAN THREE HOURS AWAY BUT BERNICE SALTZER DISCOVERS A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN SUNNY SARDINIA

There was a time, not that long ago, where we probably thought we’d never get on a plane again.

It was certainly good for the UK tourism industry when we were “forced” into staycationing, but for a committed traveller, it’s the stuff of nightmares. We celebrated our ability to head to foreign shores earlier this year with an amazing trip which encompassed New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Memphis and then the home of country music, Nashville. While it was an incredible experience, it certainly wasn’t restful, which is why my other half and I were just desperate for a week of doing nothing but chilling in the sun. Armed with EasyJet vouchers by virtue of flights cancelled during lockdown, we decided to venture to an island that was always on my wishlist. Sardinia has been loved by celebrities for years – everyone from Princess Diana to Elton John to Bradley Cooper - have holidayed on the Costa Smerelda coast.

And so I figured, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us! We jetted out from Manchester to Olbia, an unspoilt and friendly little town in the north.

The area has featured regularly on tv and in film, notably where Roger Moore filmed the James Bond movie, The Spy Who Loved Me. Our hotel was the DoubleTree by Hilton, one of only a handful of larger hotels in the area. We were delighted to be treated like royalty and were upgraded to the Presidential Suite – complete with a hot tub in the living room and even a sauna (although it was far too hot to even contemplate using that!). For anyone just wanting some r & r, sitting by a stunning pool and soaking up the rays, then this was the perfect location – you can literally feel your stresses ebbing away. A 20 minute walk from the hotel saw us in the heart of Olbia, which is littered with traditional bars and restaurants, all serving authentic and delicious Sardinian food. Not surprisingly, seafood is high on the menu as are traditional pasta and pizzas – but expect crispy, wafer thin delights which are far more tasty than their UK counterparts. Watch the world go by with an Aperol Spritz – the Italian cocktail of choice which comprises Aperol, prosecco, soda water and a slice of orange – while the locals and the cruise ship guests walk up and down. There’s not a huge amount of shopping options in Olbia, although there’s more than enough to satisfy souvenir hunters. The town has its own giant big wheel close to the port and that’s surrounded by craft stalls selling everything from ceramics to bags and bracelets.

Gifts made from cork are everywhere and try Mirto – a local liqueur made from the berries of the myrtle plant. If you’re a beach lover then you will need to hop on a local bus or train to get to one, but it’s definitely worth the trip. And who knows, you may even bump into tv chef, Gino D’Acampo, who spends three months of the year on the island.

Sardinia is that rare thing – an unspoilt island that has remained true to its roots and offers a real taste of Italy.

FACT FILE

We flew with EasyJet from Manchester to Olbia and stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Olbia, www.hilton.com/en/hotels/olbdtdi-doubletree-olbia-sardinia/