We decided on Sardinia for our honeymoon because we knew we’d be in need of some R&R after all the wedding activity and buzz. We journeyed from Tuscany, where our wedding had taken place, to the northern Sardinian city of Olbia via a short flight from Florence’s airport. I entrusted Drew with the honeymoon planning, since I had my hands full with the wedding, and he has high hotel standards so I knew he’d pick well!
Our honeymoon itinerary unfolded in two parts: exploring the northern Sardinian region centered in Olbia, followed by a sojourn to the southern city of Cagliari. Our northern Sardinian retreat commenced at thePetra Segreta Resort & Spa, nestled amidst the picturesque mountains. This Relais & Châteaux member, a prestigious association of independently owned and operated luxury hotels. Drew is a fan of hotels that belong to the association, it’s a strong indication of the quality and experience you’ll get there. To fully embrace the Sardinian landscape, we rented a car, granting us the freedom to venture beyond the resort, and we’d drive the ~3 hours to our second honeymoon spot.
Our arrival at Petra Segreta was marked by an early morning flight from Florence, leading us to the resort by 10 am. With only two daily flights from Florence to Olbia (6am & 5pm), we had carefully planned our itinerary accordingly. As we approached the resort, we traversed the charming town of San Pantaleo, followed by a winding, narrow road that ascended the mountainside, ultimately leading to our secluded haven. Quite intimidating for us! But also gave you the sense you were going to a secluded area – which is just what we were in need of.
Petra Segreta’s architecture seamlessly blended with its natural surroundings, featuring stone and wood structures adorned with minimalist décor. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain and sea vistas, the resort exuded an aura of tranquility, the fresh mountain air.
As we settled into our accommodations, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I find that I’m heavily influenced by my surroundings, so if somewhere is too crowded, hot, not comfortable, etc it directly impacts my mood. Our room wasn’t ready since we arrived so early, which was expected, and we ended up lounging by the pool much of the day until it was.
Dining at Petra Segreta
The resort has two different dinner options, their more informal rooftop dining spot, Terrazza del Mirto, and then their Michelin star Il Fuoco Sacro. Breakfast was a delightful buffet spread, offering an array of fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Activities
Massage at the Spa
We treated ourselves to a massage one day, which was fantastic. It’s not a spa as we might think of one in the US, but a Balinese hut. It consisted of two different massage rooms, super simple. We enjoyed this, but for guests looking for a more robust spa experience, this likely isn’t going to meet your expectations.
Day excursion to Porto Cervo
Embarking on a day trip to Porto Cervo, a larger town approximately 40 minutes from the resort, we sought to explore the surrounding area. Candidly, this exploration was underwhelming for us. We drove and made a couple stops at other towns along the way. Coming from Petra Segreta, the area has a very different vibe, to us it just felt touristy. There were not historical sites or interesting architecture to see, it was more strip malls with chain shops and restaurants vs smaller boutiques that were unique.
After we made a couple stops and walked around, as we drove through other areas it felt all the same to us. We were glad to have gotten out for an excursion to see more of the area, but it wasn’t our favorite.
Hike to Spiaggia Poltu Liccia
We asked the resort staff for a hiking recommendation, and they gave us a tip to hike to Spiaggia Poltu Liccia, which is a beach near Porto Cervo. We drove a short distance outside of the resort and then parked along the hiking trail. It was a 2-mile trek from the mountains to the coast, and we stumbled upon a restaurant on the beach which we took a lunch break for. The water was beautiful and the views of the coast as we approached were stunning. I’m still in awe of the blue hues from the water. After lunch Drew took a dip in the sea and we hiked the 2 miles back. There were quite a few locals hanging out as well. We enjoyed this a lot and it felt good to get a workout in!
Exploring San Pantaleo
Before our dinner in San Pantaleo, we seized the opportunity to meander through the charming little town nestled below the resort, accessible via the winding road from the resort. The quaint streets lined with restaurants and shops drew us in, inviting us to window-shop and explore. A lively air pervaded the town square, where a festive celebration, perhaps a wedding reception or a family gathering, enlivened the atmosphere with joyful music. The town offered a delightful assortment of souvenirs, making it the perfect place to find a memento of our stay.
All-in-all, we were in need of a recharge and Petra Segreta gave us just that, but also was an ideal location to explore a bit. I really loved the mountain ambiance, it felt so different from where we had been in Tuscany. The resort was also smaller and intimate, we saw the same staff each day. It didn’t feel like a hustle of guests around us. Often times there were only ~ 5 other guests lounging around the pool with us. I don’t know how to completely describe it, the environment just felt soothing and refreshing.
While the area presented other enticing excursions, including mountain biking and boat trips, we opted to savor those adventures for our next destination. Our stay at Petra Segreta fulfilled our longing for rejuvenation, offering a blend of quietude and the chance for exploration. The mountain ambiance was a stark contrast to the landscapes of Tuscany we had recently left behind. The resort’s intimate setting, with its familiar staff and uncrowded atmosphere, contributed to a sense of tranquility. Often, we found ourselves sharing the poolside with just 5 other guests, adding to the feeling of exclusivity and unhurried relaxation. It didn’t feel like a hustle of people around us.
Words fall short of capturing the soothing and refreshing ambiance of Petra Segreta, leaving us with a sense of contentment and gratitude for choosing this haven for our honeymoon retreat.
Shop my honeymoon looks below
