Mirto - Sardinia's Favorite Liqueur

There's a shameful little secret all travelers have in common. We've all done it, every single one of us, and I'm sure you're no exception.

Red Mirto, Sardinia's favorite tipple

I'm talking about that dusty stash of bottles hidden away at the back of a cupboard somewhere in your kitchen or dining room. The barely tasted bottle of limoncello brought back from that great holiday in Sicily all those years ago. That fabulous aged tequila that you lugged back from Mexico, determined to educate your friends and family about what the "real thing" tastes like. The unopened bottle of sake a well-meaning relative gave you after a trip to Japan or the evil-looking Genepi from a ski trip to the Alps...

We've all got them, and we all forget about them. Until the end of that fabulous dinner party that is when, after a few too many glasses of wine, some misguided impulse compels you to delve around in the back of that cupboard, blow the dust off a couple of bottles and force a few of glasses on your bemused guests. Invariably, as you fumble for the aspirin the next morning, you swear to clear that cupboard out once and for all and tip the lot down the sink... but you never quite get round to it.

But why? Why, when we're normally so careful with the pennies do we find ourselves with hundreds of pounds worth of perfectly good alcohol that we never touch?

Personally, I think that liqueurs are so inextricably linked to the cultures and environments that produced them that they're never quite the same tasted out of context.

Myrtle berries on the bush, ready to be made into mirto

Take Sardinian mirto for example. It's made from the berries and/or leaves of the myrtle bush (Myrtus Communis) which flourishes in Sardinia's poor soil, growing up to six metres tall. It can be found everywhere on the island, forming part of the wild "macchia mediterranea" that covers just about every inch of undeveloped or unfarmed land.

The last 20 years have seen programmes started to selectively breed some of the 40 wild varieties of myrtle in order to improve and standardise yields, specifically with the production of mirto in mind, but the tipple's origins are truly ancient. Both the red and less common white varieties of the liqueur have been produced here for hundreds of years.

Mirto rosso (red mirto) is made from the crushed berries whilst mirto bianco (white mirto) is made from the leaves. The processes for making both are similar, seeing the berry or leaf pulp steeped in alcohol (usually grape spirit) for around two months. The resulting liquid is then filtered, mixed with sugar syrup and bottled at 30-35% alcohol.

I can't count the number of times I've sat in the departure lounge at Cagliari airport watching departing tourists in the gift shops. Already nostalgic for long dinners under lemon trees, perfectly cooked roast suckling pig and the scent of citronella candles drifting in the warm dusk air, they pick up a bottle of this fabulous liqueur as a reminder, hoping to recapture the magic of those perfect meals back home. It never has quite the same effect though when tasted in the dining room somewhere in London, and we already know it'll end up gathering dust along with those other sad relics of holidays past.

No! Mirto is too good a tipple to waste, so we've come up with a couple of recipes guaranteed to transport you back (gastronomically speaking) to Sardinia and conjure up a little of that mirto magic on a rainy day.

Sardinian Tiramisú

Ingredients:

• 500g ricotta
• 250g icing sugar
• 150ml white mirto
• 400ml water
• 40 ladyfinger biscuits
• A little cocoa powder

In a large bowl, whisk the ricotta together with the sugar
When thoroughly blended, whisk in three dessert spoons of mirto to get a smooth, creamy mix (if needed, blend in a few drops of milk)
In a separate bowl, mix together the remaining mirto and the water
Dip the ladyfingers in the water and mirto mix, allowing them to soak up the liquid without getting too soggy
Cover the base of  a high-sided serving platter with a tin layer of ricotta, then lay some of the ladyfingers on top.
Carry on alternating layers of ladyfingers with ricotta mixture until both have been used up (finish up with a layer of the ricotta)
Refrigerate for at least two hours, dust with a layer of cocoa and serve

Mirto Martini

Ingredients:

• 4 parts orange vodka
• 3 parts mirto
• 3 parts fresh lime juice
• 2 parts Cointreau
• 1 part simple sugar syrup

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, add all the ingredients and shake well
Strain into a chilled martini glass and, if desired garnish with a few fresh blueberries

We'd love to hear what you think of these recipes, and let us know if you have any other tried and tested ways of using up leftover mirto!

www.sardiniaholidayconcierge.co.uk

The Festival of Sant'Efisio in Sardinia

The Festival of Sant'Efisio in Pula

The festival of Sant'Efisio, celebrated in early May every year is one of the most important dates in the Sardinian calendar. Visitors to the island have long loved the excuse to photograph the locals dressed in the stunning traditional costumes, hear Sardinian folk music and marvel at the bright colors, flower-strewn streets and festive atmosphere, but few really understand the origins of the festival.

Traditional dress at the Sagra di Sant'Efisio

 Sant'Efisio is the patron saint of Sardinia. Born during the 3rd century AD in Asia Minor to a pagan mother and Christian father, he was enrolled in the Roman army to fight Christians under Dioclesian. During the long journey to Europe however, he underwent an epiphany and converted to Christianity himself. According to the legend, one night he was visited by a vision of a shining cross appearing amongst the clouds accompanied by a voice warning him not to join in the persecution of Christians.

On revealing his conversion to Dioclesian, he was accused of being a traitor to the Roman empire and subsequently imprisoned, tortured and finally martyred on the beach at Nora on the 15th of January 303AD.

A church was built in his honor in the eleventh century, and still stands to this day. It's a stunning location, right on the beach at Nora, and legend claims that it is on the exact spot on which Efisio was decapitated. In Cagliari, Sardinia's capital city, there are both a church and a crypt bearing his name. According to legend, the crypt is where Efisio was imprisoned before being transported to Nora to be put to death. It's open to the public now, and guides will point out the column to which he was supposedly shackled. There's evidence that the site has been used for worship since the 5th century, although recent history has seen it used as both an air-raid shelter and rubbish dump.

Horsemen escorting the saint's image to Nora

The Chiesa di Sant'Efisio in Cagliari was built in the 18th century and is home to the statue of his likeness. Visitors will notice the cannonballs embedded in the back wall, a legacy from the French attack on Cagliari in 1793. The Sardinians were said to have had some help from the saint himself in winning that particular battle.
In 1655, Sant'Efisio was said to have saved Cagliari from a particularly violent outbreak of the plague, which lead to the decision to honor him by giving him his own festival (the Sagra di Sant'Efisio) every May.

Sardinians of all ages take part

On the 1st of May, his statue is dressed in all his finery and loaded onto a golden carriage, pulled by bulls. He is then taken on the long pilgrimage from Cagliari to Nora, escorted by horsemen, locals in vibrant traditional costumes, musicians and pilgrims (some barefoot). The procession arrives in Pula on the 2nd of May, and moves onto Nora that afternoon. The long return journey begins on the 4th of May, and the saint and his escorts will have traveled a total of 80km by the time he is safely returned to his church in the city.

Although the festival has been celebrated in Sardinia for hundreds of years, Sant'Efisio's remains have, until recently been kept in Pisa. The 12th of May 2011 finally saw their return to Cagliari

You can see more images of the 2012 Sagra di Sant'Efisio by clicking here

Or contact us at www.sardiniaholidayconcierge.co.uk for more information or to arrange a visit to Sardinia for the festivities next year

Fun Facts About Sardinia

We think Sardinia is one of the most fascinating places on Earth with a rich culture and history.

Just for fun, here are a few interesting facts about the island of Sardinia that we just love. We hope you like them too... they'll come in handy for impressing fellow holidaymakers over dinner!

Sardinia's coastline (1,850km) makes up over a quarter of the entire Italian coast

Geologically speaking, Sardinia is one of the most ancient bodies of land in Europe being 500 million years old

A growing number of scholars believe that Sardinia is actually the site of the Lost City of Atlantis.

Sardinia may be small, but it has it's own language which varies drastically from one area to the next. The Sard language is based on Latin but still bears the influence of the ancient languages of the Nuraghic period (such as the word Nuraghe itself) as well as smatterings of Catalan, Corsican, Arabic, Phonecian and Genoese... legacies left by the island's many invaders.

When Ringo Starr visited Sardinia in 1968 on Peter Sellers' boat, he was served octopus for lunch by the captain. The resulting conversation between the two men was the inspiration behind The Beatles song "Octopus's Garden"

The English phrase "Sardonic grin" comes from the effect of a toxic local herb which causes convulsive laughter in its victims.

Sardinia's inhabitants have the highest percentage of people over the age of 100 in the world (22 centenarians per 100,000 inhabitants)... maybe down to the fantastic diet and unpolluted air? It's no coincidence that the traditional Sardinian greeting is "A kent'annos" (may you live to 100).

The tiny island of Asinara off the coast of Sardinia is home to a colony of 250 miniature albino donkeys and, according to the 2001 census, just one man. The island of Tavolara is also worth a mention as being officially a kingdom... The current monarch actually owns a restaurant on the island but proudly bears the regal title given to his ancestors in 1848

Sardinia is the Mediterranean's second largest island after Sicily. It's also the third biggest region in Italy (after Sicily and Piedmont) but due to the fact that the interior of the island is mainly uninhabited, it ranks only 11th according to population size.

About 10 million tourists visit the island every year.

25% of Sardinia (600,000 hectares) has been designated as national parkland or wildlife reserves.

Sardinia's original name (dating from 1500BC) was Ichnusa. This comes from combining the word "island" ("nusa") with "Hyskos" after the tribe who rose to power in the 17th century BC and ruled areas of Egypt before invading Sardinia.

Sardinia has over 7,000 prehistoric archaeological sites dating from before 1,000BC.

A culinary speciality unique to Sardinia is "casu marzu" cheese which contains live maggots... and yes, you guessed it, it's considered a potent aphrodisiac by the locals. It makes for pretty lively eating though as when disturbed, the maggots can "jump" up to 6 inches in the air!

The world-famous internet company, Tiscali was founded in Sardinia and is still based in Cagliari. The company is named after a 2,000 year old nuraghic village on the island.

Yes, the word "sardines" does come from Sardinia, although sadly stocks of the fish have been depleted by overfishing.

If you have any other fascinating facts about Sardinia, we'd love to hear them! If this has inspired you to find out more about the island, just contact us for luxury Sardinian holiday villas.

Flights to Sardinia

Our guests are always asking us for help with finding the right flights to Sardinia so we thought we would put together this little guide to flights to the island for 2012.

For such a small island, Sardinia has three main international airports and these are:

Cagliari serving the whole South coast (Cagliari Elmas)
Olbia on the North East coast (Aeroporto Internazionale di Olbia Costa Smeralda)
Alghero on the North West coast (Alghero Fertila)


Please do make sure that you get the right airport for you; If you've booked accommodation in Cagliari for example and flights into Olbia, the 3.5 hours drive between the two ends of the island may come as a surprise and won't be the best start to a relaxing holiday.

From the UK, Sardinia is connected with direct flights by the following airlines:

Easyjet flies from London Stansted into Cagliari or into Olbia from Bristol or London Gatwick
British Airways flies from London Gatwick into Cagliari
Ryanair runs cheap flights from London Stansted to Alghero
Jet2 Connects Olbia airport with Edinburgh or Leeds Bradford
BMI fly into Alghero from East Midlands Airport
Thomson fly into Alghero from London Gatwick
Meridiana Fly fly from London Gatwick to Olbia


We've prepared a little overview below showing full details of the flights to Sardinia, which months the routes are open and the departure times to make it easy for you to find the flight that suits you best:

Departing Airline Day First Date Last Date Departs UK

Cagliari
Stansted Easyjet Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri 25th March 26th Oct 07:35
Stansted Easyjet Tue, Thur Year round Year round 07:35
Stansted Easyjet Sat Year round Year round 16:50
Manchester BA Charter Sat 26th May 22nd Sept 18:55
Heathrow BA Charter Sat 19th May 06th Oct 15:05

Olbia

Gatwick Easyjet Sat 28th Apr 27th Oct 12:25
Gatwick Easyjet Sat 28th Jul 01st Sep 14:30
Gatwick Easyjet Sun 29th Apr 02nd Sep 07:15
Gatwick Easyjet Mon 30th July 24th Sep 09:10
Gatwick Easyjet Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 27th Apr 28th Sep 10:55
Gatwick Meridiana Fly Tue 12th Jun 25th Jun 10:55
Gatwick Meridiana Fly Sat 09th Jun 29th Sep 18:50
Bristol Easyjet Sat 16th Jun 22nd Sep 16:55
Bristol Easyjet Wed 20th Jun 12th Sep 06:45
Leeds Bradford Jet2 Sat 19th May 29th Sep 16:35
Edinburgh Jet2 Sat 19th May 29th Sep 15:15
Manchester BA Charter Sun 27th May 30th Sep 08:30
Heathrow BA Charter Sat 26th May 29th Sep 09:10

Alghero

Gatwick Thomson Sat 05th May 29th Sep 06:30
Stansted Ryanair Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri 25th Mar 21st Oct 06:15
East Midlands BmiBaby Sat 31st Mar 14th Apr 16:45
East Midlands BmiBaby Sat 21st Apr 08th Sep 07:10
East Midlands BmiBaby Sat 15th Sep 22nd Sep 16:45
East Midlands BmiBaby Sat 29th Sep 27th Oct 08:00
East Midlands BmiBaby Wed 25th Jul 05th Sep 09:00
Dublin Ryanair Sun, Wed 25th Mar 24th Oct 17:15


Please do be aware when booking flights though that most villas and other self-catering accommodation in Sardinia do run on a strictly Saturday to Saturday basis so look into all the options before committing to flights.

Most villas in Sardinia also offer check-in times after 3pm and check-out is generally at 10am which is also worth bearing in mind when booking your flights.

If you are looking to fly into Sardinia from somewhere other than the UK, please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to help you find more flight options.

Alternatively, you'll find information on ferries to Sardinia here.

Enjoy your trip!

How to Get the Best Deals on Your Sardinia Holiday

As one of the most beautiful and exclusive islands in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is not a budget holiday destination. However, follow a few simple rules and make those holiday dollars work for you.

1) Fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday
These are traditionally off-peak days for airlines so flying on these days can mean lower fares and less crowded cabins. Beware though if you're looking at self-catering villa accommodation in Sardinia, especially during the peak months... most properties adhere to a strict Saturday to Saturday stay and trying to economise by booking a mid-week flight can leave you seriously struggling to find the perfect villa.

2) Think Self-Catering
The cost of restaurant meals three times a day for the whole family whilst on holiday can really add up so consider self-catering villa options with good kitchen facilities to allow you to make the most of Sardinia's fresh local produce and save money at the same time.

3) Look Out for Discounted Flights
Most airlines offer deals and discounts on flights over Christmas and New Year, at Easter and in August.

4) Sign up for Email Notifications
Many sales on flights and accommodation are often unannounced to the general public with service providers preferring to notify their loyal customers of preferential deals. To avoid being bombarded by unwanted mail, create a new email account and use this to sign up to the mailing lists of companies you like the look of then simply log in when you come to plan your holiday and you'll have all the best deals and news at your fingertips.

5) Team up With a Friend
Many self catering holiday villas in Sardinia will offer discounts for stays of two weeks or over, with even better deals to be had if you book for a month or longer. If you're looking for a shorter stay, it's worth finding out which of your friends are also looking to holiday in Sardinia this summer so you can book the same property. If you stay for the first two weeks of July and your friends take the same villa for the second two weeks you can often secure really good savings for the total period.

Alternatively, holiday together with a friend. Especially in holiday villas you will find that the price per person is significantly lower for four bedroom properties than for two bedroom houses of the same standard. Larger villas are also much more likely to have extra facilities like private swimming pools than smaller properties.

6) Look for Added Value
Book villas with reputable companies that are happy to go the extra mile to make your holiday the best it can be. Services like a fully stocked fridge on arrival, restaurant recommendations and help with planning your itinerary will all ensure you get the best out of your holiday.

7) Stick to Off-Peak Dates
July and August in Sardinia can be expensive. May, June September and October are wonderful months to visit the island with bright sunshine, warm seas and far fewer tourists on the beaches so wherever possible try to travel at those times. You can often get the same hotel, Bed and Breakfast or villa for half the amount you would pay during peak season.

8) Find a Great Holiday Concierge
As English speaking residents of Sardinia, we often have access to deals, services and suppliers that the general public doesn't and can save you time and money as well as helping you discover the hidden corners of the island that only locals know about.

www.sardiniaholidayconcierge.co.uk

20% Off Flights to Sardinia

Easy Jet is now offering a whopping 20% off flights to Sardinia from February to the 11th of July.

They fly to either Olbia (in the North) or Cagliari (on Sardinia's South coast) from London Stansted, Gatwick or Bristol

You have to hurry though if you want to grab a bargain; the sale ends at midnight on Tuesday!

http://www.easyjet.com/EN

Small but Perfectly Formed

Unfortunately the credit crunch has got to many of us this year, and people keep asking me for apartments rather than villas this summer so they can save a few pennies but still have a great few weeks in the Mediterranean sunshine.

Your wish is my command, so here is a great little selection of apartments in southern Sardinia for those last minute recession busting getaways

Apartment Brunella, Apartment Antonello and Apartment Celina are three sweet little properties sleeping 2 to 4 people in central Pula. Within walking distance of the beach and local restaurants, they are all on the same floor of the same building so perfect for groups of friend travelling together who want a little privacy

Apartment Nora is, as the name suggests close to the gorgeous beach at Nora but still within easy reach of Pula

Apartment Aurelia and Apartment Is Molas both sleep up to 4 guests and are located within the prestigious golf resort at Is Molas

July News

Phew, it's getting hot out here... the sun worshippers on the beach are getting more berry-brown by the day, the sea is now bath-tub warm in the shallows and you only have seconds as opposed to minutes to finish that lemon gelato before it drips all over your fingers.

Sadly, one other thing that's changing over here is the availability of villas for those last minute holidays; there aren't many places that still have availability for the peak weeks in August. Trust the Sardinia Villa Collection though to come up with a great little option.

La Roccia is perched high on a hilltop with great countryside views just outside the holiday hotspots of Porto Cervo and Baia Sardinia. With seven double bedrooms (all with ensuite bathrooms), a private pool with water feature and great outdoor dining and lounging spaces this villa won't stay available for long, so get in touch with us today to make your booking

New Sardinia Villas Available for Summer 2009

Since our original Sardinia Villa Collection has been such a huge hit this year with very little availability now left for this summer, we have recently welcomed some stunning new additions onto the books. We really have excelled ourselves this time with the stunning Villa Peonia, breath-taking Villa Arrubia, delightful Villa Grazia and the lovely Villa Luce which offers wonderful value for money.

As for Villa Volpe... well, I can't tell you how delighted I am to have one of the most stunning villas in the whole of Sardinia as part of our property portfolio; take a peek and let me know what you think of it. One of the first villas EVER to be built in Porto Rotondo, and in the very best location with nearly 360 degree sea views and a private sandy beach. Personally, I've fallen in love with it.

As always, just contact us to let us know a little bit about what you are looking for in your holiday in Sardinia and we will get straight back to you with a tailor-made selection chosen to suit your needs perfectly, but hurry... these gorgeous new villas just went online today and are already booking up fast!

Last Minute May Discounts in Sardinia

For those of you who have been hit by the financial crisis this year, and have been putting off booking those precious few weeks in the sun there is finally some good news!

The Sardinia Villa Collection has some great rates and discounts available for some sublime villas in May. Booking that well-deserved holiday couldn't be easier; just let The Sardinia Villa Collection know what you are looking for and when then make your choice from the tantalising list of options they send over. Bag a couple of cheap flights from EasyJet or RyanAir and you're almost there... just don't forget to pack your swimsuit and suntan lotion!

Whether you're looking for the sparkling Mediterranean sea just a few paces from your front door, panoramic views of the Sardinian coastline or manicured lawns, a heated swimming pool and a chef and maid on hand to cater to your every whim, now is the time to make the most of the bargains around... you could be just days away from your dream holiday

La Limonaia

I am just so excited to welcome this gorgeous little villa into our portfolio... I chose to live near Pula in South Sardinia and am constantly on the lookout for perfect summer holiday villas so that I can share the local area with my clients.

Pula has it all; jaw-droppingly gorgeous beaches, the most important Roman ruins on the island (you can actually dive over the submerged portions of the site, and it's a surreal feeling swimming past amphorae on the sea bed untouched for so many years), a buzzing little town with live music playing in the main square throughout the summer and my favourite restaurant Sa Cardiga e su Schironi for the very best fish and roast suckling pig around

With beautifully styled living spaces, a gorgeous pool and views to the sea and the imposing tower of Nora, you wonder if this villa could get any better. Well, yes it can... it is located within the Is Molas resort near Pula meaning that you have all the facilities of a hotel with the privacy of your own villa. These include a great restaurant and a prestigious golf course within 15 minutes walk of your front door.

There has to be a catch I hear you say... well yes, actually there is... there are only a few precious weeks left available in this villa for the 2009 season so you're going to have to be quick to book the weeks you want before somebody else does!

Please click here to see full details of the sublime La Limonaia

Discounted Rates on Villa Verde

We are delighted to be able to offer a whoppping 30% discount on the utterly gorgeous Villa Verde in Porto Rotondo, Sardinia

Villa Verde is just packed with little luxuries guaranteed to soothe even the most jaded of souls. The gently heated swimming pool plays underwater music, the experienced chef will delight you with Sardinian delicacies and the beautifully private beach is the perfect spot from which to enjoy the sparkling Mediterranean sea.

For as little as 550 euros per person per week, you can take advantage of this fully staffed villa with full concierge service, a private gym, local tennis facilities, free membership to the nearby Club Marina and private mooring buoy in one of the best locations on the island of Sardinia.

You will find full details of the villa and all those fabulous services and facilities at the link below... this is definitely an offer not to be passed up!
http://www.thesardiniavillacollection.com/view.php?id=villaverde

Stunning South Sardinia

I adore the cobbled streets of Bosa, can't get enough of Alghero and am still blown away every single time I see those blue seas and pristine beaches in the Costa Smeralda.

The South of Sardinia is different though. Thinking back to my first arrival on the island, I turned to my partner as we were driving the coastal roads around Algero and said "I could live here". A little later, we visited Capo Coda do Cavallo, and I said "I never want to leave". Two days later, sunning ourselves on Nora beach near Pula I finally said "this feels like home".

The South has an entirely different feel to the Northern resorts. It's a flavour of the "real" Sardinia, not created and designed for visitors but a place where Sards go about their daily business and the island's history is never far away in the form of Roman ruins, amphitheatres and ancient nuraghic sites. This is a place steeped in culture and history and fiercely proud of its roots. I do my shopping at the bustling San Benedetto food market (the largest in Italy they say) and watch the processions reverently carrying images of local saints at the religious festivals. I sun myself at the award-winning local beaches with their backdrops of hills and pine trees and hike through the mountains, turning every now and again to admire the breathtaking sea views below me and think once again how very lucky I am to be able to call this island my home.

This is why I have recently added a few more beautiful properties in the South to the Sardinia Villa Collection portfolio, each individually handpicked to allow you to enjoy my little corner of Sardinia with me this summer

Villa Orione
Villasimius
Sleeps 14
http://www.thesardiniavillacollection.com/view.php?id=villaorione
The huge grounds lead you directly onto the beautiful sandy beach by means of a sweet little gate; a true taste of paradise.


Villa Ara
Torre delle Stelle
Sleeps 6

http://www.thesardiniavillacollection.com/view.php?id=villaara

You really couldn't ask for more; just laze by the infinity pool and enjoy those breathtaking panramic sea views

Villa Levante
Pula
Sleeps 4
http://www.thesardiniavillacollection.com/view.php?id=villalevante
Tucked away in a sleepy little village on the outskirts of Pula, this cosy little villa has the most divine hillside and country views and is a pleasant stroll away from the nearest beach

As Mentioned in New York Magazine

I am just loving all the interest from the press that The Sardinia Holiday Concierge is generating, and would love to thank the wonderful folk at New York Magazine for the following article:

To see the full article, please follow the link below:
http://nymag.com/travel/2009/spring/55675/index1.html

Beautiful Bosa

Today I discovered a brand new "favourite place" in Sardinia (yes, yet another one)!

There are all sorts of ways you can experience Sardinia; exclusive Northern coastlines, pretty tourist villages, bustling cities or just relaxing by a pool in complete privacy...

However, for those looking to discover a taste of authentic Sardinia, Bosa is an absolute must. You won't see too much about it in the guidebooks, and only a handful of foreign holidaymakers even know it exists.

I fell in love with it on first sight... having driven through rolling hillsides full of drystone walls, cows and cork trees, I rounded a corner to see the beautiful pastel shades of the mediaeval old town arranged over a hillside presided over by the majestic old castle. Rows of palm trees line the river (apparantly the only navigable river in Sardinia) and the "ponte vecchio" eases you gently into the cobbled streets of the centro storico.

This isn't an area that has been prettied up and sterilised for the tourists; it is still relatively untouched by the holidaymakers who flock to our beautiful island every summer. The lanes are too narrow for cars to pass through and I had to discard my heels in favour of some more sensible footwear to navigate the cobbles.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly... a myriad of great restaurants and cafes line the lanes and my English friends who live there enthused about the friendliness of the town. During carnivals and holidays you are more than likely to be adopted by a group of friendly locals and whisked off to join in the dancing, enjoy a coffee or grappa in their favourite haunts or even be priviledged enough to be invited home for a traditional Sardinian meal with the family. Today, I was more than happy to sit quietly in a cosy little restaurant enjoying a plate of lobster pasta and a nicely chilled glass of wine watching the world go by.

Sun worshippers will enjoy the wide sandy beach at Bosa Marina and the local hills, waterways and vineyards provide plenty of entertainment whatever the length of your stay.

I also managed to find the perfect townhouse right in the centre of the old town. Rambling over four glorious storeys, Il Boemo has been lovingly and painstakingly restored by the owner. Every nook and cranny overflows with treasures from her travels, the beds are piled high with cushions in jewelled colours and you could spend entire days gazing at the artwork lining the walls.

All in all an incredibly special place, and although live a mere two hour drive away, I've already picked out a one week slot for myself at the end of the season in Il Boemo so I can share my new favourite with my nearest and dearest.

For more details of Il Boemo and to make bookings just follow the link below to the Sardinia Villa Collection website
http://www.thesardiniavillacollection.com/view.php?id=ilboemo

The Sardinia Villa Collection

The Sardinia Villa Collection website is now up and running, so click on the link below for the finest little selection of holiday properties around
http://www.thesardiniavillacollection.com/

Another Fantastic Review

We would like to thank the folks at Paradizo.com for this great write-up of the Sardinia Holiday Concierge and the Sardinia Villa Collection

The spring holidays are right around the corner and now is the perfect time to start planning your ultimate getaway to one of Europe’s most beautiful islands: Sardinia.
Boat lovers can enjoy one free week aboard the yacht charter Oceanis 40 from Sardinia Holiday Concierge. It’s a 2-for-1 deal for all guests chartering the Oceanis 40 for one week.
Take advantage of newly announced discounted rates from Sardinia Villa Collection and book your next vacation at the lavish Villa Verde. Surround yourself in luxury at the stunning vacation rental property on one of the world’s most exclusive coastlines. The perfectly manicured gardens slope gently down towards the secluded sandy beach, the spacious living areas offer divine sea views and the gently heated swimming pool offers the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

The Sardinia Villa Collection offers gorgeous luxury travel offers around the beautiful island of Sardinia. The Villa Verde vacation rental includes a private maid service, gardener, private chef and a chauffeur and personal trainer on request. It’s a beautiful villa overlooking views of the spectacular Sardinian seaside and conveniently located minutes from ports, airports and charming towns. This private villa sleeps twelve and is perfect for families and groups of friends. The bedroom suites are spacious and accommodating with en-suite bathrooms and high-quality linens. For a limited time, the Sardinia Villa Collection is offering Villa Verde at a special rate just in time for the upcoming Easter holiday.

The Sardinia Villa Collection is a new division of successful Sardinia Holiday Concierge, a luxury travel company that creates dream vacations in Sardinia. The company is dedicated to arranging your vacation so you don’t have to lift a finger. With an impressive portfolio of contacts, insider knowledge and extensive experience, Sardinia Holiday Concierge is the premier concierge service for Sardinia.

Sardinia Holiday Concierge is also offering two weeks for the price of one aboard the Oceanis 40 yacht charter. Floating in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Sardinia offers dramatic coastlines from the dunes of Costa Verde to the deep emerald coves and plunging cliffs of Cala Gonone. If you book the impressive yacht charter for one week, guests can enjoy a second week absolutely free.
For more information, visit the Sardinia Villa Collection profile and Villa Verde. For the special yacht charter offer, visit the Sardinia Holiday Concierge profile.

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As Mentioned in Harpers Bazaar

We are delighted that Harpers Bazaar has given the Sardinia Holiday Concierge a mention in their Travel Buzz section:
http://www.harpersbazaar.co.uk/travel/alltravel/buzz

Easter Deals in Sardinia

Whilst the snows are thawing in the UK, spring is already in full flow in sunny Sardinia. Temperatures are rising by the day and it's already warm enough to lie on the beach and feel the delicious rays of the sun warming you from the inside out.

The mercury may be rising but EasyJet and RyanAir fares are still tantalisingly low and we have a host of special deals and discounted rates for families wanting to beat a hasty retreat from the cold and gloom back home.

Check out http://www.thesardiniavillacollection.com for amazing deals on self catering villas or http://www.sardiniaholidayconcierge.com for activities, tours, hotels and family-friendly holiday tips

The two sides to Sardinia

I just love these two articles showing two completely different sides to Sardinia so I thought I'd share them with you

WHEN Patrick Behr heard that Sardinia’s famously decadent Billionaire nightclub would be hosting its annual opening gala during the last weekend in June, he decided it would be the perfect occasion to discover the night life in the island’s chic northeast corner, better known as the Costa Smeralda, or Emerald Coast.

So Mr. Behr, a world traveler who lives in Frankfurt, booked a table and was soon shooting off to the Mediterranean resort with a friend in tow. Around him, Billionaire was living up to its bombastic name. Italian television stars and soccer gods strode over Oriental carpets to chat with European TV crews. The club’s white-haired owner, Flavio Briatore, reclined like a sultan amid bottles from the club’s Champagne list, which featured a methuselah (a mere six liters) of Cristal for 35,000 euros. Periodically Mr. Briatore, a 50-something Formula One mogul, arose to greet club visitors, who last year included Denzel Washington, Lenny Kravitz and Bruce Willis...

See http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/08/17/travel/17Next.html?pagewanted=1&sq=sardinia&st=cse&scp=3 for the full article

To know Sardinia intimately, residents say, you must visit the interior of the island. Only tourists cling to the coast, along with pirates and conquerors and other sailors of blemished repute. If you are in quest of the Sardinian spirit, you must go where the earth turns brown and dry, the cork oak raises its battered silhouette against the horizon, and the winds whistle across the hills. There is something mildly forbidding -- though infinitely compelling -- about the interior of Sardinia. Seasoned travelers, even seasoned Italian travelers, still mention the legendary banditi, for example. Although many Sardinians dismiss them as antique and absurd, others will warn you in a low voice that if you are very rich, or display a high profile, you might want to use a little prudenza in your demeanor and dress.

The most striking thing about the interior is its emptiness: well-paved, vacant roads; small, provincial museums with only a handful of visitors to disturb the dust; tiny towns whose slumber is heavy and unbroken until market day or on Sundays, when bells summon everyone to church...

See http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C04E7DA1130F935A15754C0A96E958260&scp=6&sq=sardinia&st=cse for the full article