Sardinia

Hotel Cala di Volpe, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda

The 5-star hotel that created the myth of the Costa Smeralda

by Lavinia Colonna Preti
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Hidden among the coves of Porto Cervo, Hotel Cala di Volpe, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda is the icon of a visionary dream that, in the 1960s, transformed a stretch of wild Sardinian coastline into one of the most exclusive destinations in the Mediterranean.

The genesis of a “royal” dream

The history of Hotel Cala di Volpe, now part of The Luxury Collection® by Marriott International, is inextricably linked to the birth of the Costa Smeralda. It all began in 1962, when Prince Karim Aga Khan, captivated by the pristine beauty of these lands, decided to create an exclusive retreat that respected the authentic soul of Sardinia.

To bring this vision to life, he called upon French architect Jacques Couëlle, along with Michele Busiri Vici and Luigi Vietti, who designed a masterpiece of “organic architecture” inspired by the aesthetics of ancient nuraghi and stazzi (the typical homes of Sardinian farmers and ranchers), in an artistic style that has become an emblem of the Costa Smeralda.

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Everything, even the name, the ancient toponym, respects the soul of this magnificent natural harbor in the Arzachena area of ​​the Costa Smeralda.

Vietti’s Vision and the Iconic Style of the Costa Smeralda

While Couëlle provided the structure, it was Luigi Vietti who defined the DNA of the Costa Smeralda’s interior design style. The architect introduced the use of local materials: Sardinian granite, knotty juniper wood, and vibrant ceramics, integrating colors and materials with the landscape.

A style that has been respected and enhanced by the property’s expert restoration, completed in 2023 by star French architects Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille of the architecture firm 4BI & Associés.

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An exceptional seaside dining experience

Cala di Volpe is a constellation of flavors that celebrates both Sardinian tradition and international innovation. There are many experiences to choose from, including:

  • Atrium Bar: one of the most photographed terraces on the Costa Smeralda, where you can relax on comfortable armchairs and handmade chairs while listening to live piano music.
  • Le Grand: one of the Costa Smeralda’s iconic venues, offering Italian and Mediterranean cuisine served in grand style.
  • Matsuhisa at Cala di Volpe: Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa’s art of Nobu-style Japanese cuisine comes to life with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean’s most famous bay.
  • Beefbar at Cala di Volpe: featuring the renowned cuisine created by Riccardo Giraudi, a concept that aims to offer a vast and exquisite selection of the finest cuts of meat.
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The Rooms and the Harrods Suite

The 121 rooms and suites celebrate the region’s natural beauty and the mastery of Sardinian artisans. The jewel in the crown is the Harrods Suite: designed by the interior design team of the famous London department store, it is a triumph of craftsmanship and technology:

  • Private Roof Terrace: with a private pool and 360° panoramic views of the bay.
  • Private Cellar: a selection of the finest crus for tastings in complete privacy.
  • Precious Materials: rare marbles, handmade fabrics, and custom-made furnishings that interact with the Sardinian light.
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Services and Lifestyle: Beyond Your Stay

Experiencing the Hotel Cala di Volpe, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda means accessing a world of fantastic experiences:

  • Shiseido Spa: a wellness sanctuary where Japanese treatments meet Sardinian medicinal herbs.
  • The Farm: an intimate outdoor dining experience serving the region’s finest organic produce for aperitifs or dinner.
  • Sea: the stunning private white-sand beach, equipped with beach chairs and umbrellas, is accessible by the hotel’s shuttle boat in just 4 minutes.
  • Sports and Nature: with two five-a-side football pitches, an 18-hole golf course with breathtaking views of the bay, the world’s first Francesco Molinari Golf Academy, four tennis courts, two padel courts, and the world’s fourth Mouratogolou Tennis Academy, the Hotel Cala di Volpe is a true paradise for sports lovers.
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The Secret

Hotel Cala di Volpe became an icon of style and glam thanks in part to “The Spy Who Loved Me” (1977), in which Roger Moore raced along the famous wooden pier in his white Lotus Esprit, which could transform into a submarine.

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Useful Info

Hotel Cala Di Volpe, A Luxury Collection Hotel Costa Smeralda
Strada Provinciale 160
07021 Porto Cervo
Tel. +39 0789 976111

Rooms: from €700 per night with breakfast