Conrad Chia Laguna review: This luxury hotel has two hidden gem beaches

Perched above the bay of Chia in Sardinia, where the crystal water shimmers beneath the sunlight and flamingos wade through the neighbouring lagoon, you'll find Conrad Chia Laguna. This five-star hotel is a slice of modern Italian luxury nestled in one of the island's most serene corners. Conrad, part of the Hilton family, is known for its luxurious feel, and while that remains just as true, what sets this spot apart is its sense of seclusion (in the best way possible).

While the A-listers may gravitate towards the flashier northern Costa Smeralda, the bay of Chia offers a more understated kind of paradise. That said, being just 50 minutes from Cagliari airport, it's still easy to reach.

The hotel resort (part of which is shared with its sister accommodations) unfolds across a lush green hillside, overlooking the sparkling bay. The scent of wild local flowers seems to be everywhere.

You enter through a discreet private driveway to the main lobby, where marble floors stretch underfoot and white chiffon curtains dance in the breeze. The space is scattered with earthy ceramic vases, a nod to the island's heritage, and silver lanterns that catch the afternoon light. Large sketch art prints lean casually against the walls while large pots of pampas bookend the low-slung furnishings. Though the space feels classic, there's a relaxed vibe.

At check-in, staff are friendly and luggage is swept away to your room without you having to lift a finger. Most guest rooms are upstairs in the main building, but the resort is actually spread across the open-plan resort.

There's a fully equipped spa with fitness facilities and a selection of bars and restaurants (but more on those later). If you've come for the sunshine, which most people do, the outdoor offerings don't disappoint.

Bioaquam, the hotel's main pool, is reserved exclusively for Conrad guests. It's not huge, but it is serene, and the views stretch out over the bay where you'll spot flashes of pink flamingo wings. There's a poolside café just steps away, or you can have a spritz brought directly to your lounger. Then there's the Garden Pool-a quieter, curved oasis tucked into a grassy area. To me, it feels like quintessential Italy.

It's the beaches, though, that are the real show-stopper here. There are two main ones to choose from; both are breathtaking. Fine white sand and water so clear it's like something from a film. Wading out, you might even spot a shoal of shimmering aquamarine fish swirling around your ankles. Though we visited in September, the sea was still perfectly warm.

Monte Cogoni Beach, the closer of the two, is a short walk away, just beyond the hotel's sister property, Curio Baia di Chia. Dune di Campana is a little further, though reachable via a quick private shuttle that you can catch from the main lobby. Both beaches offer reserved sun loungers and parasols for guests, while the latter also has a restaurant.

Rating: 5/5

Conrad Chia Laguna has 107 rooms spread across the main building and a separate resort village area. The village rooms are more like small villas, ideal for families looking for extra space. However, the main building is where, arguably, the more glamorous offering lives.

Our stay was in one of the hotel's King Junior Suites, tucked away on the third floor, which has a vast balcony offering panoramic views of the bay and surrounding hills. From here, I had my first glimpse of the flamingos, and it was hard to believe they were so close (I don't think I've seen any outside of a zoo before).

The room is decorated in neutral tones, with a light wood-effect floor and overhead beams that give the charm of an Italian farmhouse, while still feeling contemporary. There's a comfortable sofa area with a coffee table, as well as a small dining table in case you fancy room service.

At the centre of the room is a cloud-like king-size bed that meant I could stretch out like a starfish without even brushing my partner. There's also a Nespresso machine for your caffeine fix, plenty of storage, a minibar (charged separately), and an HDTV.

• Ixian Grand Hotel & All Suites
• Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort
• Mirabello Bay Luxury Resort

The bathroom is much more spacious than your standard hotel setup, all done up in sleek white marble, with a deep bathtub and a waterfall shower.

But one of the real highlights for me was the toiletries from the luxury Swedish brand Byredo. Now, every time I catch a whiff of the Mojave Ghost scent, I'm right back there.

Even the little extras are remembered, like a sewing kit and a shower cap.

Rooms are cleaned daily, and there's a turn-down service in the evenings for that extra touch of opulence.

Rating: 5/5

Wellbeing is at the heart of Conrad Chia Laguna, whether you prefer working up a sweat or unwinding with a massage. The spa is a real highlight, with a range of treatment rooms and a thoughtful menu designed to root you in the Sardinian countryside. During my massage, the therapist explained that the oils are made using juniper and lavender - two scents taken from the wild foliage that grows in the surrounding hills.

Inside the spa, you'll find a hammam, steam rooms, hot and cold plunge pools, and even a sensory shower. But my favourite part is the series of outdoor pools nestled in a peaceful garden that you can drift between. You can also head up to the rooftop plunge pool for a cold plunge with sweeping views of the mountains and glimpses of the sea in the distance.

If you're looking to keep active, there's also a compact but well-equipped gym with everything you need. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the countryside, making it a pretty memorable workout spot. If outdoor activities are more your thing, the guest experience team can arrange everything from paddle-boarding and kayaking to windsurfing and snorkelling.

Back on land, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, including a walk up to the historic Torre di Chia, a 16th-century coastal tower. If you're stuck for routes, staff are on hand to offer some of the best walks. You can also hire a bike or even book a horse riding excursion.

The resort is especially well-suited to sports enthusiasts. In fact, throughout the summer, the hotel often hosts a number of events and camps, from football to yoga. There are two Padel courts and four tennis courts, where private tennis lessons are available if you fancy sharpening your skills.

Rating: 4/5

La Terrazza is the hotel's main restaurant. It's where you'll start and end most of your days, as breakfast and dinner are both served here. In the evening, it's a relaxed but refined à la carte spot with, unsurprisingly, a strong Mediterranean influence. Expect plenty of local seafood, seasonal vegetables, and regional meats, all beautifully plated.

As a vegetarian, I found the options a little limited but thoughtfully prepared: grilled celeriac, smoky aubergine, and a creatively styled hummus dish were standouts. Naturally, this being Italy, everything is accompanied by a generous serving of rustic breads, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

The outdoor terrace is the most coveted spot, especially at golden hour.

If you're keen to mix things up, the resort village has a handful of restaurants worth exploring. There's a charming little pizzeria offering a solid range of crowd-pleasing pizzas that's great for a casual evening. Osteria La Torre, open during the summer months, is more elevated, focusing heavily on fresh fish, seafood, and Mediterranean classics. Be warned: if you're vegetarian or vegan, the options here are quite limited. We found it the most challenging spot in that regard. But if you're a seafood lover, it's a good option.

For a more relaxed, help-yourself kind of meal, Sa Mesa, the hotel's buffet restaurant, offers a diverse spread.

During the day, BioAquam is your go-to for casual, poolside bites. Whether you're propped up at the bar or soaking up the sun on a lounger, you can enjoy light fare like fresh salads, creamy burrata, or a plate of pasta. There's also a great cocktail and smoothie menu.

If you're after something a little more elevated during the day, Bar Bollicine is a chic option. Think crisp white lounge chairs and sweeping views, accompanied by a light menu of sandwiches, salads, and fries.

Breakfast is back at La Terrazza, possibly the highlight of the entire dining experience. There's something really special about starting your morning on the terrace with a coffee in hand. The buffet is generous and well-rounded: fresh fruit, pastries, cereals, local cheeses and charcuterie, plus the usual hot breakfast staples like eggs, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms.

If you're in the mood for something made-to-order, they've got omelettes, indulgent French toast, and you can even add a side of avocado. I really appreciated the inclusion of gluten-free and vegan options, and the Prosecco on offer is a nice touch for those celebrating something special.

Rating: 4/5

This is the perfect destination if you're looking to truly immerse yourself in nature. As mentioned earlier, the beaches here are the real showstoppers, with not one but two to choose from. The water is stunning, and there's soft, white sand-it's really postcard-worthy.

Surrounded by rugged hillsides, the area promises real peace and quiet. Come nightfall, it's blissfully undisturbed. That said, if you like to get out and explore, or if you're staying for more than a few days, you'll probably want to rent a car.

There aren't any other restaurants within walking distance, so unless you're happy sticking to the resort's dining options, a vehicle will give you a lot more flexibility. That said, the hotel can organise day trips, including to nearby Pula, which is about a 22-minute drive away.

Meanwhile, both Cagliari city and the airport are roughly 54 minutes away by car.

Prices can fluctuate depending on your dates and how far in advance you book. Though as a guideline, rooms in peak August can be around £700 (€803) a night with breakfast. In September, the rate can be approximately £452 (€519) for one night with breakfast.

Find rooms and book direct on the Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia website. Or, compare deals and prices for a stay at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia with Booking.com or Hotels.com.

You can also book a package holiday with British Airways.

Viale dei Fenicotteri, 52,
09010 Domus de Maria SU, Italy

Website: Hilton.com

Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia offers a quieter and slower side of Sardinia. It's somewhere you can fully immerse yourself in nature and just switch off, particularly if you are all about beach days or want to spend your time hopping between the pool and the spa.

That said, if you like your holidays with a bit more action, there's still plenty to keep you busy, whether that's with tennis lessons to perfect your swing or even a bit of horseback riding.

The resort is perfect if you don't want to go far, but if you like hustle and bustle or spending most of your days exploring, then renting is a wise option (the hotel has parking for guests).

The hotel itself stays true to Sardinia with charming rustic touches, but the vibe remains modern and fresh.

Service is genuinely thoughtful. The staff go above and beyond to make you feel looked after, and the little details really stick with you. I'm still thinking about the luxury toiletries in the bathroom. Proof that small things can make a big impression.

READ NEXT:

• Canopy Paris Trocadero review
• Hard Rock Hotel Madrid review
• Hotel Indigo Naschmarkt review
• ibis Styles Copenhagen Ørestad review
• Avani Museum Quarter Hotel Amsterdam