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J
ust off the northern coast of Sicily are the stunning
Aeolian Islands. Astonishingly beautiful and
extremely varied, the seven islands and various
uninhabited islets of the archipelago were designated a
Unesco World Heritage Site in 2000. Their volcanic origins
have left a dramatic legacy of black-sand beaches,
smouldering craters and splintered, rocky coastlines.There
are still two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano.
A 1-hour hydrofoil journey from mainland Sicily will bring
you to Lipari, the largest island, where you should make
your base at the wonderful
Hotel Mea
, a secluded, 37-
room gem of a hotel perched on a hillside on the fringes
of Lipari Town. Flanked by pumice stone beaches and
fertile inland wineries, the Mea offers a perfect proximity
to Lipari’s bountiful offerings. The atmosphere of the hotel
epitomises the laid back lifestyle that the Aeolians promote
and it could be very easy to just ease out and let a week or
two just drift by relaxing by the side of the hotel’s inviting
pool after a bit of local and inter-island explorations
Smoke on the Water
A secluded bolthole from which to explore the natural wonders of the Aeolian Islands
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Southern Sands
The ideal family holiday awaits at Chia Laguna
S
ardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and
offers an idyllic getaway destination boasting stunning beaches,
luxurious hotels and vibrant culture. At the north of the island lies
the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast), a playground for the rich and famous
and some of the world’s most exclusive resorts and elegant restaurants.
The southern coast of Sardinia boasts long stretches of white sand,
secluded coves, themost beautifully clear, turquoise waters and interesting
ancient ruins, enjoying a typical Mediterranean climate with long, hot and
dry summers.
Forming part of the much larger Chia Laguna Resort, and so benefitting
with access to an impressive variety of collective facilities including excellent
childrens clubs and several restaurants,
Hotel Laguna
offers consummate
luxury in a spectacular location on the edge of one of Europe’s finest white
dune beaches at Chia Bay. The hotel presents 85 Mediterranean-styled
bedrooms and suites; accommodation ranges from beautiful rooms, to
garden suites and two sensational panoramic suites, with views over the
Bay to the Tower of Chia. Perfect for couples and families, each bedroom
features either a large terrace or private garden.The hotel also benefits from
access to the private beach of Dune di Campana.
The resort underwent a 40 million Euro investment in improvements in
2015 including the opening of the impressive Chia Natural Spa.Whilst this
resort has remained relatively undiscovered to the UK market, it will not
be long before Chia Laguna becomes a top choice for Sardinia.