After the opening of the W Sardinia, the “hidden harbour” confirms itself as one of the most dynamic destinations on the north-east coast, redefining the canons of high hospitality, signature gastronomy and new lifestyle experiences.
The summer season in north-eastern Sardinia kicks off under the sign of a profound and vibrant evolution. One year after the monumental relaunch project launched by Castello Sgr, and following the official debut of the prestigious W Sardinia - Poltu Quatu on 1 May, the iconic seaside village consolidates its identity, projecting itself towards an increasingly lively, contemporary and international dimension.
Born in the late 1980s in the picturesque stretch of coastline between Porto Cervo and Baja Sardinia, Poltu Quatu - which means “hidden harbour” in Gallura - has always been a masterpiece of integrated architecture. Celebrating the most authentic Mediterranean style through curved lines, snow-white plasterwork, a picturesque central square and the renowned Marina dell'Orso, this extraordinary landscape is now the focus of a new way of experiencing the destination. A perfect ecosystem that fuses outstanding hospitality, haute cuisine and sophisticated yet relaxed sociability. Completing the residential offer is Il Borgo Marina Homesuites, a collection of refined flats for rent designed for those who wish to experience their stay in total freedom and autonomy, without ever severing the direct link with the soul and life of the village.
Marine morning: between exploration and wellness
The day at Poltu Quatu begins where the sea meets the stone, at the Caffè della Piazza. It is here, facing the still sheet of water of the dock, that the tables slowly come to life as the first boats prepare to set sail. The day's programme is a blank sheet of paper waiting to be written, suspended between the lure of the sea and the luxurious comforts of dry land.
For lovers of the open sea, the Marina dell'Orso is the privileged gateway to the La Maddalena Archipelago. From here, it is possible to set sail to discover unspoilt gems such as Spargi and Caprera, or to head for hidden, evocative coves such as Liscia René, a true natural paradise ideal for memorable snorkelling sessions amid crystal-clear waters and seabeds teeming with life.
For those who prefer to dedicate themselves to wellness while staying ashore, the lifestyle offer reaches heights of absolute excellence. Technogym signs a large and modern wellness area overlooking the harbour, equipped with dedicated personal trainers and highly customised programmes to regenerate body and mind. A few steps away, the tennis and padel courts managed by LUX Tennis are confirmed as the reference point for sportsmen and women, hosting private lessons with professionals, training programmes on
measurement and group clinics open to all levels.
From Afternoon to Sunset: The Rhythm of W Sardinia
In the afternoon, the centre of energy in the village naturally shifts to the W Sardinia - Poltu Quatu. The hotel, part of the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, has quickly established itself as the beating heart of Poltu Quatu's new era, thanks to its informal, fresh and distinctly contemporary hospitality formula.
The hotel skilfully marries avant-garde design with the island's most authentic traditions, a bond made visible by the numerous collaborations undertaken with local artists, craftsmen and performers. The masterful restyling, by renowned New York studio Meyer Davis, drew profound inspiration from the original vision of architect Jean Claude Lesuisse. The original wide arches and
Geometrical openings have been faithfully maintained and enhanced, giving a unique and magnetic character to the visual continuity between the interior and exterior spaces.
The communal areas of the W Lounge and the vibrant WET Deck - featuring a magnificent pool terrace overlooking the panorama - enliven the hotel's social and gastronomic scene. An ever-changing calendar of events, enriched by live music and international DJ sets, accompanies guests in a crescendo of sophisticated conviviality that lasts until the moment of sunset, when the sky turns blue.
tinged with the warm colours of the Sardinian summer.
Quando Arriva la Sera: A Gastronomic District d'Autore
It is as night falls that Poltu Quatu fully reveals its more dynamic, glamorous and international side. Along the elegant promenade that runs from the little square by the sea across the entire dock, skirting the Marina dell'Orso, an extraordinary gastronomic parterre comes to life, offering excellent answers to every desire for style, cuisine and atmosphere. “Poltu Quatu reclaims its status as an icon of the Costa Smeralda, combining the charm of Mediterranean tradition with a cosmopolitan vision of entertainment and hospitality.”
When the curtain falls on twilight, Poltu Quatu transforms into a true avant-garde taste district, where the great international novelties dialogue with the timeless classics of the dockyard. The most scintillating novelty of the season is undoubtedly IYO, a symbol of contemporary Japanese cuisine in Italy, led by Executive Chef Takeshi Iwai and Resident Chef Andrea Besana. Joining him among the most eagerly awaited debuts is Carnissage, the eclectic format signed by Martino Uzzauto that offers a complete menu ranging with ease from fine meats and raw fish to Mediterranean-inspired first courses and shellfish. For those seeking the very essence of the land, the Tanit Restaurant, overlooking the beautiful marina, offers a gastronomic tale centred on an essential and contemporary seafood menu, rigorously built around the purity of local raw materials.
Experimentation continues from The Marquis, the sophisticated place where contemporary Roman cuisine and refined bitter rituals meet and celebrate the typical flavours and ingredients of Sardinia, while the CouCou Sardinia is confirmed as the safe harbour for those who appreciate Mediterranean cuisine enhanced by an elegant French touch and avant-garde cocktails made with unconventional ingredients. There is no shortage of space for cult favourites: Specialities brings to the borough its famous and exclusive ultra-fine Roman pizza, a successful format already widely acclaimed in the international markets of Milan and Miami. Completing this extraordinary offer is the’American Bar at the Café della Piazza, which opens the season with signature drinks perfect for an aperitif or after dinner, and the’Aruanã Churrascaria, a true reference point for lovers of churrasco and authentic Brazilian rodizio. It is precisely thanks to this perfect alchemy of natural privacy, receptive excellence and such a markedly cosmopolitan outlook that Poltu Quatu not only opens its doors, but is an authoritative candidate to become the place-to-be absolute summer in Sardinia.
