Antica Locanda Lunetta, Mandas, Sardinia - Explore & Book
"Your prize for swapping the coast for the interior is this flawless rural B&B, a small-scale pleasure dome that must qualify as one of the loveliest places to stay on the island. It’s a little like having your own personal Kit Kemp hotel and proof positive that small is beautiful. However, it’s not just the house (stunning) or the price (a steal) that makes it so special. Barbara and Gianluca bought Lunetta in 2004 and spent 6 years renovating before opening in 2010. They are the kindest people and go out of their way to make your stay here special.As for their heavenly retreat, you step through the old arched gate (this was once a coaching inn) to find a colourful courtyard with fairy lights in the lemon tree. Inside, stone walls soar in the airy sitting room, where fat sofas wait and an open fire smoulders in the unlikely event the weather turns. There’s a smart dining room where you eat sinful breakfasts (our best on Sardinia), then a snug with beautiful armchairs and a computer guests can use. Five indulging rooms come with high ceilings, warm colours, polished wood floors and the odd chandelier: new-world comforts, old-world charm. There are hills to climb, horses to ride, lakes to swim in and the extraordinary ruins of Su Nuraxi to explore. Don’t come for just 1 night - you’ll wish you’d stayed longer. Highs The house and its delicious design - there are no false notesThe cute courtyard; perfect for a glass of wine before you stroll out to find dinnerThe breakfast - cake stands overflow with irresistible treats. You can use the small kitchen throughout the day to chill drinks or prepare a plate of local cheeses, then decant into the courtyardSardinia's interior - its vineyards and hill-top villages, its wild horses and Nuraghic ruinsBarbara and Gianluca - you couldn’t fall into better hands Lows Mandas isn’t the most beautiful of places, though the Old Town hasn’t lost its looksYou’re out in the country - you’ll need a car if you want to exploreA couple of the area's best restaurants are in neighbouring villages, so you may need to drive to dinnerNo twin roomsThe mountain road over to the east coast is slow, but the scenery is stunning" - Tom Bell
