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

Our stay at Cala di Volpe was simply a dream. From the beautiful setting and charming accommodation to the delicious food, everything was wonderful. What made our stay truly special was the incredibly warm, friendly and charming Italian hospitality. The staff were genuinely lovely and made us feel welcome from the very first moment. We absolutely loved the gigantic seawater pool — the most spectacular we have ever seen — as well as the private beach, which could be reached by the hotel’s wonderful boat service. We left completely happy, deeply relaxed and already dreaming of coming back. A truly magical place — and hopefully not our last time at Cala di Volpe!

Spectacular property

Uncomfortable bed and pillows

A stunning setting overlooking an area of outstanding beauty - sea, coast and islands. The hotel is smartly designed with seafront dining and facilities. A sophisticated and luxurious place to stay.

The prices are high, but hotel residents get a special rate for dinner in the Grand restaurant. It actually works out to be really good value as the food and choice are amazing.

This is one of the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing hotels we have ever been. Beautiful views and decor all around however there are some important points that seem to be missing when it comes to the price versus what you get. First, the activities. When we arrived about a month after the hotel opened for the summer season, it was pouring rain. This is not the hotel’s fault, however the receptionist continued to ask to book a boat tour (which in the cold rain is not really practical) and when I asked if the ONE pool that they offer was warm she replied « yes it is heated with the sun » (again, 16 degrees outside and rain for the whole week, not really a positive start for a hotel that is a five star and definitely not something I would expect, especially when her answer was sarcastic). Second, no spa. The « spa » is a couple of rooms that need to be reserved and cannot be used without reservation. No pool. No jacuzzi. Just a sauna or small Turkish bath. Again, not what we were expecting for a rating of 9.2 out of 10. This « spa » is too small, too dark and undeniably not at all comparable to other hotels of the same standing. Third, restaurants. If you’re planning such an expensive trip I would expect more than 2 out of 4 restaurants to be opened. And then again when asking the receptionist; « yes the other restaurants might open later, we will let you know ». We did in fact not receive any information about it. Again, if you come the first week of its opening we would understand, but this hotel is closed from October to April, so in my mind, when the hotel opens, its restaurants should also, otherwise warn your customers. Fourth, the food in general was maybe a 5/10. Price is not an issue if quality follows, however in this case, the Caesar salad was just so greasy, the meat was always overcooked (in both restaurants), the pasta were mid, just an overall very low quality, except the small homemade biscuits.

Fifth, the bedrooms were so humid no matter the air conditioning or heater. The towels and our own clothes smelled like humidity from the bedroom. Overall, not at all a hotel that deserves its high pricing. The quality was very poor compared to what we were expecting from all the positive reviews but except for beautiful pictures this was not a worthy experience. Also, it is one thing to charge 9€ for an espresso, which is acceptable in a beautiful establishment, but to then charge 18€, so double, for a double espresso does not make any sense. You don't pay for the location, the staff's time, the experience, etc. twice, the only thing that is more is a few more grains of coffee and a couple ml of water. PS: We were also overly disappointed when they lost a very valuable item of ours 3 days before we left. Again begged the housemaids, and concierge 9 times total and nothing. Not a sorry. Not a solution. Just « we will call you when we find it ».