What it is

A pampering “resort within a resort” with a private infinity pool, expansive suites with terraces, and insider access to a white sand beach fronting the Mediterranean.

What it isn't

Hangry. Il Castello has its own restaurant with live piano music, Cavalieri, plus guests can also enjoy 21 restaurants and 14 bars in the wider Forte Village Resort—including some by star Chef Heinz Beck.

What we think

If you want the ineffable charms of a boutique hotel with all the perks of a mega resort, Hotel Il Castello is your spot. Each room here is a gem equipped with exposed beam ceilings, a balcony ideal for sipping your morning espresso, and a relaxing color palette of sandy neutrals. Because rooms start at 269 square feet, we recommend booking the Executive Mare suite—a roomy 344 square foot space with a tufted headboard that seems to stretch to the sky and a generous balcony that peers out on the glimmering Mediterranean itself. The Prestige Plus suite is also a winner; we love the arched doorway and the fact that the waterfront terrace is nearly as big as the room itself. While you’re here, be sure to book a handful of treatments at the main resort’s Acquaforte Thalasso & Spa—Ancient Romans flocked here for thermal baths before the resort even existed; today’s thalassotherapy options would drop their jaws.

You're here because

You like to feel like Beyonce on vacay…and the hotel’s private elevator ensures a celeb-worthy treatment.

The Moment

The hotel’s Cavalieri is almost like a theater, thanks to its open live cooking sessions where chefs whip up housemade ice cream and pasta right in front of your eyes. The only thing you love more? The sea breeze coming off the Med, and making every morsel taste impossibly fresh.

Restaurants & Bars

Wild Scandinavian BBQ - Danish Chef Brian Bojsen brings Wild Scandinavian BBQ to Forte Village

Heinz Beck Restaurant - Heinz Beck brings his Michelin star flavor to Forte Village

La Terrazza San Domenico - Chef Massimiliano Mascia, of San Domenico di Imola, brings the excellence of Romagna cuisine to Forte Village

Belvedere - The gourmet restaurant, the Belvedere, is located on a fabulous terrace overlooking the park

Le Dune - Le Dune is a sophisticated à la carte restaurant from which you can admire the Mediterranean Sea while savoring traditional Italian dishes, revisited according to the most modern gastronomic trends

Forte Grill - Offers an exceptional selection of high quality meat from Italy, Ireland and Australia, as well as a choice of desserts and ice creams

Ristorante Sardo - Taste local pasta dishes, meats, vegetables and local cheeses, desserts and wines from the region

Ristorante Brasiliano - Enjoy delicious meats spit roasted over a charcoal grill in this fresh and relaxed atmosphere

Da Rocco Iannone - An enchanting locale, where you can rediscover the best traditional Italian cuisine

Pineta - A large buffet surrounded by pine grove, offering a vast array of dishes each day

Cavalieri - An elegant 5 star restaurant surrounded by greenery, where every dinner is accompanied by pleasant piano music

Bellavista - A splendid buffet restaurant directly overlooking the sea, offering a wide variety of traditional Italian and Sardinian food

Pizzeria - Our pizzeria offers all the joy and casualness of a great pizza with traditional and natural ingredients

Beachcomber by Heinz Beck - Freshly grilled fish served with a selection of salad, pasta, fresh fruit and homemade ice cream

Fish market - A magnificent seafood restaurant that looks out to sea, the perfect place to enjoy a selection of fresh fish and crustacean, all cooked on the grill

Patio Villa del Parco - An intimate and private locale to have your breakfast, with entrance reserved for guests of Villa del Parco

Location

Tucked right along the waterfront inside Forte Village Resort, a 44 minute drive from Cagliari Elmas Airport. To mingle with the locals, do not miss a plunge at nearby Spiaggia di Su Portu beach, where quiet waves and powdery white sand lure all ages.