CA LA SOMARA
Rural retreat close to Sardinia's Costa Smeralda
SOAK UP THE VIBES of the Costa Smeralda without the noisy glitz and glamour. Ca La Somara – a modest farmhouse two miles from the famed emerald seas and white sands – is a rural retreat to seduce the senses. Owners Alberto and Laura escaped the rat race to come here; they know what it takes to ensure you unwind.
There are hammocks on your porch, big stripey cushions to flop on, a semi-wild garden and an organic shaped pool. Rooms at Ca La Somara are in the converted stables, a low rise, whitewashed building surrounding a courtyard. Jade green doors, custard yellow borders, massed geraniums, fig trees and cacti, and the odd farm implement add breezy touches.
Inside, all is cool and simple: white walls, raftered ceilings, tiled floors and clean-lined, wooden furniture. Love the details: embroidered bedspreads, oil lamps, a niche with a coloured pot, an alcove with an armchair. Splashes of copper, gold, silver and pink add warmth while bathrooms are bright with hand painted tiles.
Hit the Spot
A stone's throw from the glitzy Costa Smeralda.
Bedtime
Bedrooms (some with hammocks) are romantic-rustic: no TVs, no phones, no distractions.
Be Savvy
Don't expect flash – this is friendly farmhouse simplicity.
Be Smitten
Rural agriturismo away from the bright lights.
Pedal off or pack your swimmies
Try delicious veggie dishes and desserts here (cooking at Ca La Somara is mostly organic), or throw a steak on the barbie. Goggle at the glitzy yachts at Porto Cervo (you can people-watch from La Pergola's starry bar), pack your swimmies for the beach, pedal off on a cycle trail, try a yoga class or make friends with the donkeys outside – then return to the simple pleasures of good food, candlelight and the two of you.
Ca La Somara was reviewed for Room for Romance by Helen Pickles
There are hammocks on your porch, big stripey cushions to flop on, a semi-wild garden and an organic shaped pool. Rooms at Ca La Somara are in the converted stables, a low rise, whitewashed building surrounding a courtyard. Jade green doors, custard yellow borders, massed geraniums, fig trees and cacti, and the odd farm implement add breezy touches.
Inside, all is cool and simple: white walls, raftered ceilings, tiled floors and clean-lined, wooden furniture. Love the details: embroidered bedspreads, oil lamps, a niche with a coloured pot, an alcove with an armchair. Splashes of copper, gold, silver and pink add warmth while bathrooms are bright with hand painted tiles.
Hit the Spot
A stone's throw from the glitzy Costa Smeralda.
Bedtime
Bedrooms (some with hammocks) are romantic-rustic: no TVs, no phones, no distractions.
Be Savvy
Don't expect flash – this is friendly farmhouse simplicity.
Be Smitten
Rural agriturismo away from the bright lights.
Pedal off or pack your swimmies
Try delicious veggie dishes and desserts here (cooking at Ca La Somara is mostly organic), or throw a steak on the barbie. Goggle at the glitzy yachts at Porto Cervo (you can people-watch from La Pergola's starry bar), pack your swimmies for the beach, pedal off on a cycle trail, try a yoga class or make friends with the donkeys outside – then return to the simple pleasures of good food, candlelight and the two of you.
Ca La Somara was reviewed for Room for Romance by Helen Pickles
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Dining in
Ca La Somara is the place for vegetarians. Try the freshly-made tagliatelle al pesto, stuffed peppers or vegetarian cous-cous. After seeing La Somara’s cute resident donkey you won't want to eat meat anyway.
Dining out
If you're hankering after meat, La Vecchia Costa is only 1.5km away. It also serves some of the best pizzas around.
Where?
Ca La Somara
What’s cooking?
Delicious vegetarian meals – hard to come by in Italy
Dress the part
Dress down for this one – it's relaxed and laidback here
Top table?
Enjoy sociable dinners around the long dining table.
See & Do
Start your discoveries in the town of Arzachena – an old fishing village now turned sporty seaside resort. Take a look at ancient archeological sites like the Tomba dei Giganti Li Lolghi (mysterious giants' tombs) and the weird granite stone formations. You can also go diving, swimming, sailing and horse riding, or enjoy a relaxing game of golf.
Shop
There are plenty of local shops where you can stock up on Sardinian delicacies such as Pecorino Sardo cheese and Vernaccia dessert wine.
Spa
A spa will be added in 2008 – watch this space.
After dark
Kick back and relax. Sip a digestivo and gaze at the stars. Or each other.
Dates
January
Sombre processions through Olbia, and some not so sombre celebrations, honour the Feast of Saint Paul's Conversion.
February
Landlubbers can get a feel for the ocean waves at Arzachena's sailing carnival.
Ca La Somara is the place for vegetarians. Try the freshly-made tagliatelle al pesto, stuffed peppers or vegetarian cous-cous. After seeing La Somara’s cute resident donkey you won't want to eat meat anyway.
Dining out
If you're hankering after meat, La Vecchia Costa is only 1.5km away. It also serves some of the best pizzas around.
Where?
Ca La Somara
What’s cooking?
Delicious vegetarian meals – hard to come by in Italy
Dress the part
Dress down for this one – it's relaxed and laidback here
Top table?
Enjoy sociable dinners around the long dining table.
See & Do
Start your discoveries in the town of Arzachena – an old fishing village now turned sporty seaside resort. Take a look at ancient archeological sites like the Tomba dei Giganti Li Lolghi (mysterious giants' tombs) and the weird granite stone formations. You can also go diving, swimming, sailing and horse riding, or enjoy a relaxing game of golf.
Shop
There are plenty of local shops where you can stock up on Sardinian delicacies such as Pecorino Sardo cheese and Vernaccia dessert wine.
Spa
A spa will be added in 2008 – watch this space.
After dark
Kick back and relax. Sip a digestivo and gaze at the stars. Or each other.
Dates
January
Sombre processions through Olbia, and some not so sombre celebrations, honour the Feast of Saint Paul's Conversion.
February
Landlubbers can get a feel for the ocean waves at Arzachena's sailing carnival.
GETTING THERE
Location
Località Sarra Balestra, 07021 Arzachena
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Arzachena – 7km
Taxis
EUR 15-20 from the station
Airport
Olbia – 25km
Rooms and suites
Nine rooms
Special features
Rustic rooms – each distinguished by its own coloured donkey – are charmingly simple. Bathrooms have hand-painted ceramic tiles.
Also…
You can lounge in a hammock or cool off in the swimming pool.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 100-140
Open/closed
Closed 15 November – 28 February
Check-in
4pm
Check-out
10am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast featuring homemade cakes, biscuits, yoghurt and jams is served until 8:30am
Room service
No
Children
Over-14’s only
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Italian. English and French
Wedding license?
No
Coming soon
A spa is planned for 2008
Your contact
Alberto Lagatolla – owner
Location
Località Sarra Balestra, 07021 Arzachena
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Arzachena – 7km
Taxis
EUR 15-20 from the station
Airport
Olbia – 25km
Rooms and suites
Nine rooms
Special features
Rustic rooms – each distinguished by its own coloured donkey – are charmingly simple. Bathrooms have hand-painted ceramic tiles.
Also…
You can lounge in a hammock or cool off in the swimming pool.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 100-140
Open/closed
Closed 15 November – 28 February
Check-in
4pm
Check-out
10am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast featuring homemade cakes, biscuits, yoghurt and jams is served until 8:30am
Room service
No
Children
Over-14’s only
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Italian. English and French
Wedding license?
No
Coming soon
A spa is planned for 2008
Your contact
Alberto Lagatolla – owner