Hotel Romazzino: Beach Bliss on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda

To call Hotel Romazzino a hotel is a bit of an understatement — this luxury property on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is a blissful seaside escape for all ages. It’s physically beautiful with understated elegance, and yet very comfortable for a family to spend a vacation. The service is impeccable and friendly. Everyone on the staff seems happy to be there, and for good reason: It’s paradise!

Family-Friendly Review of Hotel Romazzino

Accommodations

Rooms at the Romazzino are large and airy; most have a balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean or the bougainvillea-filled gardens. Hotel Romazzino offers a number of suite configurations that work for families, from junior suites to the one-bedroom Royal Suite and two-bedroom Presidential Suite. All accommodations have super-comfy Starwood Luxury Collection beds, and the amenities are top-shelf Acqua di Parma.

Some room categories and all suites can accommodate extra beds, for which there is a surcharge. If you’d like connecting rooms, request them well in advance and double-check upon arrival; there are not many of these and they go fast.

There are a few villas as well, though I didn’t get to see them. One of these, Villa Smeralda, can sleep up to 10, but most sleep a maximum of six.

Dining and Amenities

Hotel Romazzino’s beach is beautiful, with white (somewhat pebbly) sand, gentle waves and views that include picturesque islands and some of the largest yachts on the planet. Wherever you look, the sparkling turquoise Mediterranean dominates the picture. There is no natural shade, however, so the umbrellas provided by the resort are an absolute must.

The hotel doesn’t offer beach service, but there is a beach bar. Be aware that prices at the bar are exceptionally high, as they are throughout the hotel. However, the dining onsite, whether under the palapa on the beach or in the formal dining room, is excellent and justifies the cost. Renting a car will also enable you to take advantage of the dine-around program at Cala di Volpe, Cervo Hotel and the Pitrizza (three other wonderful hotels under the Starwood umbrella).

The Romazzino is incredibly family-centric and child-focused, offering the fully supervised Toy Club morning through night. They plan different activities each day, including games, water sports and crafts. At night, movies, dancing, puppet shows and other fun events keep kids engaged and happily occupied. The counselors even have meals with their little guests in the family barbecue restaurant on the beach or in the Toy Club restaurant, right next to the formal restaurant inside the hotel. Meanwhile, parents can have a romantic meal together, secure in the knowledge that the kids are well cared for and happy.

Activities and Excursions

Most onsite activities center around the water. Guests can water-ski, jet-ski, windsurf or charter a fishing boat, or simply lounge by the ocean or hotel pool. Golf, tennis and horseback riding are available nearby, and there’s a small fitness center onsite.

Sardinia is such a beautiful place that it’s nice to explore the Costa Smeralda and beyond by car, from the area villages to the many stunning beaches. The property is a bit of a drive from the nearest towns, Porto Cervo and Porto Rotondo; both are small but have a few good restaurants.

Still, given the gorgeous coastline and spectacular view, you can happily spend days on end at the Romazzino, without any compulsion to leave. Sitting on the cushioned beach chair, under an umbrella, sipping an Aperol spritz, watching the kids splash in the waves … that’s a vacation!

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly hotels and things to do in Italy on Ciao Bambino

Get our best tips and ideas for family beach vacations

Editor’s Note: Photos by Lynn Juliano except where noted.