Golf Hotel Is Arenas, Sardinia, Italy

“One of Robert Von Hagge’s best European golf courses…”, “…considered one of the best yet hardest golf courses in Italy…” are just some of the commentaries on the relatively new Is Arenas Golf & Country Club in Sardinia, Italy, which had just invited me on a familiarisation trip in June.  As one of the main events of the trip was a 120 person competition and playing off a less than solid 24 handicap, I was getting slightly nervous…

The flight itself was straight forward, a mere 2 hours from London to Olbia followed by a couple of hours transfer to the resort. You can also fly into Cagliari in the South of the island which is then only a 1 hour transfer to the resort, but I couldn’t face the earlier flight.

On arriving at the resort, you are taken aback at how isolated it is from the outside world. The complex which includes a 5* hotel, the golf course and a number of private villas, was built in a pine forest with most paths leading down to a private beach. There are no heavily built-up areas in view and no noise from airplanes, traffic or other modern day distractions making this a haven of peace.

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Our first afternoon we were told was very informal, so check-in, meet the rest of the group and relax. I translated this as check-in, throw my bag on my bed and make the most of the pool. Located pretty much in the heart of the resort, the large outdoor pool is the central focus of the hotel surrounded by the restaurant terrace, the bar area and the boutique spa.

The onsite dining facilities are superb and the quality of food is divine – local produce intermingled with typical Mediterranean specialities with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood. Plenty of Sardinian wine and a local shot of Grapa or Muirto provides a thoroughly decisive end to the evening.

Friday morning and golf was on the agenda. The golf course was built in 2001 and its design weaves through the pine woodland. Although this set-up protects you from the sea-breezes, it also terrorises wayward golfers. I like to think if I hit the fairway I can score reasonably well, but like me, if you are wayward off the tee, you will be in heaps of trouble. Dense gorse and thick undergrowth are what I encountered whilst trying to find my Ultra ‘Lake ball’. Despite finding numerous Pro V1s, my Ultra was lost to nature.

Nevertheless, the course is stunning.  The condition is second to none and the challenging nature is softened by the exquisite layout and peaceful surroundings. Despite losing 12 balls and seeing parts of the course I would have preferred not to, I felt it could only get better for the following day’s competition…

Well, needless to say, my golf improved marginally, but playing the course for a second time you actually come to enjoy and appreciate it even more. 25 stableford points wasn’t something to shout about but the competition was only won with 31 points out of 120 people, demonstrating this really is a tough proposition.

On my return transfer to the airport, I was thinking how to sum up the resort. It certainly doesn’t try to appeal to groups of lads or clients looking to drive into town for a few drinks in the evening – its isolated location and lofty package prices being prime reasons for this.

However, a more mature group of golfers or couples looking to get away from the stress of modern day life would thoroughly enjoy themselves. A luxury 5*resort in a stunning location on the coast of Sardinia is one major selling point. Another major selling point is that the dining is second to none and guests will be spoilt for choice onsite. Add to this the world-class golf course and you have yourself a very serious player in the luxury golf resorts market.

Most prices will include dinner BUT keep your eye out for targeted periods when there are some aggressively discounted rates like October where 3 nights Half Board and 3 rounds of golf for £349 has a SAVING of £180!

For more information or to book, contact Golfbreaks.com or call 0800 279 7988