Faro Capo Spartivento

Faro CS is a unique hotel. It’s a C19 lighthouse converted into rooms with a beautiful infinity pool and tranquil grounds. Perched on a promontory with its working lighthouse it has oodles of character and a lot going for it. It’s kept spotlessly clean and the rooms are great. Our room had a sea view in the original LH and was amazing. The bed , circular in design, was one one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept in. Breakfasts, served by the pool are fantastic.But other aspects of the hotel need upgrading. Some fixtures and fittings are looking tired, and that’s not all that needs a refresh. You reach the hotel via a truly appalling 2km long road full of potholes and deep gouges in the surface. It’s steep in parts and unlit. Even after the private gate things don’t improve. I was glad we had arranged for a private taxi from Cagliari as negotiating that in the dark in a hire car would not have been fun. This was not mentioned at all by staff in emails re arriving at the hotel. It takes around 20 minutes to reach Chia (2km away) from the hotel, so factor this in to your day. We felt fortunate to have hired an SUV as without this it would have been much more difficult. The other issue is the food! The road does act as a bit of a deterrent to eat in town if you can be bothered to even try!. Options there are limited. However the E100 menu ( E25 a course) might spur you on to be creative. The food is inconsistently prepared. We didn’t try any of the starters but the primi plati were good the twice we did eat there. Secondi were cold and disappointing. When I drew this to staffs’ attention, they did offer a free dessert but I’d had enough of cold food by then. To be offered a sorbet after that seemed a bit! weird. The location and stunning views make up for a lot at FCS. Only a few small changes are needed to make this into a really brilliant experience.

Though I have travelled from Africa to Asia to remote islands, I don't think I've ever found such a unique and special spot where a friend and I spent 3 incredible days. From the moment we arrived, we were the "Reginas" (queens) of the Lighthouse since we were the only guests and were welcomed like family. Good thing we read the instructions as we rented a jeep which was helpful for the very rutted dirt road to arrive at the lighthouse. But once you arrive, there is nothing in the world like it. The Italian Navy (SEAL team) runs much of the lighthouse and it is beyond amazing to ascend the stairs and actually see where the lighthouse used to be manned by the keepers who had to keep it fed with Petrol. There are terraces up high that feature incredible views of the sea and surrounding mountains. The pool was awesome, the sunset views are amazing, the piece and solitude are highlights. Though the annex is modern and nice, we preferred our upgraded room (thanks to Michele) in the main lighthouse area which has 4 rooms, great common areas, and views for DAYS. Daniele and Michele (and Paula and Nicolo) treated us like family. Though dinners were pricy, they literally cooked a curated menu for us all 3 nights and a robust breakfast. The wine recommendations were the BEST -- we had some of the best red wines of all time (all Sardinian) - splurge on the wine as some of these wineries only produce 240 bottles a YEAR - -we did not regret any wine we ordered with dinner and the wine cellar is lovingly curated. I can't emphasize enough how we were welcomed like family, treated to local gins and amaros (Carta Bomba!), given yoga mats for workouts and basically given the run of the place while we were here. I would be hard pressed to find a singular destination so lovingly restored to this high standard with service to match, hot water, Aqua di Parma toiletries. There is lots to explore in the area, incredible beaches, scenic drives, but nothing beats just sitting on the cliff by the sea and staring out at the ocean. If you come to Sardinia, this should be your first stop. But don't tell your friends as we want to come back and be the only guests lol.

We have been traveling through Italy for two weeks, and stayed in some pretty nice hotels, but this will be the one to talk about the most! And old “faro”, it light is still illuminating the night, and the old structure has been perfectly adapted for hosting 4 rooms, some big old tables for breakfast and dining, and one or two small but elegant living rooms. Spiral stairs.. dont forget to climb to the lights at the top! Location is spectacular, in the middle of nothing, there is a lovely endless water pool and outside lounge open to the sea, to escape from time and look at the vast nothingness of the Sardignian coast at sunset. Some 10 minutes away walking on the right there is a small and lonely cala for a great swim, or walking another 10-15 minutes to the left, spiagga Cipolla with white sands and turquoise sea. Great way to start the day! Definetely not cheap, but totally worth it!