There is a calmness about the walkways linking the rooms to the public areas that helps make you relax as soon as you arrive. The combinations of colour, shapes, shadows and surrounding greenery seem to create a cooling environment throughout the hotel. This extends to the gardens, terraces and pool where plants, covered walkways and trees offer welcoming shade throughout the day.

The terraces offer views of the emerald coast and surrounding hills which gives an added feeling of openess and space to the pool area and hotel grounds generally. For those wishing to swop the crystal clear water of the pool for the crystal clear water of the sea, a walk through the gardens leads you to a 'natural' pathway (approx 300 m long) that takes you down to the private beach in a small bay. The attendant will help prepare the sunbeds and umbrellas for a perfect sunbathing alternative. The rocky foreshore limits the space for swimming but there is an allocated area where you can take a cooling dip. For the romantics, this little piece of paradise offers a wonderful spot to watch the sunset whilst sipping an aperitif.

On the return from the private beach a gate, reminiscent of a typical English rustic village gate, welcomes you back to the coolness of the hotel gardens. To help remove the sand and dust there is a foot wash made from local stone and an overhead shower. Such features are typical of the attention Le Ginestre pays to small details that help make guests feel comfortable. For those wishing to visit one of the many larger Sardinian beaches, then a short walk (15 - 20 minutes) will take you to the Piccolo Pevero or Grande Pevero (recommended). Here you can enjoy a swim and watch mutli-million pound yachts anchored offshore enjoying the same waters as you. Be prepared to pay 30 euros for two beds and an umbrella or take your own towels. If you have a car then you will have a wide choice of other beautiful beaches to explore.
Porto Cervo is only a 5 minute drive away and is certainly worth a visit, with its shops, marina and church which has a painting by
'El Greco'. Porto Rotondo and Poltu Quatu are short drives away with pleasant marina environments, with the latter providing boat excursions to La Maddalena islands. (Also from Palau, to the north). Visits further afield include Santa Teresa di Gallura in the north, which has a typical seaside resort atmosphere with good shops and eating places as well as great beaches. You can also take a ferry across to Bonificio on the island of Corsica, or a boat excursion to La Maddalena islands.The mountain village of San Pantaleo is a pleasant day out with art galleries and craft shops offering works from local artists. The views are also spectacular.

Another major feature of Sardinia is the food. Le Ginestre's main restaurant overlooks the garden and parkland and offers a wide selection of dishes and wine. Of particular interest was the way in which traditional Sardinian dishes were listed separately for guests wishing to experience regional variations using local produce. The head waiter Antonello and the chef were always pleased to explain the ingredients and preparation. Add to this a fine choice of Sardinian wine, beautiful sunsets and a cooling breeze and your introduction to this wonderful island has begun.
The terraces, bar and lounge areas provide a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere to enjoy after dinner coffee or cocktails, and on occasions a pianist plays into the evening. As mentioned at the beginning, Le Ginestre is a ' taster' for first time visitors with its location in a natural environment so typical of the island, traditional architectural features and a choice of food and wine that clearly demonstrates the variety of produce and flavours you can expect to sample throughout Sardinia. Even for guests who prefer not to drive too far, or indeed at all, a stay at this gem of a location will give them a real taste of Sardinia.

Richard Edwards MA
© 2010